Comment: Following the recent acquisition of PML by Seafrigo Group, Seafrigo Regional CEO Jason Spencer-Knox and PML Seafrigo director Mike Parr shed light on what the move means for clients
With Seafrigo enjoying a 47-year heritage, and PML celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023, the combined knowledge and expertise of both companies within the temperature-controlled goods sector is impressive, and reinforces the Seafrigo ‘world-leading specialist in temperature controlled logistics’ proposition. For PML Seafrigo customers, the move provides clear opportunities to capitalise upon Seafrigo’s extensive geographic reach to deliver a truly global, secure end-to-end solution.
In line with Seafrigo making a conscious decision to be asset heavy to enable complete control of the entire cold chain and avoid reliance on third parties, acquiring PML provides ownership of the company’s HMRC / DEFRA approved Border Control Posts and ERTS bonded warehouse facilities in Kent and Heathrow – in addition to expanding its superior UK customs handling service. It also represents an opportunity to grow its European road freight offering, increasing its HGV fleet by a further 30 Euro 6 compliant lorries, six of which feature the pioneering powered roller bed floor system representing a UK first.
PML Seafrigo customers will now benefit from seamless access to new supply chain routes all over the world, across air, ocean and road, which includes an exciting new product for ocean freight customers.
These are exciting times for Seafrigo and PML Seafrigo, says Seafrigo Regional CEO Jason Spencer-Knox.
”Not only do the two businesses align in terms of their product offering and dedication to offering an exceptional service which ensures the transfer of temperature controlled goods with no break in the cold chain, they also share a similar ethos in terms of an overriding commitment to always place the needs of the customer at the heart of any corporate decision making, choosing to remain autonomous rather than developing reliance on services controlled by third parties,” he says.
“The sensitive nature of the freight that we both specialise in requires the utmost attention to detail to guarantee an efficient and speedy transfer to maximise shelf life, the ‘golden mile’ is a major hurdle for growers, producers and manufacturers especially in light of the additional challenges presented by Brexit, PML Seafrigo represents a safe and reliable partner to complete the journey. Bringing PML into the Seafrigo fold brings us one step closer to realising our ambition to become the fastest and largest integrated perishable supply chain provider in the UK and globally.”
Commenting on the move, Mike Parr, PML Seafrigo director adds: “As a business we’ve always taken pride in being ahead of the curve, constantly innovating our product offering and adapting to the ever-changing needs of the industry. Our priority remains to offer a best-in-class service for perishable goods and by providing our customers with a direct route to the global infrastructure available via Seafrigo, we can continue to grow our operations, supplying genuinely worldwide logistics and supply chain solutions delivered with the outstanding knowledgeable and highly personalised customer care for which PML is renowned,” he says.
”After 20 years’ in the industry, we are looking forward to embracing this new phase of growth and expansion whilst also providing our staff with excellent career development opportunities.”
