MAT to launch European pallet network
MAT Group’s new owners plan to launch a European palletised freight service – and hope to link up with a UK pallet network. Continental full load and groupage operations built up over 30 years provide an excellent platform for the service, says chairman Brian Rosier. And UK pallet networks might feel more comfortable with privately-owned MAT than some of the corporate Continued on p3.
giants that offer European coverage. MAT has 96 routes across Europe and hubs in Essex and Zeebrugge. It is already geared up to provide an “automated next day delivery” into Germany, Rosier says. MAT will do its own collection and delivery in Benelux and northern Germany and has partners covering most of the other major centres in Western Europe and Scandinavia. Contacts in central Europe need strengthening, although coverage is good in Turkey and the Czech Republic. Rosier is setting up a contract logistics arm within MAT, which will be separate from the full load, groupage and air & sea business units will use them only where they offer best value. “We have a saying at the moment: ‘Nothing for the good of the group!’ he says. Major changes are being introduced to return MAT to profit, including weekly account, which will improve management and reduce audit fees. Rosier bought the firm with business partner Mike Backs (MT June 17).
