The Duke of Edinburgh visited Witham on Wednesday to formally open the new headquarters and warehouse complex of PFE Express Ltd, marking a major moment in the freight forwarding company’s four-decade history.
Prince Edward, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s youngest son, toured the 135,000 square ft premises and met with staff members, apprentices, customers and suppliers during his visit.
His Royal Highness concluded the occasion by unveiling a commemorative plaque at the site.
The facility, which has been operational since November 2025, represents one of the most significant investments ever made by the third-generation family business, consolidating sea freight, warehousing, customs clearance, haulage and national distribution operations under one roof.
Prince Edward opened the new headquarters and warehouse complex of PFE Express Ltd
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PA
PFE Express was established in 1984 and has remained under family ownership across three generations.
The company began with just a single site and half a dozen employees, growing substantially over the subsequent four decades.
Today, the business employs more than 160 people working across four regional offices, with operations supported by an international network of partners.
PFE has been based in Witham for over two decades, and since moving to its new premises, the workforce has expanded by 45 per cent.
This growth has cemented the company’s status as one of the largest employers in the area and a notable contributor to the local economy in Essex.
The new logistics hub incorporates several environmentally conscious features, including renewable energy systems and charging points for electric vehicles.
Broader development work at the site has also included investments in biodiversity and sustainable transport connections, reflecting the company’s commitment to responsible expansion.
The family business opened in 1984
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During his tour, the Duke met employees who have served the company for more than 40 years, as well as apprentices who have progressed through PFE’s internal training programmes.
The access road to the new facility has been named Albert Way, a tribute to founder and chairman Peter Albert Collins, acknowledging his instrumental role in building the business over more than four decades.
Adam Collins, the company’s managing director, said: “It was a tremendous honour to welcome His Royal Highness to Witham to mark this important moment in our company’s history.
“This new facility reflects our long-term commitment to our people, our customers and the future of the business.
“As a family business, it was particularly meaningful to share this milestone with our team, many of whom have built their careers with PFE over decades.”
The Duke of Edinburgh unveiled a plaque to commemorate his visit
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PA
Founder and chairman Peter Collins added: “It feels like the icing on the cake.
“It is a true success story, made possible through the close co-operation between management and staff, and last but not least, our reliable and long-standing partners throughout the world.”