£1.4m investment brings jobs boost

The family firm, based in Kirkby in Ashfield, announced the new investment after achieving a record turnover over the last 12 months.

The funding will be used to improve the infrastructure at the company and buy new specialist equipment and vehicles.

Currently employing 45 members of staff, Merritts will also use the investment to hire a new financial director, health and safety manager and six other members of operational staff.

The firm currently provides project-managed services for the removal, transportation, installation and storage of industrial machinery, offering support to customers across the UK and Europe.

After being in business for more than 90 years’, Merritts have become one of the industry leaders in machinery transportation, operating one of the UK’s largest fleets of specialist crane and lifting vehicles.

James Merritt, managing director of Merritts, said: “The provision of additional working capital facilities is enabling us to operate the business even more effectively.

“We have been able to hire additional staff to help fulfil new work won, strengthen our management team and invest in new equipment and technologies, all of which will support our continued growth.”

Stephen Young, relationship director for Santander Corporate and Commercial, said: “The Joseph Merritt Group has benefited from a long-term sensible approach to the management of the business, and we’re delighted to be part of this local success story.

“Further orders have been placed for rolling stock, adding to the firm’s lift and carry capability. The business plans to sell a more complete service to large machinery importers and original equipment manufacturers to include incoming shipment, warehousing, showroom facilities and transport and installation.”