AN EXPANDING marine and logistics firm in Southampton has boosted its cargo handling capabilities with a £250,000 cash injection.

Williams Shipping has bought a powerful reach stacker and developed a new one-acre cargo handling yard for its Transport Services division as part of the investment.

The Millbrook-based business is also aiming to create six new jobs to work on the reach stacker and in the yard.

Jonathan Williams, managing director of the Williams Shipping logistics division, said: “Cargo handling and transport are a major growth area for us and this investment allows us to grow the business as part of our strategic long-term plan.

“It will open up new employment opportunities, support the maritime and logistics sector and help us realise new revenue streams across multiple sectors.

“For a long time we have provided heavy haulage, and this new service allows us to link this service directly to the port which is on our doorstep.”

He thanked the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for funding support..

“It shows great confidence in us as a company as well as the strength of the marine sector and related industries in the area.”

The Williams Shipping group, which employs 80, works in marine services, transport and storage, marine lubricants and container hire and sales through its Willbox container business.

Its Hyster reach stacker can stack containers weighing up to 45 tonnes each and can lift heavy cargo and onto trucks and flatracks.