Member Article

Teesside freight forwarder continues growth with multi-continent assignment

Johnson Partners, the Teesside based freight and project forwarder, has completed one of its biggest international assignments to date, spread over three continents, as the company reflects on 50% growth over the last three years.

The contract for Finning involved handling and shipping two generators, each weighing 60 tonnes, and required bringing in specialist containers from Europe and engines that had been sourced in the USA for final assembly in the West Midlands, before shipping to China via Felixstowe.

Johnson Partners, which has recently celebrated its tenth anniversary, has assembled a portfolio of industrial clients including MPI Offshore, LB Foster, Hird Rail and Darchem Engineering for whom they reportedly handle high value, sometimes awkward and out of gauge cargo.

Managing director of Johnson Partners, Bernie Johnson, said: “This was the second shipment we have undertaken for the client on this scale and our selection is testament to the reputation that we have built up over the last ten years for coordinating projects and handling heavy, complex loads.”

“Like a lot of businesses, we were hit quite hard by the most recent recession, but it did allow us to focus on what we do best,moving out of gauge cargo.

“Working with project managers we ensure that shipping is in their plans at the earliest opportunity and this avoids any unnecessary disruption or additional costs later down the line.”

Looking to the future, Bernie is handing over the day-to-day running of operations to his son Paul, who was recruited into the family business in its second year of operations.

Director at Johnson Partners, Paul Johnson, said: “We know our market better than ever and are committed to providing something different over our larger competitors.

“By looking after all their shipping and forwarding requirements, we allow clients to focus on their core business.

“UK exports and manufacturing output are both predicted to continue to grow and with our reputation established oversees we’re well placed to grow big business.”