A Cheshire haulage business has passed a significant milestone after celebrating 100 years of delivering a top-quality service across the Northwest and UK. 

The long-established, family-run firm S. Cooper & Sons, in Winsford, have marked the company’s centenary with a celebration to remember for its colleagues and partners.  

It’s certainly been quite a journey since Samuel Cooper founded the business in 1925, delivering coal and milk via the canal and rail networks. 

It has flourished into a nationwide operation and is also founder member of the Road Haulage Association and has been a proud shareholder member of Pallet-Track since 2009. 

Fourth generation family business

Operations director Anthony Bullock says the fact the business is now run by the fourth generation of the Cooper family helps maintain a close sense of community and teamwork across the company. 

Anthony explained: “We are very proud of our history which dates back to when Samuel Cooper began the business in North Rode, near Congleton. 

“The Cooper family’s existing business was a small foundry, which was strategically located with the Manchester to Birmingham canal running behind it, and the Manchester to London rail line at the front.  

“These vital transport links quickly enabled Samuel’s new haulage business to thrive, starting with coal deliveries via the canal and milk collections from local farms, which were then sent by train to the local towns. 

“Over the years, we have grown immensely into a very successful, modern company and now have 100 vehicles, 150 trailers and 150 staff, but we are still ‘old school’ in many ways. 

“Our growth has all been built on word-of-mouth recommendations as we don’t advertise and don’t have a sales team.  

“All our staff are directly employed by us and paid their wages every week and we don’t use any agency staff. 

“I’ve been here nearly 40 years and I’m on first name terms with every single member of the team and I can work out everyone’s wages off the top of my head.” 

The extra mile

Anthony certainly goes the extra mile to make sure his close relationship with the staff is maintained year after year. 

He explained: “As a Manchester City season ticket holder, I probably shouldn’t admit to reading Sir Alex Ferguson’s autobiography, but I was struck by how he made a point of remembering all the staff at Old Trafford, including their birthdays, anniversaries, and even their children’s names. 

“I’ve followed that example and have my own traffic light system on a spreadsheet that reminds me when key dates are coming up for people and I then make sure I pop over and say, ‘Hello and Happy Birthday or Congratulations’ to them on their special days.” 

That family feel of the company was reflected at its centenary celebrations, with a hearty toast raised to those who’ve gone before. 

Anthony added: “We have been at the forefront, the vanguard of the industry as proved by our Road Haulage Association number which is 003. 

“So this centenary is very special and is all about celebrating our journey and recognising the legacy and contributions of everyone who has been part of it. 

“This is a company that has always been about all the people involved in it. There are no individuals here, it’s all about the team and without that team spirit we wouldn’t have anything. 

“We are altogether and always have been the party is a fitting tribute to all those who have been involved in the business from day one to the present day.” 

Stuart Godman, CEO at Pallet-Track, says the on-going success at S. Cooper and Sons is so richly deserved. He explained: “It is a remarkable company celebrating a terrific achievement and they thoroughly deserve to celebrate their growth and success. 

“We are very proud to have S. Cooper and Sons as shareholder members of the Pallet-Track network and look forward to continuing our very strong relationship with them and enjoying even more success together.”