A LOGISTICS firm is taking on all the drivers and some of the trucks of a bed and mattress maker under a three-year contract.

Meachers Global Logistics has entered into the agreement with Millbrook Beds Ltd to exclusively operate its UK transport network.

The agreement sees Meachers move from supporting the bed company with the distribution of beds and mattresses to fully managing it.

The deal includes a Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) and asset transfer, under which Meachers will integrate all of Millbrook’s drivers and a number of trucks into its own business.

Gary Whittle, commercial director at Meachers, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with Millbrook Beds, which spans more than 10 years.

“I’m delighted to strengthen our relationship further with this new long-term agreement that will see Meachers become its total and sole UK logistics partner.

“The scale and geographic location of our fleet, combined with our knowledge and reputation for providing a high level of service, is something we are incredibly proud of as a business.

“Equal to that are our customers and the trust they place in us to keep their operations moving.”

Ross Thurston, operations director at Millbrook Beds Ltd, said: “We have worked with Meachers for many years and are extremely pleased they have now taken over as our exclusive logistics partner.

“With Meachers’ extensive fleet and logistics experience, the delivery service we can now offer to our customers will improve significantly, enabling us to continue our expansion throughout the UK.

“I'd like to thank Gary and the team at Meachers for all their help and support in making the transition unbelievably smooth with no disruption to our customers.”

Millbrook Beds, based at Totton’s Calmore Industrial Park, traces its history to 1946, when Walter Croll opened a small upholstery and bedding workshop which won business from Southampton’s cruise lines.

Its bedding and upholstery can be seen in embassies and private homes around the world.

Meachers, which started as a family-owned coal business in the 1940s, is headquartered at Nursling Industrial Estate, with depots in Nursling, Fair Oak and Derby.