TML unveils steady results

Worcestershire haulier TM Logistics (TML) has revealed solid, if unspectacular, results for the year ending 30 June 2008. Although turnover rose by nearly 30% to £34.1m from £26.3m the year before, this was not translated into improved profitability. Operating profit fell slightly to £765,578 from £874,203 the year previously (excluding an exceptional item of £1.9m) and pre-tax profit was also down to £597,821 from £736,831 in 2007.

However, the firm's chief executive Stephen Taylor says he remains pleased with the way the business has performed. He adds: "We are satisfied with our latest results and they give us a strong platform on which to build." The firm has recently seen contract renewals with a host of companies, including European Automotive, Crown Foods and DCS Europe. It also won a £1.5m contract to supply Sapa Profiles UK.

Graeme Taylor, MD of TML adds: "Against a backdrop of a challenging economic climate, the following year will see continued investment to support future business growth and a focus on improving operational efficiency." The firm employs 300 people across 16 sites.

Fleet newbies...

TML has just taken delivery of 24 curtain-sided demountable boxes and 12 drawbar trailers supplied by the Cartwright Group. They will be used on TML's contract with Kingspan Insulation, delivering insulation products around the UK. The high-cube, curtain-sided boxes and the extra length afforded by Cartwright's prime mover and drawbar combination have enabled TML to increase load capacity by 22%.

Midlands dealer Keltruck has supplied the 12 prime mover R-Series Scanias for the contract. Cartwright's Clearlift system installed on the chassis means the curtain-sided bodies are demounted using the Scania's front and rear air suspension and the high lift suspension on the tandem-axle drawbar trailers. This can be performed by one man and can increase volume by up to 30 pallets.