A FAMILY-RUN transport company is so successful it is expanding into the warehouse next door.

Littlehampton-based Roberts Transport, specialises in temperature-controlled and ambient distribution and warehousing.

It is taking on extra staff, investing in new trailers and planning a massive expansion of its 25,000 square metres warehousing facility at the Ford Airfield Industrial Estate by moving into adjoining premises, increasing capacity by 40 per cent.

It employs 25 people and operates a 27-strong fleet and is looking to purchase Euroline trailers to meet the needs of the expanding business.

It says some of its success is down to joining the Fortec distribution network.

Owner Dave Roberts said: “The past year has been very exciting and we have laid strong foundations on which to continue to build.

“Through joining Fortec we are now able to offer our customers a complete solution, which considering 80 per cent of our business is in the UK is important.

“Further Fortec’s bespoke tracking system allows us to manage our entire network operation with the utmost efficiency providing total transparency and peace of mind to our customers.

“We are continuing to grow and are experiencing a marked growth in the chilled food manufacturing sector.

“We believe the pallet sector will continue to grow and there is also increased demand for groupage in dry and chilled goods.”

Roberts Transport has won contracts with chilled food manufacturers, supermarkets and the pharmaceutical sector.

Fortec’s market-leading IT was one of the principal reasons that the company selected Fortec when initially looking to join a pallet network.

It appreciated the transparent track and trace, which allows customers to see the progress of their deliveries and view Proof of Delivery online in near real time.