Following its acquisition by Ketra (Linked Logistics) five years ago, Barking-based IEFS Logistics has announced that from 1 October 2022 it will also be known as Ketra (Linked Logistics).

Ketra and IEFS are both part of Palletways UK’s express palletised freight network, and were neighbouring London network members.  Martyn Young, Ketra’s Managing Director, bought the business in 2017 when IEFS’s owner retired after 20 years, securing over 50 jobs. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength and today both companies are significant logistics providers in London from opposite sides of the River Thames.

Martyn comments: “As neighbouring members of the Palletways network we of course worked together. There was natural operational synergy between us and working with Palletways presented a great opportunity to expand our coverage within London. Since the acquisition we’ve invested over £1 million into the IEFS business, including the recent delivery of two new customer-branded double deck trailers.  

“At the start both companies operated independently but we quickly started to realise the benefits of combining our resources and knowledge. We intended to rebrand earlier than 2022 but were delayed by COVID-19 and the numerous other industry challenges the last couple of years have brought.  The teams however have worked increasingly closer together to achieve aligned objectives. The same values and management philosophy have been instilled across both sites.

“So now feels the right time to further develop these values, engrain them across the entire business and better communicate our offering. This creates brand clarity and allows our employees to belong to one inclusive company.”

Warwick Trimble, network director for Palletways UK, adds: “The ongoing growth and development of both businesses since Ketra’s acquisition is a fantastic achievement.  Customers across South and East London will continue to receive the excellent service they have come to expect, the only difference being is that they’ll be represented by one consistent brand and company.”