Search Impex helps WH Bowker International celebrate golden milestone

Scale-model versions of its fleet are helping WH Bowker International celebrate 50 years of transporting goods into and across Europe.

The pioneering company was one of the first UK companies to see the opportunities of trucking freight, rather than using containers, to move goods to the Continent.

And now, 50 years on, the haulage company is celebrating its anniversary with bespoke models from Search Impex, the UK’s leading independent supplier of customised promotional model vehicles.

Search Impex has supplied to the company a certificated, Limited Edition, run of 1:50 scale Volvo FH3 Globetrotter (6x2) tractor units with three axle, curtain trailers, customised in the WH Bowker livery, as well as a quantity of smaller (1:87 scale) promotional model trucks.

Bill Bowker commented: “The models really are excellent, with the quality of the livery being particularly noticeable. They are a very good reflection of who we are and what we do.

“The team at Search Impex has provided us with great service and we are highly delighted with the models. We use large models for special display purposes and they are also great marketing tools. Smaller versions are given to customers as a special gift and often sit in pride of place.”

Jim Newsome, managing director of Search Impex, commented: “WH Bowker is a pioneer in the haulage and logistics industry so for us to be able to play a small part of the milestone anniversary is fantastic.”

WH Bowker Limited was established in 1919 in Blackburn, Lancashire, and grew from its origins as a local haulier to become one of the UK’s leading transport specialists with a reputation for an innovative approach to the needs of industry.

During the late 1950s and early 1960s, as UK manufacturers became increasingly successful in exporting, Bowker introduced a reliable service to the Continent by conventional trailer. In December 1961, the first movements began.

The continued success and expansion of its entry into continental operations led to the establishment of WH Bowker International Limited and later, the opening of a depot in Hull in 1973. Three years later, Bowker opened freight offices in Zeebrugge.

Today, the state-of-the-art Bowker fleet comprises 150 vehicles (predominantly Volvo) and 350 trailers, including 13.6m XL tautliners, XL Euroliners, high cube mega trailers, as well as a number of high volume roadtrains and the operation specialises in full, part load and groupage deliveries throughout Europe.

For more information about Search Impex, visit www.search-impex.co.uk or call on 01332 873 555.