It was owned and run by the Irlam family until its acquisition by rival logistics firm the Stobart Group in April 2008 for £59.9 million.

The business transported milk churns to Manchester dairies, and returned with corn supplies for local farms.

Andrew sold his 25% share of the business to his three brothers in 2004, to pursue ventures in commercial property.

By 2007, James Irlam had grown to such an extent that it had major clients including Procter & Gamble, B&Q, Groupe Danone, Coca-Cola, Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom), Unilever, Tesco, Johnson & Johnson, Mars, Incorporated, Golden Wonder, Britvic and GlaxoSmithKline.

In 2001 James Irlam were sponsor for the Cheshire Football team Macclesfield Town.