West Suffolk logistics company Cross Country Carriers is to create 12 new jobs after achieving a 20% increase in business in the last few months.

The warehousing and express pallet distribution specialist, based at Saxham, near Bury St Edmunds, has introduced a series of changes as a result of its recent growth, including online booking and ordering systems so that customers can make bookings 24 hours a day, unrestricted by normal working hours.

It has also added a further 10 trucks to its operating licence in order to expand its service, including the addition of CB postcodes, and it is in the process of recruiting 12 additional staff, including HGV, van and forklift drivers, which will bring its total workforce to around 60.

The company is part of the Palletways network of independent palletised distribution businesses which has more than 300 depots in 13 countries across Europe, and has won the Palletways Platinum award for customer service in three out of the last four years. Major clients include Sultan’s Turkish Delight with which it has worked in partnership for the past 25 years.

Managing director Jon Humphry started Cross Country Carriers in 1978 and now runs the business with his son, Joe, together with operations manager Neil Richardson and traffic manager Ben Smith.

Jon Humphry said: “As with many other local companies, Cross Country Carriers has faced difficulties in the last few years due to the economic climate.

“Rather than panic and start implementing cost cutting strategies as many others have done, the company has continued to focus on service rather than price and as a result has continued to experience rapid growth.”