Slow growth for Spanish express carrier MRW

Spanish domestic express carrier MRW saw volume growth slow to just 1 pct in the first half of this year due to the country’s weakening economy but is continuing to invest in network expansion.

MRW increased its shipment volumes by 1.06 pct for the first half of 2008 and expects to maintain this growth rate until the end of this year, the news agency Europa Press reported. Owned 100 pct by Spanish shareholders, the company pointed out that it was able to achieve positive results in spite of the economic crisis.

Its “semi-urgent” service for next-day deliveries by 13:00 and its pets transportation service had shown the most growth, it noted.

In addition, MRW opened two new franchises in Madrid and Malaga to expand its regional network in the country. In the first half-year it added 13 new sales outlets, and now counts 813 branches in Spain, Gibraltar, Andorra and Portugal.