History of Mars-Jones

1924 - Founded by Mr Henry Mars-Jones

Business Founded by Mr Henry Mars-Jones

Our story starts as far back as 1924 when the original company M&H Jones Ltd was started by Mr Henry Mars-Jones, carrying coal from Denbigh Train Station to neighbouring villages by traction engine (throughout the 1920's, tractor engines had demonstrated clear economic advantages over horse power for heavy hauling and short journeys. But soon petrol lorries were starting to show better efficiency and could be purchased cheaply as war surplus).

1950 - Name Change

Name Change

In 1950 the company’s name was changed to Mars-Jones Ltd, it's current name today. Although the story of its name doesn't end there.

1960 - David & Dily's Era

David & Dilys Era

In 1960, after Henry retired, David & Dilys Mars-Jones took over the day to day running of the business. It was at this point when the company really took off and expanded into selling and delivering animal feed & fertilisers to farms all over North Wales. Keen to seize an opportunity, and with the vehicles returning empty from the farms, the company started trading in buying and selling wool.

1975 - Office opens in Denbigh

Office opens in Denbigh

The first office opened in “Back row” Denbigh, but soon expanded and moved to the a warehouse at the bottom of Grove Rd, Denbigh. This would be their home until the mid-1970’s. In 1975, the company was on the move again and moved onto the Colomendy Industrial Estate for the first time.

With the orders from the farmers increasing in size the company began to offer ‘bulkers’ for loose animal feed delivering direct from the local mill in Denbigh. This was a hugely popular with the farms as it allowed them to buy in bulk and therefore save on cost.

Here is a picture of the team outside the office in September 1978. At the time of writing this article, three people in the picture are still working for Mars-Jones Ltd, a feat in itself.

1986 - Unilever

Unilever

In the 1986, the agricultural merchant side of the company was sold off to Unilver. The deal allowed Phillip Mars-Jones, the Grandson of the original founder and the current M.D, to spin off the haulage side of the business and setup Clwyd Transport Company Ltd. The acquisition from Unilever should have ended its agricultural connections but ironically the companies first customer was Unilever itself, carrying animal feed.

1994 - Company Expansion

Company Expansion

Initially only running bulker lorries (as pictured above) the company quickly expanded and in 1994 went back into General Haulage with various contracts gained from the likes of Dynoplast.

2007 - Back to Mars-Jones

Back to Mars-Jones

Always proud of its heritage, in 2007 the company was able to purchase its name back to the original Mars-Jones Ltd after it was released by Uniliver.

2015 - Pallet Network

Pallet Network

Mars-Jones joins the pallet network, Pall-Ex, to become a leading member depot. This move also includes the exclusive delivery territory of North Wales.

2016 - Canopy Completion

Canopy Completion

Our HQ got slightly bigger with the completion of the canopy. The canopy completes our ability to become a leading transport company by creating the space to load and unload effectively - all year round.

With our customer base ever increasing (19.7% growth year-on-year) so is our vehicle fleet size. Pictured below is three new MAN articulated trucks.

2016 - New Depot - Deeside

New Depot - Deeside

Mars-Jones Ltd were delighted to announce the opening of our new depot on Deeside industrial estate.Alongside our Denbigh site, this facility is required to meet our ever expanding customer demand and will enhance our capacity to store over 5,000 pallets.

After completing the move, Phillip Mars-Jones commented;

“This facility will strengthen our presence as a key Third-Party Provider (3PL) provider in the area and will cement our position in North East Wales. The expansion will create several new jobs, which is always a positive move for the local economy.”

The brand new ‘state-of-the-art’ facility uses the latest solar panel technology alongside LED lighting, creating a building that is also good for the environment

2020 - Chris Flynn & Paul Newton

Chris Flynn & Paul Newton

After generations of the Mars-Jones family grew this business over 96 years, in December 2020 the family made the decision to sell the business to Chris Flynn and Paul Newton - two highly experienced transport operators that have a passion for the logistics industry.

Whilst the Mars-Jones family are no longer involved with the business they recognised the need for change to facilitate the businesses development and chose to sell to accommodate this.

2020 - Denbigh to Deeside & Pallet-Track

Denbigh to Deeside & Pallet-Track

In December 2020, seasoned transport operators Chris Flynn and Paul Newton acquired Mars-Jones Ltd. Initiating a wave of transformative change for the once-static company. Under their guidance, the business maximised truck load capacities, modernised its fleet, and underwent a vibrant rebranding.

The strategic shift from Denbigh to Deeside opened doors to expansive warehousing and a broader UK client base, solidifying its identity beyond just a Welsh haulier. Key appointments, including Craig May and Rikki Campbell, were instrumental in this evolution. Prioritising quality, Mars-Jones secured a BRC AA accreditation, embraced a new fleet of trailers, and joined Pallet Track. This pivot catalyzed a turnover surge from £4.5m to £6m, emblematic of Mars-Jones Ltd.'s adaptability in the dynamic logistics arena.

2023 - Mars-Jones Sponsors Chester FC

Mars-Jones Ltd Announced as North Terrace Sponsors!

Chester Football Club welcomes Mars-Jones Ltd as the new sponsors of the Harry McNally North Terrace!

Initially partnering with the club for the 2023/24 season, the Mars-Jones branding will proudly feature across the Harry Mac Stand, marking an exciting first-of-its-kind sponsorship for the reformed Blues.

A Partnership Built for Success

Blues General Manager, Georgina Slawinski, shared her excitement:

“We are proud to announce our partnership with North Wales’ leading transport company, Mars-Jones Ltd.
On behalf of all at the club, I’d like to thank Chris and Paul for supporting Chester Football Club.
The Mars-Jones sponsorship of the Harry Mac Stand marks a significant milestone—being the first business to sponsor the stand since our reformation. We look forward to working closely with them to create a successful and enduring partnership.”

2024 - A New Chapter with P W Gates

A New Chapter with P W Gates

On October 23rd, 2024, P W Gates completed the purchase of a majority shareholding in Mars-Jones Ltd. This acquisition strengthens our nationwide presence, enhancing our ability to deliver comprehensive logistics solutions across the North and South of the UK.

Chris Flynn, Managing Director of Mars-Jones Ltd, reflects on this milestone:
"I am looking forward to what the next 100 years holds for Mars-Jones in this, our centenary year."

Delivering what we promise - together