Cartwright Bros (Haulage) Ltd, a North Hykeham-based haulage firm, has closed its doors after 80 years of operation, entering administration last week. The company, which employed over 100 people, appointed Kroll as administrators on June 20, 2024.
Founded in 1944 by brothers John, James, William, and Keith Cartwright, the company initially met demand for road haulage in the agricultural sector. In the early 1950s, Cartwright Bros delivered sandbags along the east coast to mitigate the damage from one of the worst storms in UK history. Over the decades, the firm continued to serve large businesses in the agricultural sector and internationally renowned companies.
Despite its long history and recent celebration of 80 years in business, Cartwright Bros struggled with rising costs and the impact of the pandemic. The second generation of the Cartwright family, cousins John and Jamie Cartwright, have been running the business for the past 30 years. They delivered the news of the closure to staff on June 20.
Founded with a single lorry in 1944, Cartwright Bros grew to operate more than 60 vehicles at its peak. The closure marks the end of an era for the family-run business. The firm made significant contributions to the agricultural sector and beyond. The closure marks the end of an era for the family-run business.
Operating over 60 vehicles nationwide from its depots in Lincolnshire, the firm also held shareholder membership in The Pall-Ex Group, including the Pall-Ex and Fortec distribution networks.
Jamie Cartwright commented on the closure, citing the significant challenges faced over the past decade, including rising diesel prices, a difficult economy, and constraints caused by COVID-19. He also mentioned the impact of the Ukrainian war on fuel prices and the availability of vehicle replacement parts, compounded by serious lorry driver shortages following Brexit.
John Cartwright echoed these sentiments, emphasising the difficulties of running a successful family business in recent years. He expressed sadness over the closure, especially as the company had just celebrated its 80th anniversary. He also expressed gratitude for the staff, many of whom had worked for Cartwright Bros for most of their lives.
Despite efforts from the management team to rescue the business, the majority of the staff have been made redundant. Kroll is now exploring viable options for the business going forward.
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