Kent Relocation Acquires Watkins Removalists Tasmania
30th October, 2014
Kent Relocation Group has acquired local Tasmanian removalist firm, Watkins Removals and Storage to better serve the private and corporate relocation services and storage market in Tasmania.
The acquisition will see Kent Relocation redevelop and modernise Watkins, ensuring that it becomes part of our highly successful national network. We will make a significant investment in revitalising Watkins so that it becomes a productive, growing business. This investment will include reorganising and streamlining operations, as well as upgrading existing removals and secure storage facilities in both Hobart and Launceston.
The redeveloped business will be known as Watkins Kent Removals & Storage, and will result in the re-employment of seventeen people, who lost their jobs in August when Watkins Removals and Storage went into liquidation.
At the launch event, held in Launceston on Monday October 20, Executive Chairman of Kent Relocation Group, Mr Graham Kent, said that the acquisition of Watkins was a “natural fit”.
“Both are family-based businesses that have been operating for more than 70 years. Over that period, Watkins and Kent have both created powerful, individual brands based on a similar approach to professional, personalised service.”
Graham confirmed that Kent Relocation intends to grow their business in Tasmania by delivering the same superior customer service that has enabled Kent to become the largest, family-owned relocation firm in Australia with a workforce of more than 500 people.
“This acquisition is a strategic investment decision for the Kent Relocation Group and a critical part of our overall national development plan.”
“We will combine Watkin’s strong customer base in Tasmania with Kent’s established expertise and global network to develop a business capable of delivering the most competitive corporate relocation, removal and storage services available in the state. With that will come increased employment opportunities and an unequalled quality of customer service.”
Mr Kent said his firm’s investment in Watkins reflected its confidence in the Tasmanian economy.
Former owner of the Tasmanian removal firm, Mr Kevin Watkins, who sold the firm some time ago, said he was overjoyed by Kent’s acquisition.
“It is wonderful to see the family business restored to its former glory,” he said. “I am especially pleased for the workers and their families.”
As a successful national relocation and removals company, growing tremendously in a declining market, Kent Relocation Group was searching for ways to expand its geographic footprint, particularly into Tasmania, which was the only Australian state in which Kent did not have a physical presence.
Watkins Kent will offer a comprehensive range of corporate relocation, removals and secure storage services, for safe, affordable, stress-free moves across Tasmania, including:
