Longstanding refrigerated carrier Don Watson Transport has folded.
The company announced its intentions to wind up operations yesterday on an internal memo circulated to employees.
“Due to current economic conditions, the Don Watson Group of companies have made a definite decision to leave the warehousing and road transport industries,” wrote Lyndon Watson, Managing Director.
“We understand this may come as a shock, but we have formed the view that it is simply no longer possible to continue to operate,” continued the statement.
“All employees will receive all of their entitlements in full in accordance with the terms of relevant legislation and enterprise agreements.
“We have taken all the necessary steps to guarantee that all employees will receive all of their entitlements on time.”
The Bacchus Marsh-based family business has depots in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Wodonga, home to its coldstore facility.
Ferrying stock between Melbourne, Ballarat, and Dandenong in 1948, the postwar business was founded by G.H. ‘Don’ Watson on the back of several K Series Austins.
By 1966 Don Watson Pty Ltd was officially registered as a company.
The refrigerated segment of the business, of which it is now renown, was established in 1984.
In recent years, the fleet had introduced on its Brisbane to Melbourne legs high productivity combinations like A-doubles through its premier partnerships.
Just four years ago, Don Watson Transport was recognised by Primary Connect as its Large Carrier of the Year for their work with Woolworths Group nationwide.
The fleet of over 150 trucks included 44-pallet roadtrains, 34-pallet B-doubles and a wide range of 22-, 24- and 28-pallet semis.
The Don Watson Group memo stated that all employees at the company would be impacted by the decision.
