David Murray Transport Ltd, based in Carnoustie, Angus, closed in July after its owners decided to wind down the business.
The company had been operating since 1987, when founder David Murray started with a single lorry carrying agricultural produce. It later expanded into a sizeable regional and long-distance haulage operation, transporting drinks, food products and other dry goods.
From one lorry to a 25-vehicle fleet
At its peak, the business reportedly operated around 25 vehicles. Its customers over the years included Strathmore Water and jam producer Mackays.
David Murray Transport had also briefly attracted national attention in 2010, when a staff lottery syndicate won more than £739,000. Despite the windfall, employees returned to work and the business continued trading for another 16 years.
The company was subsequently run by Murray’s daughter, Wendy Devlin, and her husband Gary following the founder’s death in 2011.
The owners said the closure followed a combination of commercial and personal pressures, including the lasting impact of the pandemic, higher fuel costs and changes in family circumstances.
All ten members of staff were made redundant. Several had worked for the business for more than 20 years.
According to the owners, employees received redundancy packages, suppliers were paid and customers were informed before operations ended. The company’s premises at Panbride Works have also been put up for sale.
Companies House records continue to list David Murray Transport Ltd as active, and no administration or liquidation notice had been published at the time of writing.
