Major petrochemical manufacturers increasingly want partners who deliver comprehensive transportation and logistics services.
Grammer Logistics now is better positioned to answer the call.
The hauler of chemical and industrial gasses recently completed the acquisition of Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Logistics Management Resources (LMR), which provides management solutions across all modes of transportation, including order tendering, safety compliance, technical support, transloading, and more.
“It’s really about solving problems,” Patrick Maher, Grammer’s chief commercial officer, told Bulk Transporter. “And asset-based logistics companies like us, and really all transportation companies, want to be in a better position to help their customers solve a variety of problems.
“You can’t always do that with your physical assets alone.”
Maher said LMR was an attractive pickup because of its complementary capabilities and “deep relationships within the bulk space.” LMR has provided third-party logistics services since 1981, and boasts a robust transportation management system (TMS) platform, elite industry expertise, and proven processes.
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“LMR is a highly respected leader in the chemicals logistics market,” Grammer CEO Scott Dobak said in a release. “We are thrilled to welcome their team into the Grammer family. This acquisition supports our strategy of providing a diversified offering of both asset and non-asset services to our growing customer base.
“We believe this integrated approach is the future of chemicals logistics.”
The LMR acquisition is the latest in a series of growth-oriented moves, including naming Dobak Grammer’s new leader in August, opening a terminal in January in La Porte, Texas, and establishing a new Houston-area commercial headquarters in December, 2021; and Maher says they’re not done expanding with help from its private-equity partners Stellex Capital Management and Mill Rock Capital, who acquired Grammer in 2018.
Grammer today has more than 20 facilities located near major chemical production hubs across the United States, and a fleet of 350 tractors, 950 specialty trailers, and more than 500 drivers and owner-operators serving nationwide shippers across the ammonia, LP gas, nitric acid, NGLs, and general chemical markets.
“If there’s another strategic acquisition like this, we’re going to look at it,” Maher said. “But we’re also focused on growing organically. We can do both.”
LMR’s team will remain intact, and Heston Hodges, LMR president and CEO, will lead Grammer’s transportation management division, the company said.
“Combining the expertise of both companies creates a win-win combination,” Hodges said.
“All stakeholders will benefit from the additional services LMR and Grammer will jointly offer to the marketplace. Our clients gain access to an internal fleet of highly specialized drivers and equipment, and the strong carrier relationships we have developed over years will be further supported by the additional opportunities available.”
