Seafrigo and PML leaders discuss acquisition

Seafrigo-aqcuires-PML.jpg
Jason Spencer-Knox, Seafrigo regional CEO (left) and Mike Parr PML Seafrigo director (right)

Last month saw Seafrigo Group complete the acquisition of the shares of Perishable Movements Limited (PML) in the UK.

PML is a leading specialist in the movement of perishable goods and operates from three locations in the UK. This acquisition is part of Seafrigo’s – the refrigerated food logistics company with a 47-year heritage - global strategy to strengthen its worldwide footprint.   

This move will enable Seafrigo to have complete control over the entire cold chain and avoid reliance on third parties. The acquisition also comes with ownership of PML’s HMRC/Defra approved border control posts and ERTS bonded warehouse facilities in Kent and Heathrow.  

All PML locations will soon operate using a new co-branding, with a view to eventually becoming Seafrigo facilities as part of the Group.

Moreover, this will allow Seafrigo the opportunity to expand its European road freight offering, increasing its HGV fleet by a further 30 Euro 6 compliant lorries, six of which feature powered roller bed floor system – a UK first.

The hope is that this will provide customers will seamless, new supply chain routes all over the world, across air, ocean and road.

“These are exciting times for Seafrigo and PML Seafrigo,” said Seafrigo regional CEO Jason Spencer-Knox.

He continued: “The sensitive nature of the freight that we both specialise in requires the utmost attention to detail to guarantee an efficient and speedy transfer to maximise shelf life, the ‘golden mile’ is a major hurdle for growers, producers and manufacturers especially in light of the additional challenges presented by Brexit, PML Seafrigo represents a safe and reliable partner to complete the journey.  

“Bringing PML into the Seafrigo fold brings us one step closer to realising our ambition to become the fastest and largest integrated perishable supply chain provider in the UK and globally.”

Mike Parr, PML Seafrigo director, added: “As a business we’ve always taken pride in being ahead of the curve, constantly innovating our product offering and adapting to the ever-changing needs of the industry.

“Our priority remains to offer a best-in-class service for perishable goods and by providing our customers with a direct route to the global infrastructure available via Seafrigo, we can continue to grow our operations, supplying genuinely worldwide logistics and supply chain solutions delivered with the outstanding knowledgeable and highly personalised customer care for which PML is renowned.

“After 20 years’ in the industry, we are looking forward to embracing this new phase of growth and expansion whilst also providing our staff with excellent career development opportunities.”

Meanwhile, alternative protein producer Enough has raised £34.2m in funding to support with scale-up.