UK Pallets multi million pound investment to support pallet growth

UK Pallets is undertaking a multi million pound investment programme to cater for the continued growth across its network. Having seen significant year on year growth, the pallet network operator is expecting this to continue for the foreseeable future and is predicting to grow its business by more than 10 per cent during 2007, and similar levels of growth are projected for each of the next three years. As a result, UK Pallets is investing heavily in its existing infrastructure to expand its fleet, warehousing, IT and network capability.

As part of the programme, UK Pallets commenced an extensive fleet renewal process with the delivery this month of 30 brand new Scania trucks. The 30 trucks comprise of 13 tractor units and 17 18-tonne rigids with curtainsider bodies and tail-lifts. These vehicles will replace and augment UK Pallets existing distribution fleet, providing enhanced performance, efficiency and environmental benefits.

UK Pallets is also adding further capacity at its 140,000 sq ft national hub near Lichfield to handle increased throughput. An additional 70,000 sq ft of warehousing space is being planned for the site, which currently handles an average of over 5,500 pallets per night, with completion of the extension scheduled for the first half of 2008.

In recent months, UK Pallets has also experienced extensive expansion to its network infrastructure, with the introduction of eleven new member organisations. This enlargement – bringing the total number of members to 72 – will provide increased reach across the UK with added coverage in Wales, Lancashire and the south east of England. Network growth forms a key aspect of the company’s strategy moving forward and further members are expected to be added during the next twelve months.

UK Pallets is undertaking a multi million pound investment programme to cater for the continued growth across its network. Having seen significant year on year growth, the pallet network operator is expecting this to continue for the foreseeable future and is predicting to grow its business by more than 10 per cent during 2007, and similar levels of growth are projected for each of the next three years. As a result, UK Pallets is investing heavily in its existing infrastructure to expand its fleet, warehousing, IT and network capability.

As part of the programme, UK Pallets commenced an extensive fleet renewal process with the delivery this month of 30 brand new Scania trucks. The 30 trucks comprise of 13 tractor units and 17 18-tonne rigids with curtainsider bodies and tail-lifts. These vehicles will replace and augment UK Pallets existing distribution fleet, providing enhanced performance, efficiency and environmental benefits.

UK Pallets is also adding further capacity at its 140,000 sq ft national hub near Lichfield to handle increased throughput. An additional 70,000 sq ft of warehousing space is being planned for the site, which currently handles an average of over 5,500 pallets per night, with completion of the extension scheduled for the first half of 2008.

Elsewhere, a significant number of software changes are taking place to the company’s in-house UK Pallets Online system, with the development of scanning and data integration throughout the network. UK Pallets is investing heavily in a range of handheld and forklift mounted scanners to enable members and customers to track their freight throughout the operation. Effective scanning and dataflow has become a priority within UK Pallets to create increased efficiency at the Lichfield hub and across the distribution fleet.

In recent months, UK Pallets has also experienced extensive expansion to its network infrastructure, with the introduction of eleven new member organisations. This enlargement – bringing the total number of members to 72 – will provide increased reach across the UK with added coverage in Wales, Lancashire and the south east of England. Network growth forms a key aspect of the company’s strategy moving forward and further members are expected to be added during the next twelve months.