Exact Logistics finds growth in Palletways network
UK express freight firm Exact Logistics has bucked the economic downturn in its first two years of business – and its “phenomenal” growth has now required a move to a larger site. For a small company just two years old, its £120,000 investment in the new 6,000 square foot facility near Rugby, is a major step change in its business.
The firm operates in the south and west Warwickshire area, and particularly targeting smaller customers.
The new facility in Dunchurch was officially opened this summer by local Member of Parliament Jeremy Wright.
Part of the company’s success has come from being a part of the UK-wide Palletways network, which comprises more than 100 independent logistics companies pooling resources to provide a rapid palletised distribution service across the country.
Adam Shuter, managing director at Exact Logistics, said that the Palletways network allows the firm to market services to any destination within the UK or Europe.
“The benefits of belonging to the Palletways network are numerous,” he told Post&Parcel, explaining that along with widespread coverage of the network, the Palletways system provides a smart payment system to manage costs of delivering items through the network and deliveries Exact Logistics carries out on behalf of other network members.
Local MP Jeremy Wright (centre) who opened the new Exact Logistics facility this summer, with husband and wife team Adam and Karen Shuter
“The reliability and geographic coverage of the Palletways network allows us to sell a top quality service to our customers, but not overstretch our financial or credit resources because of the excellent cheque exchange system,” explained Shuter.
“In this way, the business has been self-financing without the need for any bank loans.”
Push into Europe
Future plans for the company include investing in its own vehicles – Exact Logistics currently leases its four trucks – and expanding its service reach into Europe.
Shuter was previously European Development Director at Palletways, responsible for expanding the network in Europe before buying Exact Logistics in June 2009 with wife Karen, the company’s sales and marketing director.
Exact Logistics, which already offers door-to-door delivery for large consignments across Europe, is currently developing its own delivery systems into Germany and France, and will also take advantage of the Palletways network in its European expansion plans.
“In addition to this, we work with a number of German hauliers to allow them to offer a faster and more cost effective service for collections and deliveries in the UK,” Shuter said.
The company is now in the process of finalising the next steps to make its product more attractive in terms of price and service, added Shuter.
