A significant anniversary for Hamilton-based APL Direct is celebrated by the company this month, with the addition of a new S650 Scania into the fleet. And it’s a fitting way for the team to acknowledge 20 successful years as a road transport operator.
Established in 2003, APL Direct is the distribution business supporting the Profile Group of manufacturing companies. Talking to APL Direct general manager Jake Lambert, he describes how the decision was made 20 years ago to provide the growing Profile Group with an in-house distribution solution.
Jake Lambert, APL Direct general manager, cutting the anniversary cake.
“The vertical supply chain that was implemented has given the organisation control over the product from door to door. This minimises the risk of product damage, as well as complete management of delivery expectations.”
APL Direct’s beginnings in 2003 with a single 380hp Scania 113 truck and trailer combination.
In 2003 APL Direct started out with a single Scania 113 seven-axle flat deck truck and trailer, this has now organically grown to the 50-plus and mostly Scania fleet we see throughout the country today.
The anniversary S650 sports a crisp Roadmaster build, complete with full mezzanine floors throughout the entire combination. The digital design printed on the Structureflex curtains was compiled to both celebrate the 20-year milestone, as well apply a fresh touch to the already striking company livery.
Goodie tote bags for the staff, stitched together from an older retired curtain.
As the company looks towards the next 20 years, the business approach that has carried it this far remains the same: provide a nation-wide transport solution for the Profile Group of companies various product lines, all the while maintaining and always looking to improve the required service standards. With this in mind, over half the fleet now meets Euro-6 specification.
