WA transport and logistics giant Centurion has continued its national expansion in recent months with the purchase of the family-owned ABC Transport.
ABC Transport is nowadays based in Adelaide but has its roots in Alice Springs where it was founded in 1998, and also has a depot in Darwin.
According to a statement sent to staff on Friday, October 6, it will be business as usual when Centurion officially takes over the operation on November 1.
ABC CEO Andrew Cogan stressed to staff that all jobs are safe and current roles and entitlements will transition over to Centurion.
“Sadly, the time has come to sell ABC Transport,” Cogan told staff. “This has not been an easy decision for myself and my family.
“I’m excited to watch ABC Transport move forward under the guidance of Centurion, as they will have the ability to bring you more resources and opportunities than I am in a position to offer.
“I’m sure the business will continue to grow and develop further under their watch. I’m confident you will all thrive with nore support and I am excited for what the future holds for you all.”
Cogan said it was important for him to allow the staff to continue working for a family-owned business, such as Centurion, which was founded more than 50 years ago by brothers Carl and Frank Cardaci.
“The business has grown to a leading freight provider between SA and NT reaching a size where I am extremely happy on all that has been achieved over the years.
“I would never have imagined this being possible and this is very much thanks to all of you.”
In a media statement announcing the acquisition, Centurion said ABC Transport will be “transitioned” to become part of Centurions operations.
“This acquisition adds an important and central corridor into our national presence, providing further opportunities to leverage our existing operations in Australia’s West, East and North,” said Centurion CEO Justin Cardaci.
“Our vision is for a seamless national footprint and this acquisition, with its Adelaide to Darwin focus, is a key part of that. We will continue looking for ways to grow our trusted service and build on our commitment to service the regional communities of Australia.
“Centurion has a strong presence with service to the mining and energy sectors, and we believe this is an area of future opportunity for the combined business in South Australia and Northern Territory.”
In the same statement, Cogan said he was proud that the business would become part of Centurion.
“Our 260-plus employees will have a great future at Centurion, which has an industry-leading approach to safety and deploying advanced technology both on the road and in the warehouse,” he said.
Centurion also purchased Rockhampton-based logistics business, Rocky’s Own Transport, earlier this year.
Acquiring ABC Transport means Centurion now employs more than 2400 people across 35 sites, deploying more than 900 prime movers and over 3000 trailers on key transport routes throughout Australia.