THE North Tawton depot of Gregory Distribution is to create 20 new jobs following the company's recent growth and acquisitions. The warehouse and logistics group, which includes Kay Transport and Hayton Coulthard Transport, currently employs nearly 1,500 people over 22 sites nationwide, but estimates it could require in excess of 100 new recruits over the next 12 months. A big part of the recruitment drive is filling 20 new jobs at Gregory's North Tawton depot. Chief executive John Gregory said: 'We have grown by 30% over the last three years. We have now identified further areas of the business that require new recruits, including drivers and support staff. 'Our aim is to convince younger people that driving is more than just another job. 'It is highly professional and responsible with a great deal of personal discretion and it requires a high level of training over and above driving skills. 'It also provides career opportunities — many members of our management teams have risen to their current positions having started as drivers. 'Our business has a positive culture where we value our employees and we ensure that every one of our staff has access to training, much of it undertaken in-house including a comprehensive Certificate of Professional Competence programme for drivers.' Among the deals struck that have led to the company's growth is a new transport partnership with MMD Ltd, a leading fresh fruit specialist. Gregory Distribution Ltd will take over responsibility for distribution for fresh fruit and vegetables handled by MMD at Portsmouth International Port. The new contract comes into effect at the beginning of September 2014. Mr Gregory said: 'Our fleet covers over 70 million kilometres per annum and we are continually investing in driver training and in new vehicles at the rate of over 100 each year. 'We hope young people will be impressed that as a family-run business that is approaching its centenary, we are in for the long haul and offer stable, often challenging but ultimately rewarding employment prospects. In terms of pay, we are very competitive and are in the top 25% of the industry. 'As part of our recruitment campaign we will be holding open days across the group including one at North Tawton where we'll aim to recruit around 20 new drivers.' Potential applicants can visit http://www.gdl.uk.com">www.gdl.uk.com for further information or call 01837 883385 for HR at Gregory's North Tawton headquarters.