Expanding marine and logistics company based in Southampton, Williams Shipping, has boosted its cargo handling capabilities with a cash injection of £250,000.

Williams Shipping has bought a powerful reach stacker and developed a new one acre cargo handling yard for its Transport Services division as part of the investment.

This will allow the family run business to secure new business, improve efficiency, increase throughputs and deliver improved results for existing clients such as freight forwarders.

The business, based in Millbrook, is also aiming to create new jobs with six employees in total set to work in the yard and on the reach stacker.

Managing Director of Williams Shipping logistics division, Jonathan Williams, said: that the company has successfully built its business on delivering a high quality and professional service over more than 120 years.

He believes that this significant new investment demonstrates their ability to adapt to the changing needs of the market and their commitment to reaching the highest possible standards.

“Cargo handling and transport are a major growth area for us and this investment allows us to grow the business as part of our strategic long-term plan.

“It will open up new employment opportunities, support the maritime and logistics sector and help us realise new revenue streams across multiple sectors.

“For a long time we have provided heavy haulage, and this new service allows us to link this service directly to the port which is on our doorstep.

“It also ties in with our marine facilities, where we already handle loads on and off the quay with our 100 tonne crane and 200m of quayside.”

He added: “We are grateful for funding support for the project from the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

“It shows great confidence in us as a company as well as the strength of the marine sector and related industries in the area.”