AV Dawson expands with Cobra Middlesbrough deal

A distribution firm says it has “unlocked further opportunities” for expansion after completing a deal for a road salt and fertiliser provider.

AV Dawson has bought Cobra Middlesbrough.

Bosses say the move will add eight acres to AV Dawson’s Port of Middlesbrough base, on the River Tees.

They say it will also drive up the firm’s net-zero ambitions, thanks to the strong rail connections provided by Cobra’s site, which include direct access to the East Coast Mainline.

Based on Middlesbrough’s North Road, Cobra is known for handling and distributing thousands of tonnes of road salt every year, as well as bags of the fertiliser polyhalite.

Gary Dawson, AV Dawson managing director said: “We have worked closely with Cobra Middlesbrough for many years, handling the import and export of salt through our port and supporting their rail logistics.

“Bringing both ours and their operations together enables us to provide job security to existing staff while delivering greater efficiencies for customers.

“We recognise the site requires some significant investment, but this actually fits perfectly with our strengths and our strategy to invest, develop and expand.”

Gary added: “This acquisition is also important for our wider business because of the excellent rail connectivity.

“We are working with more and more customers to help them identify opportunities to transition from road to rail, so we need to ensure we have the capacity to accommodate their requirements.

“This is particularly important as we look to put our net-zero strategy into action with the ultimate aim to become carbon neutral.”

AV Dawson was founded in 1938 when Arthur Vernon, known as Vernie, and wife Eleanor, began delivering coal, having spent £50 on a horse called Dina, her shoes and a cart.