A HAULAGE company is rolling out a major recruitment drive to keep up with the number of new contracts they have won.

Taylors of Martley is looking for up to 20 new drivers to add to the 200 it already employs.

The company, based at Martley, near Worcester, has picked up several major new contracts in the past year.

These include local insulation materials firm, Kingspan Insulation Ltd, based at Pembridge, in Herefordshire, and plastic bottle manufacturer, Esterform, based in Tenbury, Worcestershire.

The most recent contract win is with Rexam Thin Wall Plastics, a manufacturer of plastic packaging for products such as butter and yogurt, which has a depot in Hereford.

Taylors of Martley has recently gained Investors in People status and in a tough operating environment it sees its drivers as the key to a successful business.

"Our drivers are our lifeblood and the face of Taylors," said Celia Adams, finance director with the company.

"We want our drivers to stay with us, which is why we place so much emphasis on working together with our drivers and involving them in our business plans."

Ever increasing pressure on margins, due to increasing operating costs, means building a strong team of good people is more important than ever, she said.

The national logistics specialist currently employs more than 200 drivers and operates 180 vehicles and 300 trailers from its 20 British locations.

It is not only targeting drivers holding a valid Class 1 or 2 LGV licence, but is also keen to attract people interested in making a long-term career in driving.

Ms Adams said the firm's new pay package was an attractive proposition and the firm hoped it would attract high-calibre people that would stay with the company.

"We are offering a 13 per cent pay increase over two years," she said.

"It means a qualified driver could achieve earnings up to £25,000 per annum with a guaranteed 50-hour week plus four weeks holiday.

"Our drivers enjoy extra benefits too such as pension, life cover and individual training programmes."

Grahame Taylor, operations director with Taylors, said the company's long-term future was secure because of its many long-term contracts.

"We see our future more with contract business," he said.

"We're into supplying long-term contract solutions.

"That really secures us as a company and secures our drivers with a job."

For more information about jobs with Taylors phone 01886 888241.