In July at the Motor Transport Awards 2019, the “Oscars” for the UK transport and logistics industry, Culina Group was recognised with the prestigious award that is universally accepted to be the pinnacle of UK Logistics – “Motor Transport – “Haulier of the Year” – 2019”. Culina Group CEO Thomas van Mourik, and Company Secretary Nigel Jury were presented with the coveted accolade by Motor Transport Editor Steve Hobson, and TV Celebrity Omid Djalili. At the same event Thomas van Mourik was inducted into the – Motor Transport – “Hall of Fame” – in recognition of his “individual contribution to the development of the UK Logistics Sector”.

At the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) Awards 2019 a week earlier, Culina Group were recognised with the associations leading accolade – “UKWA – Logistics Service Provider of the Year 2019” – confirming its position in this landmark year as a premier operator in UK Logistics. At its 75th anniversary celebration lunch at The Dorchester, Park Lane, attended by over 400 guests, including guest of honour, The Princess Royal – Princess Anne, the UKWA recognised Culina Group as “a highly professional motivated and well led company that demonstrates best practice and total commitment to UKWA principles of working safely, ethically, and profitably”.

Culina Group picked up the “RHA – Livery of the Year Award 2019” at the Road Haulage Association (RHA) 75th anniversary celebration lunch at The Hilton Park Lane. The powerful, clean, dynamic trailer livery was designed and introduced specifically in celebration of the Culina Group 25th Anniversary. Its “eye catching use of logo and overall dramatic impact” really impressed the judges and was recognised at the event attended by the elite of the road haulage sector and included special guests Sports Personality Kevin Keegan and Minister of State for Immigration Caroline Nokes.

Finally, at the recent TCS&D (Temperature Controlled Strorage and Distribution) Awards, Culina Group CEO Thomas van Mourik was recognised for his personal contribution to the UK logistics industry. Thomas was awarded the “Outstanding Leadership Award”. It’s been a fantastic year so far for Culina Group, a business who truly are “In it for the long haul” – as it has been since 1994!

IPS is already the market leader in co-packing and by acquiring FoodPack its expanded business is significantly extending the company’s overall service offering. FoodPack operates from an 80,000 sq. ft. facility and 9 acre site in St Helens Lancashire and employs over 150 staff. Turnover in 2018 is over £14 million.

“We are serious about building the best and largest co-packing / co-manufacturing business in the UK,” said IPS Chief Executive Officer Andrew Dawson.

“Significant investment across the IPS network throughout 2018 and the purchase and extension to our Featherstone site has meant that we have been moving increasingly into the co-packing & co-manufacturing markets. As a consequence we approached FoodPack earlier this year. It didn’t take very long for both businesses to see that this was a great fit.”

“IPS are committed to growth and this acquisition presents a natural step on our journey. We have been aware of FoodPack and their success over the past three years. The business has a great reputation, an excellent location and massive scope for further growth.”

FoodPack produce a wide range of ambient foods, both own-label and branded manufacture for many of the leading retailers and brands in the UK. Partners to major retailers and brands throughout the UK, FoodPack provide a total design to delivery service under one roof.

“FoodPack has established good relationships with retailers and manufacturers however, IPS can help broaden FoodPack reach very quickly,” said Steve Smith FoodPack’s Managing Director.

“By coupling our co-manufacturing know how with the experience of IPS and of course a commitment to investment, FoodPack can now look forward to steady, sustainable growth whilst concentrating on what we do best.”

In the coming weeks IPS will finalise the details of the acquisition. The primary aim is to ensure that all current and prospective customers continue to benefit from market-leading levels of service.