Wincanton's chilled consolidation deal with Culina

Wincanton is to merge its chilled consolidation activities in the UK with Culina Logistics. The agreement, which will take effect from March 28 2009, will cover Wincanton's Trafford Park and Gloucester multi-user sites and include associated third-party transport contracts. The enlarged business will be majority-owned, managed and operated by Culina.

Wincanton will receive a 20% equity stake, but no other financial details were disclosed about the deal. Thomas van Mourik, Culina chief executive says: "We are delighted to offer our services to Wincanton's chilled consolidation customer base. "Over the next few weeks, we will finalise the planning and commence the implementation of our expanded operational strategy - the primary aim of which is to ensure that all our current and prospective customers continue to benefit from market-leading levels of service.

"The increase in volumes will further strengthen Culina's operations and will reinforce the widely-acknowledged robustness of its business model at a time when market pressures and economic conditions are having an impact on others within the supply chain industry". Graeme McFaull, Wincanton chief executive adds: "The agreement will enable our chilled customers to benefit from best in class warehousing and transport services.

"Culina shares with us a passion for customer service and for operational quality." Earlier this year, Culina completed its merger with Baylis Logistics, and a spokesman tells Commercial Motor that the process has "gone well" so far. In their last year as independent companies, Culina made a £3.5m profit on a turnover of £90m, while Baylis suffered a £2.5m pre-tax loss on turnover down to £34.8m.

In the past few months Culina has announced contract wins and renewed agreements with companies including Delamere Dairy, Cadbury Trebor Bassett, Unique Fine Foods and General Mills.