Seafrigo and PML highlight benefits of recent takeover
25 / 08 / 2023
L-R Jason Spencer-Knox and Mike Parr. Source: Seafrigo PML
Seafrigo’s recent takeover of UK-based PML will allow the former to expand its UK presence while the latter will benefit from a larger network.
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”, said Seafrigo regional chief executive Jason Spencer-Knox.
The two perishable specialist forwarders said that PML customers would benefit from Seafrigo’s “extensive geographic reach”.
Seafrigo’s asset heavy model is complemented by gaining ownership of PML’s UK customs and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs border control posts and bonded warehouses in Kent and Heathrow, they added.
Seafrigo said that owning assets enables “complete control of the entire cold chain and avoid reliance on third parties”.
It also represents an opportunity to grow its European road freight offering, increasing its HGV fleet by a further 30 lorries.
Spencer-Knox said: “Not only do the two businesses align in terms of their product offering and dedication to offering an exceptional service which ensures the transfer of temperature controlled goods with no break in the cold chain, they also share a similar ethos in terms of an overriding commitment to always place the needs of the customer at the heart of any corporate decision making, choosing to remain autonomous rather than developing reliance on services controlled by third parties.
“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.”
Mike Parr, PML Seafrigo director, added: “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.”
