IN a partnership that goes back decades, TM Logistics, based at Martley, near Worcester, has won a new £4m contract from the world's leading manufacturer of drinks cans.

A subsidiary of Taylors of Martley plc, TM Logistics has built a nationwide operation for Rexam's UK beverage can business and their 30-year relationship has been sealed with a contract extension to December 2008.

As Rexam Beverage Can's single logistics partner in the UK, TML manages all Rexam's can and packaging storage movements nationwide with a dedicated fleet.

The new contract sees TM Logistics managing a round-the-clock logistics operation at Rexam's operating centres in Wakefield and Milton Keynes, with warehousing, distribution, planning and transport. It means TM Logistics will service Rexam's worldwide customer base with household names such as Carlsberg Tetley and Coca- Cola. During the World Cup month of June, Rexam expects UK sales to exceed 200 million cans.

Chief executive officer Stephen Taylor said the new contract was a fantastic vote of confidence in TM Logistics.

"We expect to deliver around 500 full load movements per week under this new contract," he said.

"Over the years, we have proven adept at providing expert logistics solutions through a combination of teamwork with the client, 24-hour reliability and a policy of continual improvement."

TM Logistics employs more than 350 staff and operates from 16 company and customer- owned sites nationally, with a fleet of more than 200 vehicles and 300 trailers.