"This year has been busier than ever, with more freight coming in and going out quicker due to rising demand in our key markets"
Jim Cammack
Transport and warehousing business N C Cammack & Son is on track for a record year as it celebrates its centenary.
Revenues for the Essex-based company, which is part of the Kinaxia Logistics group, are forecast to reach £8m for 2019, up from £7.3m, boosted by additional work for existing customers and new contracts.
Cammack’s growth this year has led to the creation of 10 new roles, taking staff numbers to 60.
The company’s warehousing facilities, which are approved by the British Retail Consortium, are alongside its offices at the Earls Colne Business Park near Colchester.
Cammack’s fleet of vehicles feed into the Kinaxia network, providing national coverage.
Most of Cammack’s warehousing activities involve handling consignments of imported dried fruit, grains and pulses.
Managing director Jim Cammack said volumes have surged amid growing demand from UK food manufacturers and retailers as consumers adopt healthier diets.
He said TV programmes such as The Great British Bake Off may have also helped to increase the popularity of dried fruit, as more people try their hands at home baking.
As well as foodstuffs, Cammack’s warehouse handles a range of lifestyle goods such as garden furniture.
Jim said volumes of these have risen as more householders invest in their homes instead of taking holidays abroad, and seek to take advantage of the warmer British summer weather.
The business was founded in 1919 by Norman Charles Cammack. His son Neil later took the helm. Neil’s sons Mark and Jim currently run the business, which was sold to Kinaxia in 2014.
Kinaxia is a top 20 UK logistics group comprising 12 companies with a total of 1,800 staff and 920 vehicles. It has 2 million sq ft of warehouse facilities, offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management and storage services.
Jim has worked in the Cammack business since he was 16, starting as a trainee mechanic on £12 a week. He then drove lorries for six years before moving into office roles and rising to become managing director.
Key Cammack customers include dried fruits supplier Chelmer Foods, outdoor living retailer White Stores and international transport and logistics company Blue Water Shipping.
Jim said: “We have successfully expanded and developed the business in recent years, with a succession of new contracts as well as seeing additional volumes from existing customers such as food manufacturers, distributors and retailers.
“We have an excellent and growing client base and good staff, which has put us in a strong position alongside continued investment in our fleet and warehouse.
“This year has been busier than ever, with more freight coming in and going out quicker due to rising demand in our key markets.
“Despite wider business uncertainty over Brexit, we are finishing 2019 on a high and look forward to further strong growth in 2020.”
