Cochrane's has secured its position as one of South Australia's largest express freight and logistics companies following the integration and merger of its brand and operations with Northern Kope Parcel Express.
Acquired by Cochrane's in 2011, Northern Kope continued to operate as an independent entity and moved to the Torrensville complex in 2013. Now operating as one entity under the Cochrane's brand from March 1, the integration brings scale and strength to the Cochrane's business.
Cochrane's CEO, Mr Bruce Hampson, says the move provides significant benefits to customers of both companies, with greater choice, flexibility and a diversified range of options for more efficient delivery of goods across the State.
"Cochrane's is now the leading supplier of express freight and parcel services in country South Australia. The size, scale and reach of the business as it is today gives customers the logistics support they need right across the state, 24 hours a day," Mr Hampson said.
The move to become one entity also provides longevity of jobs in the state, with a combined workforce of more than 200, while ensuring the company remains innovative, underpinned by a fleet of 80 modern vehicles, extensive management experience, combined operating structures and IT systems.
"When Cochrane's began, our business was mainly distributing newspapers and magazines with diversification to express freight and warehousing over the last decade," Mr Hampson said. "While these foundation customers are still a core part of our business, our merger with Northern Kope further diversifies our offering."
"Freight we carry includes electronics, whitegoods, automotive parts and FMCG such as bread, flour, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. We are also the preferred independent choice for most national transport providers sending goods into regional SA," he said.
Mr Hampson said Cochrane's would continue to operate as a privately owned and proudly South Australian business.
"We are extremely proud of what we achieved and look forward to ensuring we provide the highest levels of service to our customers and aggressively compete to retain their support and confidence," he said. "This merger marks the next significant step in the growth of our business, which started back in 1974 with a fleet of two trucks. Now, 40 years later, our business is both diverse and highly successful, providing logistics and express distribution services across all of South Australia, Mildura and Broken Hill as well as break bulk solutions out of Melbourne."
Customers of Northern Kope should notice few changes apart from the name, as essentially all staff and agents from the former business will transition to Cochrane's and continue providing service.
