Receivers have confirmed that the 1500 employees at beleaguered Scott’s Refrigerated Logistics will be paid this week, but face an uncertain future after that, according to one staff driver.
A Scott’s truckie, who did not want to be named, attended a staff meeting yesterday and told Big Rigs that there wasn’t a lot of encouragement from management.
“A question was asked about pays and they said they could guarantee this week but next week is uncertain at the moment,” said the concerned truckie.
“They said that fuel companies have cut off Scott’s. They are now having to ground trucks and trailers as rego is running out, or has run out, and they can not pay.”
Big Rigs has approached Scott’s for comment.
Meanwhile, Scott Langdon from receivers KordaMentha told ABC News that his company is “immediately” commencing a sale process to find a new owner for the struggling business.
“We’re continuing with the business as usual and we want to make sure the business can operate in a safe manner so employees can do their job and provide a good service to customers,” he said.
Langdon said the KordaMentha team has already fielded a “bunch of calls” in relation to the acquisition of Scott’s.
“Scott’s is a well-known participant in the logistics space and a highly sought-after asset so we’re really pleased with the number of people who have reached out so far and we’re engaging with them to try and sell the business as a going concern.”
Langdon said that KordaMentha is also seeking the support of customers during the sale process.
“We’ll be looking for them to document something with us so we can provide confidence and a sale pathway for all stakeholders.”
Private equity group Anchorage bought the business for $75 million in June 2020 from ASX-listed motor group Eagers Automotive.