A management buy-out of a South Humber Bank haulage specialist has completed.
Handtrans, founded by Mel and Steph Hand 25 years ago, has been taken on by son Luke and general manager Kieran Repton.
Working together to lead the business in recent years, they have acquired the Stallingborough operation in an undisclosed deal.
Read more: £10m expansion unveiled for motorhome, caravan and camping specialist John Coopers
Luke, who first started within the family firm when he was 15 - some 20 years ago - having briefly worked for Schenker to broaden his experience, said: “It is something which has always been a goal. When Kieran came to work for us seven years ago I could see a lot of potential, as our skill sets dovetail really well, we’re a great fit.
“It just seemed the natural thing to do when the time came for my Dad to hang his boots up.”
The Hands founded the business, building it up from an owner-driver single unit entity to a 40-strong fleet with 55 staff, having previously operated Mel Hand Haulage and been a partner in Caistor Distribution.
Handtrans is a member depot of Palletforce, the overnight distribution network, and covers the UK for general haulage.
Launched at Elsham Industrial Estate, it moved to the current premises on Kiln Lane in 2004, with a 40,000 sq ft warehouse sitting on a five acre site, incorporating offices and extensive yard, close to the eastern entrance to Port of Immingham.
Mr Repton said: “Luke approached me three years ago and asked if I would be interested in going into business with him. Covid came and we held back, to see what happened, but now we’ve pulled the trigger.
“For at least the past 12 months we have been running like this; there are no grand plans to change anything, it is working well and we aim to carry that on, continuing in the same way.
“We’re experienced, knowledgeable, we have found a great formula, and I think we have the best team in terms of office staff, warehouse staff and drivers.”
Having joined the team as a planner, with previous experience of the haulage industry, he added: “I am very grateful to Mel and Steph for the opportunities they have created for me, and wish them all the best in the future.”
The business has an operators’ licence for 60 vehicles, and currently runs 44-tonne artic tractor units and 26-tonne and 18-tonne rigids, with 25 trailers.
Keep up-to-date with all the latest developments - follow BusinessLive Humber on Twitter and LinkedIn.
