AV Dawson, a North East based logistics and freight specialist, has made a series of appointments that will help the company deliver further growth and expansion in 2018.

The most important change is the appointment of Andy Watkins as the new Operations Director. He will make sure that the business will continue to deliver a high quality, efficient operation while expanding into new market sectors. He has been with AV Dawson for over 30 years, working his way up to the top since he first started out as a stevedore, loading and unloading ships.

“I have had the privilege to work with Andy for a number of years, Andy followed in his father’s footsteps to join the business similar to myself. His appointment really reinforces our company values and shows our commitment to dedicated and loyal staff. Andy is already making a huge difference,” said Gary Dawson, Managing Director at AV Dawson.

Since his appointment, Andy has already made a number of key hires to help strengthen his team. Mark Wells from the offshore company Enermec has been employed as the new Head of Engineering and Shaun Cuthburt from Stockton Borough Council has joined the team as the Building and Infrastructure Manager.

“It’s a privilege that I can now take the position as Operations Director and relish the opportunity to drive further growth and improvements. I am pleased to welcome Mark and Shaun, they bring with them years of combined knowledge and experience and have a genuine passion for the job,” commented Andy.

AV Dawson has recently undergone a £12.5 million master plan that enabled the company to grow for more than a third. It plan is divided in three phases, including a £2.6 million intermodal rail terminal to provide a direct link to the East Coast Mainline, a £3.4 million deepwater quay to kit out vessels and ship wind turbine components out to the sea, and a £6.5 million automotive steel distribution centre .