Followmont Transport buys block to shield staff and equipment from crime

A Queensland-based transport company has bought a massive parcel of land at the Bohle to safely park its trucks away from the city’s criminals. Read about their ambitious expansion.

Followmont regional manager James Henderson and branch manager Thomas Dungavell at the new facilities under construction in the Bohle. Picture: Evan Morgan

Queensland-based company Followmont Transport has come a long way from its humble beginnings with two men and a truck.

Founded in 1984 at Stones Corner, Brisbane, Followmont Transport is a family-owned transport company where over 1000 employees express deliver goods to every corner of Queensland and New South Wales from 24 depots using over 1000 pieces of equipment.

Yearly, the business racks up 39 million kilometres delivering to customers – over 110,000km a day.

Employing 100 people in Townsville, Followmont has experienced “gradual growth” to outgrow its facility at 10 Everett St, Bohle, which was purpose built in 2012.

To pave the way for future expansion, the company bought the two adjoining sites in Reward Crescent for a total of $2.75 million.

Followmont Transport managing director Mark Tobin said work began in February to construct an additional 2800sqm of warehouse and 1700sqm breezeway, which would provide a link to their existing warehouse.

“We are happy in the current area and it’s a location we do not want to leave,” Mr Tobin said.

Construction is expected to wrap up in December.

Earlier this month, Followmont settled a strategic purchase of another 1.6ha block of land at 38-44 Everett St for $2.3 million – just 130m up the road.

Mr Tobin said the short-term plan was to provide secure overflow truck parking for the business.

Followmont has purchased a 1.6ha block of land up the road from their Everett St depot. Picture: Google Maps

Followmont has purchased a 1.6ha block of land at 38-44 Everett St, Bohle. Picture: Supplied

“(It will) add value to the community by getting equipment off the road and securing our equipment in a safe area,” he said.

“It was born from a necessity to provide safety for our people and our equipment given the current crime rate in Townsville.”

Burgess Rawson partner Neville Smith has assisted Followmont with its expansion plans. Picture: Evan Morgan

He praised the seller and Burgess Rawson partner Neville Smith for putting the deal together and settling the contract within a month.

“Followmont have yet again cemented their position into Townsville by securing a further 1.6 hectares of land at the Bohle,” Mr Smith said.

“It was a strategic play for them to ensure that they had the ability to handle their growth pains down the track because they are unfortunately out of room.

“It’s a reassuring sign that the Townsville market continues to press forward.”

Originally published as Followmont Transport buys block to shield staff and equipment from crime