Tag: UK

PalletFORCE has underlined its status as one of the fastest-growing palletised distribution networks in the UK with the opening of a fourth transit shed located at its Lichfield hub, creating a total space of 210,000 sq ft and a capacity of 10,500 pallets per night. Investment in specialist software enabled the Network to simulate a virtual hub in order to maximise the benefits of this expansion.

The Network has occupied the warehouse for some time in anticipation of increased growth, but had outsourced the space for storage to a private company. The decision to open the warehouse for Network deliveries has been made following excellent growth during 2007. This year has already seen the landmark of the fifth millionth pallet handled by PalletFORCE, and the Network regularly deals with over 7,000 pallets per night.

According to PalletFORCE’s Chief Executive, Mick Scarlett, the future looks promising for PalletFORCE and for palletised distribution as a whole. “The sector has got second wind after a slight downturn last year and we are experiencing year-on-month increases of 20-30% over 2006.”

Although this growth looks set to last for the foreseeable future, Mick Scarlett nonetheless advises caution. “To facilitate growth at that rate will present a huge challenge – and there is always the possibility that the market might flatten at any moment. Growth must be managed but not overcooked.”

PalletFORCE held a Drivers’ Night at the Company’s Lichfield hub on the night of Tuesday 24th July, to help build publicity and awareness for the Network’s sponsored charity, The Anthony Nolan Trust.

The Anthony Nolan Trust provides lifesaving donors for leukaemia patients in need of a bone marrow transplant. Maintaining the UK’s most successful bone marrow register, since 1974 the Trust has helped to give over 4,000 children and adults a new chance of life.

PalletFORCE became aware of the Trust’s work through the work of Jim McLay, the late Depot Principal at Glenhire. Jim was suffering from a type of blood cancer which could only be cured by a bone marrow transplant from a matching donor and he became a staunch ambassador for the charity before his death, with two Glenhire trailers boasting the Trust’s livery.

Representatives from the charity were on hand to explain their work and to recruit drivers to become donors. DAF also lent its support, providing a hospitality unit with refreshments as well as examples from its vehicle range for drivers to take a look at.