Reorganisation at Stiller Group

The Stiller Group, based on Teesside, intends to increase its turnover, customer base and employee numbers by putting in place a long-term strategy that will see the business operate under three separate divisions.

Joint managing director Ken Watson said the group intended to focus on each division, transport, tankers and warehousing and contract distribution.

"We have reorganised so that will can focus on specific areas that we believe we can make the most money from and provide the best service to our customers," he said.

"We will look to grow organically and through acquisition, as we have done in the past. As we expand, the number of people we employ will grow too."

Stiller employs about 750 people across the UK and has its head office in Stockton and a distribution centre in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

Its transport division deals with customers in the steel and construction industries, including Corus, in Hartlepool, while its distribution division allows customers to store goods in its warehouses in Newton Aycliffe Industrial Park and Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

Stiller's tanker division transports bulk liquid and powdered chemicals across the UK and has a number of clients in the chemical and petrochemical industries across the region.

The Stiller Group was established 50 years ago and has seen its turnover grow from £12m in 1999 to £65m in 2004. Projected turnover this year has dropped back to about £60m due to the reorganisation, but is on track to grow in the next few years.

Executive chairman Paul Stiller said: "These changes are very important to us and signal a new chapter in the Stiller Group success story.

"The next decade is looking very good for us indeed. We have invested a lot of management time developing a strategy that will propel our business to the top of the logistics market over the next few years.

"We now have the people, structure and tools to offer a world-class service."