Gregory celebrates 100 years in business with opening of a Heritage Centre

South West headquartered transport business Gregory Distribution Limited (GDL) has opened a Heritage Centre complete with restored trucks used by the business over three generations to celebrate its centenary.

The centre at GDL’s Cullompton depot in Devon was opened this week by 94 year-old Jack Gregory who joined the business in 1947 and ran it until 1985. He was accompanied by his son and current Chief Executive John Gregory, other senior management, those involved in the Heritage project and some long-serving employees.

The new centre features four heritage vehicles in Gregory livery which each played a significant role in the development of the business including a 1919 Model T Ford ton truck identical to the one acquired by the founding father Archibald Gregory just after the First World War.

Other trucks include a 1951 Bedford O series, the first new vehicle acquired by Jack Gregory as the business started to expand; a Rowe Hillmaster which was an original Gregory vehicle and was lying in bits in a local garage before being restored at North Tawton; and a Mercedes-Benz SK161628 which was John Gregory’s first vehicle acquisition after he took over the helm in 1985.

The Heritage Centre also accommodates the reception at Cullompton depot, a rolling video exploring the company’s history in more depth, some stunning graphics and company memorabilia.

Jack Gregory said: “I am delighted to open this wonderful Heritage Centre 71 year after I joined my father Archie in the business. It celebrates a remarkable 100 years of hard work, investment, innovation and job creation but it also acts as a marker for the future and the next phase in Gregory’s evolution.”

The Centenary of Gregory has also been commemorated with the publication of a book – ‘The First 100 Years’ – which will be given to each of GDL’s 2400+ employees.

John Gregory added: “The centenary of the business started by my grandfather at North Tawton in Devon provides us with a moment of reflection. It is a time to think about and thank all those people who have contributed to our success over the past 100 years when we have grown from a single Model T Ford Truck to a fleet of over 1000 vehicles. The Heritage Centre is our way of recognising them all as well as celebrating the achievements of the business.”