Bakers Travel and its subsidiary Harrington Coaches have been bought by the Tundo Vincenzo group, one of Italy’s largest operators with 1,000 employees in 14 Italian regions.
The Biddulph, Staffordshire-based, firm was previously owned by Chinese coach company Hino Coaches, which specialises in inbound travel; a relationship that will continue.
Special needs transport is a key part of Tundo’s portfolio, and the news came at the same time as Bakers won a special needs contract requiring 40 vehicles, in the Stoke-on-Trent area.
The contract, currently held by Adderley Green-based Scragg’s, starts in February.
As a result, Bakers recruiting up to 100 people, of which 80 will be drivers and passenger assistants, alongside fitters and engineers. While it will remain in its current modern purpose-built leased premises, Debbie Windle, newly-promoted to Sales and Marketing Director, confirmed to routeONE that parking in Stoke-on-Trent is being sought, to reduce dead mileage
Bakers has 35 staff running 20 vehicles, so its operation will treble in size.
Says Chairman Enrico Tundo: “Baker’s already has a number of lucrative contracts, and the solid foundation will springboard Tundo’s operations into the area.”
Adds Mrs Windle: “Special needs transport will be the main focal point of immediate growth.”
Bakers, which has had a number of owners in recent years, was founded 75 years ago.
