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Spring 2019 Truck and Track 45
From its roots as a chilled logistics specialist with a single client,
Culina Group now comprises eight uniquely specialist and
complementary food and drinks logistics businesses. Culina
Logistics, Great Bear, IPS, FoodPack, CML, Morgan McLernon,
Warrens Group and Robson’s of Spalding all combine to provide an
impressive portfolio of 3PL services.
“We are building a unified family of strong specialist logistics
businesses,” said Thomas van Mourik Culina Group CEO.
“Each of our specialist businesses operates in their own unique
marketplaces, but all complement each other, working together
towards our common goal of growth through service excellence
and innovation. When we acquire a business, we apply a formula
for integration and growth that works well for all concerned. As a
Group, we give support as and when required, in terms of HR, IT,
Finance, and Marketing. We also evolve their branding into the
‘Culina style’ so that each business really feels a part of the Group
without losing its own hard earned identity.”
The acquisition of Warrens Group and Robson’s of Spalding in 2018
has enabledCulinaGroup toexpand its3PL operations into twonew
sectors – Baked Goods, and Fresh Produce - both fully complement
its current portfolio of logistics services and are already helping to
further strengthen key Group contracts with significant clients.
“Looking to the future I am always keeping a very close eye on the
performance of businesses in the marketplace,” said Thomas.
“We are consistentlyworking extremelyhard to identify and convert
great opportunities to grow Culina Group in all areas, new business
opportunities, new acquisition opportunities, new opportunities
to expand and improve our infrastructure, and opportunities to
exploit the benefits of new logistics concepts and technologies.”
Each specialist Culina Group business focuses on its 3PL expertise
whilst as required dovetailing into other Group businesses to meet
the individual needs of 3PL contract clients.
Culina Logistics – Market leader in UK chilled shared-
user logistics
The foundation business within Culina Group and the market-
leader in UK chilled shared-user logistics. Culina Logistics currently
has a portfolio of around 120 food and drink clients many of which
are household names.
Great Bear - The flexible, agile ambient 3PL alternative
A key player in ambient 3PL, and through an extensive depot
network including unique state-of-the-art facilities at Port Salford
andMarkhamVale, Great Bear serves established FMCGbusinesses.
IPS – UKmarket-leader in contract packing
Providing the most extensive pool of contract packing equipment
and expertise available in the UK. IPS continues to grow and is now
widely integrated and embeddedwithin operations right across the
Culina Group network.
CML – UKmarket-leader in discounter chilled logistics
The market-leader in chilled logistics to the discount retailers. CML
works with approximately 60 clients all requiring efficient and
streamlined logistics solutions.
Morgan McLernon – The largest operation in Northern
and Southern Ireland
Specialising in ambient, chilled, and frozen storage and logistics
services, Morgan McLernon is the largest haulage operation in
Northern and Southern Ireland serving around 120 clients.
Warrens Group – Storage and logistics of non-
refrigerated baked goods
With a tremendous industry reputation and a dedicated focus on
storage and logistics of non-refrigerated baked goods, Warrens
Group are dominant in the bread, cake and patisserie services
marketplace.
Robson’s –Market-leader in time critical Fresh Produce
logistics
Operating almost exclusively in the Fresh Produce logistics sector
providing time critical services to growers predominantly for supply
to discount retailers. With a highly experienced and dedicated
team, Robson’s of Spalding have an excellent reputation for service
and performance.
FoodPack – Food manufacturing and co-packing
specialists
Producing awide range of ambient foods in own-label and branded
manufacture for many of the leading retailers and brands in the UK.
FoodPack are passionate about delivering great foods and focussed
on pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Following entry into UK logistics in 1994, Culina Group has enjoyed
steady and consistent growth. As recently as 2015 the business
stood as a £250 million food and drink logistics provider. Turnover
has almost tripled in the past three years meaning Culina Group
today stands as a £650+ million organisation.
Culina Group has continued following its strategic direction of
growing to the next level through acquisition, joint venture, and
investment. Recent growth, however, has been impressive both in
terms of scale and in scope.
“Following three years of accelerated growth, Culina Group is now
a £650+ million turnover business, serving more than 600 clients,”
said Thomas van Mourik, Culina Group CEO.
“Our growth momentum is on course and continuing throughout
2019 and beyond. We will continue to identify new opportunities
for acquisition, joint venture and investment and, by consistently
providing unique levels of service to all our clients, we will continue
to grow, thereby strengthening continuity of relationships, business
confidence, and job security for us all.”
“It’s all about people at Culina Group. We have great infrastructure
and resources, but we know that it’s our people who make the
biggest difference as we move forward as a business.”
It’s been a spectacular 25 years for Culina Group and, as is
highlighted on the company’s new celebratory logo – Culina Group
is “In it for the long haul” – as it has been since 1994!
Great Bear Markham Vale Packing business IPS
CULINA GROUP