company history

1970 Brothers Huw and Eurof launch light haulage operations from Llanelli, South Wales, with one van. Owens Brothers carry furniture, kitchens and piano parts... and soon acquire two small lorries.

1977 The flourishing company becomes Owens Road Services. Its blue-liveried trucks are already a familiar sight on the roads of Wales.

1985 Trusted, efficient distribution and strong links with the automotive industry see the Owens fleet grow to 30 vehicles.

1990 The Owens workforce rises to 100.

1992 For the first time, Owens take an automative load onto the European mainland.

1995 A warehouse operation is launched by Owens. It will become a key element of a carefully diversified business.

2002 Owens clinches its first major distribution deal with a supermarket. The company joins the PalletFORCE network.

2003 Owens acquire their first recovery vehicle. The service grows over subsequent years.

2005 With strengthening ties to the steel industry, the Owens workforce rises to 500.

2006 A tachograph centre is opened at Owens HQ offering tacho calibrating and analysis.

2007 Two major contracts are won - one to distribute goods used in building a huge new UK fuel pipeline, the other with global online retailer Amazon. Storage and warehousing operations are improved with the acquisition of a large facility close to the M4 in Port Talbot. A smart new-look livery is introduced, teaming a distinctive circular logo with Owens' traditional blue and red.

2008 Eastward expansion continues with the opening of Owens' first English depot - in strategically important Droitwich, Worcs.