Business / Streamline expands operations in wake of Menzies closures
STREAMLINE Shipping Group has finally confirmed that the company has taken over Menzies Distribution’s transport activity and warehouse operations in the Northern Isles.
In early December Menzies announced somewhat unexpectedly that they would close its Orkney and Shetland depots at the end of the year.
In a letter to customers the company advised that operations would transfer to Streamline.
However, at the time Streamline would only say that it was aware of the uncertainty created by the move and that management was in discussions with the company.
On Tuesday, Streamline confirmed that it had now expanded its operations in Orkney and Shetland following the recent closure of Menzies.
The company said the move means that it is now the shipping, warehousing and last-mile delivery partner for more than 90 per cent of UK national carrier networks for the Northern Isles.
James Roberts, operations director at Streamline Shipping Group, said: “For over four decades Streamline has supported Orkney and Shetland with reliable delivery services.
“We are proud to use this opportunity to grow our level of support, ensuring individuals and businesses maintain strong logistical links with mainland UK and beyond.”
Streamline employs more than 80 staff on the islands, delivering around 685,000 parcels in 2023 – including nearly 81,000 in the run-up to Christmas.
Roberts added: “During the handover from Menzies, Streamline inherited a backlog of delayed parcels, due to the festive season and weather conditions, but thanks to the remarkable efforts of our teams this has already been resolved.”
Menzies Distribution had only been operating in Shetland for two and a half years after it bought JBT Distribution in the summer of 2021.
Menzies said it was in the process of restructuring its business to focus on profitable parts of its operations, which did not include its activities in the Northern Isles.
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