Keynsham-based transport firm I J McGill has bought the former D S Smith paper site on the edge of the town as it continues to expand.
The firm, which has operated in the area since 1979, secured a seven-figure finance package from HSBC to buy the 17-acre site from the international packaging company
I J McGill has its head office on a four-acre site on Unity Road. The firm said acquiring the nearby former D S Smith land will ease pressure on space at its existing site, where it often parks more than 70 vehicles, while also allowing for more growth.
The firm operates a total fleet of 136 HGVs and employs 280 employees across its sites in Keynsham, High Wycombe, Tavistock and Manchester. It also has warehousing at Avonmouth at Chepstow.
Its UK-wide client base includes road haulage, regional freight, pallet distribution, warehousing and storage and handling cargo for freight forwarding companies.
Chairman Ian McGill said: “We been on the hunt for a suitable second site in the South West for some time so when this large plot became available on our doorstep we jumped at the chance; but we had to move quickly to get it – and so did our chosen banking partner.
“We made the decision to move across to HSBC at the time of the purchase because of the bank’s ability to save us money and the team’s proven expertise in the transport industry.
“The speed at which they managed to get the funding in place means we can now operate more efficiently, thus improving the service we’re able to offer our customers.”
HSBC Bristol, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire area director James Shepherd added: “HSBC has considerable experience working with businesses in the transport industry and we are committed to helping them realise their ambitions. I J McGill is no exception and we are looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship with the team.”
The finance was allocated from HSBC’s national £10bn fund to support UK businesses, which includes £500m specifically for companies in Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.
Pictured, from left: James Shepherd of HSBC with I J McGill chairman Ian McGill and Tom Lloyd-Jones, also from HSBC
