A FAMILY-run logistics firm which took its first steps in business as the Second World War ended is continuing to grow as it celebrates its milestone 75th year.

Marshalls of Evesham, which was established in 1945 specialises in the handling, distribution and storage of ambient temperature food products, printed matter and hazardous materials.

It has also achieved BRCGS storage and distribution certification earlier this year.

The company opened a £2 million, 66,000 sq. ft warehouse at its Pershore base last year, taking its total storage capability to 100,000 sq. ft.

A member of the award-winning Pallet-Track network since 2012, Marshalls boasts a 40-strong fleet and has seen continued growth throughout 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commercial director and owner, Brian Simpson, who has worked at the company since 1985, said: “We like to think our success is down to providing a good service to our customers. We joined Pallet-Track eight years ago and it has been a real game-changer for us.

“We avoided joining a network for years because we couldn’t see how it would work for us, but we did our homework and picked Pallet-Track purely on the fact they were inclusive, rather than an arms-length network."

“We’ve gone from strength to strength and are continuing to grow, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, the BRCGS certification is a real feather in the cap.”

Nigel Parkes, founder and managing director of Pallet-Track, said: “This year has been a very challenging one for the business but it’s thanks to the hard work of members like Marshalls that we are seeing demand return to pre-pandemic levels."

“Marshalls is an ideal fit for our network and reaching its milestone year in such good shape is testament to the hard work which has been put in over the decades.”

Marshalls used to have a tiny train that gave children rides around the Crown and Viaduct Meadow, driven by Ivor Marshall.

However to celebrate the Coronation in 1953, it was in Cowl Street.

Ivor's wife Christina said:“He and his brothers were Marshall’s Transport. His father founded the business.”