A THIRD-GENERATION distribution firm, founded with the help of a pig sale, is poised for further growth after increasing turnover and creating new jobs.

Stiller Warehousing and Distribution, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, says turnover has risen by 20 per cent to £10.5m this year, and has taken on 15 workers.

Bosses have also invested more than £1m into a new fleet of vehicles to spearhead a Government trial on emissions, put more than £3m into its 14-acre site and have plans to expand its warehouses.

The company, which employs 115 workers, has bought four 15-metre extra-long trailers as part of the Department for Transport’s trial of longer semi-trailers (LST) for longer articulated goods vehicles.

The trial is expected to cut more than 3,000 tonnes of CO2 nationally in ten years, saving £33m.

Matthew Stiller, general manager, is the third Stiller family member to run the company, after replacing his father, Paul.

Paul's German father, Gunter, sold a herd of pigs to set up Stiller Transport in 1954.

The 28-year-old said the company was primed for expansion after enjoying steady growth.

He said: “We’ve changed our company profile to the point where we’re in a much healthier position.

“It’s been a consolidation exercise over a number of years, but now we’re experiencing really healthy growth.

“Turnover has increased significantly, we’re winning more contracts and are recruiting more staff..

“The LST investment means we can take an extra eight pallets per trailer, making us even more cost-effective.

“The vehicles are eco-friendly and our drivers love them, so it really is a sound investment.

The firm has also invested in new 18-ton rigid vehicles, conventional trailers, urban articulated vehicles and six tractor units to boost operations.

Stiller’s premises include a 15,000-pallet store, which stores for 15 customers, including Aycliffe-based car parts maker Gestamp Tallent and industrial face mask manufacturer 3M.

It has a deal with Bidvest to distribute for a range of high-street food outlets across the region.

Mr Stiller said: “We have continued to invest in the site and improve the facilities, installing energy-efficient lighting and more efficient racking systems for storage.

“We’ve also invested in mechanical handling and in training people and plan to refurbish more buildings for rent.”

Stiller is the largest shareholder in national firm Palletline, which has 70 members and operates an UK-wide distribution service.