Kings Transport Sets Its Sights on Growth With Acquisition of Ningbo London
Kings Transport is pleased to announce its acquisition of Ningbo London from Palletline.
Operating under the umbrella of Kings Transport Holdings Ltd, the business will trade as Ningbo Logistics.
Ningbo London became part of Palletline two years ago to ensure network service integrity, and provides logistics solutions and network freight distribution throughout the Essex region. It joined the Hazchem network in 2023 and this, along with its customer base, will add further value to the Kings Transport operation.
It is an exciting move for the North Weald based family run business and one which will extend its footprint throughout the Essex region whilst at the same time significantly increasing its workforce over 100 and its fleet expanding by 28 per cent. Its warehousing space will also expand by more than a third, providing additional storage opportunities for its customers.
Kings Transport, which is a member of the Palletline network, is a business which has in recent years enjoyed considerable, sustainable growth.
With its roots in removals and storage, the company took the decision to diversify its offering becoming a member of the Palletline network in 2008. In its first year of joining 19 per cent of company turnover was generated through the network and by 2022 network freight was contributing to 55 per cent of Kings turnover.
This latest development comes on the back of another recent strategic move when Kings absorbed Phoenix Logistics into the business. Whilst Kings Transport already held ESTF status, Phoenix Logistics established customer base in this area will enable it to further extend its offering and expertise in customs warehousing.
Today, services include warehousing and storage, ambient and refrigerated palletised freight, contract logistics, removals and more recently customs clearance. The company also holds ISO 9001 (quality assured) accreditation, is FORS silver-accredited (assisting with future proofing fleet and having in place relevant safety procedures and environmental policies) and reaching excellent food safety operational excellence with HACCP and GMP accreditations, and has additional sites in Basildon and Hertford.
Martin King, CEO of Kings Transport, said the acquisition will allow the business to strengthen and extend its foothold throughout the Essex region.
Martin King said:
“This is a significant opportunity for Kings Transport which will help shape the future of the company and enhance our capabilities in transport and warehousing. We recognised the synergies between our two organisations making us an ideal fit. The opportunity will be a considerable milestone for our business and one we believe will bring numerous benefits to our team and clients.”
Paul Elson, Managing Director of Palletline, said: “Palletline was built on an ethos of ensuring network and service integrity within strategic areas of the UK, should a member business owner seek an exit strategy. Similarly, our ownership model enables us to support the development and growth of our members.
“We are delighted to have been able to work with Kings to bring Ningbo London back into member ownership and look forward to watching the business soar to new heights.”
The acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for the family business founded over 45 years ago by Steve King working alongside Keith Borrett.
Handing over the reins to his son Martin in 2021, Steve remains on the board along with COO Rob Evans. Steve King said
“Reflecting on nearly five decades of evolution in the transport industry, I am deeply grateful for the journey we’ve embarked upon. Since its inception, our business has thrived.
None of the success is possible without the wider team, the invaluable contributions of every employee. We extend an open invitation to those who share our passion and vision to join us at the King Group. Together, we embrace the challenges of tomorrow with confidence, knowing that our combined efforts will shape a brighter future for our company and the industries we serve.”
