Our History
50 Years and Counting
For more than fifty years, the orange lorries of M. Way & Son (Transport) Ltd have been a familiar sight on the roads of North Devon and beyond. What began as one man’s ambition in 1973 has grown into a proud family business, built on hard work, reliability, and deep community roots.
Humble Beginnings
The story starts with Mervyn Way, a Chawleigh native who moved to South Molton in 1960. After leaving school at 15, he worked as a farm labourer before turning to transport – delivering fizzy drinks, quarry materials, and animal feed. But Mervyn always had one goal in mind: to own his own lorry.
In September 1973, after many visits to the bank, a £1,000 loan, and selling his car, Mervyn bought his first second-hand Dodge 500 flatbed from John Evans of Evans Transport. From the family home in South Molton, with his wife Helen managing the books and finding loads while raising their two children, Nick and Karen, M. Way Transport was born.
Steady Growth
The early years were focused on animal feed, coal, and clay, with each decision taken carefully. “I am not a risk taker,” Mervyn reflects, “the business has grown organically based on the quality of service we have always provided.” By the 1980s, the company was running nine vehicles, often hauling clay from Devon to the Midlands and returning with coal from Nottinghamshire – a model that continues to this day.
In 1992, the company returned to South Molton, expanding the fleet to 20 trucks and founding South Molton Commercials, now wholly owned by the Way family. With Nick and Karen joining the business – later followed by Karen’s husband, Kevin – the second generation was firmly established.
Expansion and Ambition
The 2000s marked a period of major expansion. In 2005, M. Way & Son acquired Eggbeer’s Transport of Newton Abbot, increasing the fleet to 60 vehicles. A year later, the company moved to its purpose-built headquarters at Pathfields Business Park, where it still operates today.
The acquisition of W.E. Johns in 2008 added rigid tippers to the fleet, and in 2017, Mervyn achieved a lifelong dream: running a fleet of 100 vehicles, following the purchase of Heltor Bulk Transport.
A True Family Business
Today, M. Way & Son is proudly three generations strong. Alongside Mervyn and Helen, their grandchildren Rebecca (Accounts), Damon, and Ryan (Workshop) now play an active role in the company. Many long-standing employees, some with decades of service, have also become part of the extended M. Way family.
Community at Heart
Beyond transport, Mervyn has given back tirelessly to South Molton. He has served as Mayor, Town Councillor, and President of the Vintage Rally, as well as supporting the Town Band, Rotary, CTBA, and numerous sports teams. Known locally as “Mr South Molton,” Mervyn remains as active in the community as he is in the business.
50 Years and Counting
In 2023, the company celebrated its 50th anniversary, with Mervyn also marking his 75th birthday. Recognising his contribution to the haulage industry, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) presented him with a plaque to honour five decades of dedication.
From one lorry in 1973 to a fleet of over 100 today, M. Way & Son stands as proof that “where there’s a wheel, there’s a Way.”