Around 50 jobs are to be created when a Wolverhampton removal firm almost doubles its workforce. Burke Bros has landed contracts worth millions for the next three years.

The firm, based in Fox’s Lane, now needs to expand. The decision is bucking the current trend, with removal companies struggling and estate agents closing.

The contracts are in the company’s logistics and distribution services and will compensate for a slowdown on the home-moving front.

Director Chris Burke, aged 48, said “The new contracts have allowed us to secure work as well as creating jobs, at a time when many are laying staff off.

“Sixteen vehicles are being added to the fleet and the company will be open 24 hours a day, six days a week as we work through the night with double shifts ready for distribution each morning. We hope to have all staff incorporated by the end of October and fully operational during November.” 

Formed in 1982 with an £800 loan, brothers Gary and Chris Burke have expanded, including acquiring four other removal firms in the early 1990s to become the largest privately owned international moving company in the Midlands.