Press release:  June 1st, 2009 

ONE of the world’s largest independent drinks companies has turned to Palletforce to help distribute its popular alcoholic brands across the country. Global Brands Limited, which produces some of the UK’s most recognised alcoholic drinks including, VK Vodka Kick, VK Vodka, Corky’s Vodka Shots and Goldschlager, is using Palletforce’s new £30million distribution hub at Burton-upon-Trent to transport its range to hundreds of major retailers and wholesalers.

Kevin Hopkinson, Global Brands transport manager, said: “Our distribution operations are already run from Burton so it makes perfect sense to use Palletforce. “The unique member network means we can effectively deliver our consignments, which often come in different shapes and sizes, instead of sending half empty trucks across the country which helps cut costs.”

 Palletforce, one of the UK’s largest palletised distribution networks, works with 100 plus transport depots across the UK make up the powerful Palletforce distribution network to serve thousands of customers, including many major brands and leading high street retailers. 

Marketing and sales director for Palletforce Dave Holland said: “We are delighted to be working with Global Brands in providing a cost effective solution for the distribution of its products. “As part of Palletforce’s growth we are continually developing strategic and national accounts with major manufacturers and retailers. “We are seeing an increase in companies looking more favourably towards using palletised distribution networks like Palletforce rather than dedicated fleets for improved efficiency and cost-saving.”

Press Release - May 22nd, 2009  

PALLETFORCE is congratulating member employee Nina Hart on her success at the prestigious MAN everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards. Michael Conroy, CEO of Palletforce, is delighted with Nina’s award, which continues the network’s excellent run of success in national awards.

Nina Hart, Transport and Warehouse Manager for Palletforce member Simarco International, picked up the ‘Team of the Year’ award at the ceremony, which took place at the lavish London Marriott Hotel, on Thursday, May 14.

The annual event aims to celebrate the many talented women working within the transport and logistics industry. The ‘Team of the Year’ award is given to the team, led by a woman which has excelled in its contribution to the company’s success. In front of a packed crowd, including some of the country’s leading transport and logistics representatives, Nina beat off strong competition from Sharon Hignett, General Manager of DHL Supply Chain and Karen Vernon, Company Director of Stalkers Transport Services Ltd to win the award.  

Nina, who took time to thank Palletforce in her acceptance speech, has recently been promoted to the role of Transport Director at Simarco, and has been with company for 12 years seeing the business grow from just three individuals to having more than 80 employees. Responsible for managing and running over 25 vehicles throughout the UK, Nina is the only woman in her department, and under her guidance turnover has doubled, and profits gone from a loss in year one to well above industry standard net profit in 2008.

Nina’s award is the second major success involving Palletforce in a matter of months following on from the network’s tremendous success in achieving the ‘Logistics Pallet Supplier 2009’ award in the recent Institute of Motor Transport (ITM) awards.

The network is now keen to build on its current run of achievements and eagerly awaits the news of further success for its members in the coming months.

Press Release - 29th April 22, 2009

A GATESHEAD haulage company has announced a major partnership with one of the UK’s biggest palletised transport delivery networks, Palletforce.The news is a significant step forward for Gazelle Transport Services, based at Follingsby Park, which is now looking to increase its customer base as it joins the palletised distribution network.

The new partnership brings together the might of a successful European palletised distribution network and the high quality services offered by Gazelle Transport.“Now we are the complete package, a one stop shop for haulage solutions,” said managing director Ray Taylor.Welcoming the announcement, Mr Taylor added: “We have always developed the company to meet the needs of our customers and this is an important part of our growth.

The partnership will enhance the services we can offer as we drive our business forward in 2009.

“Previously, we concentrated on air, sea and European land freight but we had not offered next day and 48 hour delivery. The partnership with Palletforce means that we can now offer our customers every service they require. We are a true one stop shop,” he said.

The 18-year-old company operates a fleet of 17 vehicles, including transit vans and artics, from its 35,000 sq ft base in Gateshead, and employs 38 members of staff.

“We joined Palletforce because it is a member-based network – so everyone has a stake in its success and therefore a desire to deliver a high quality service,” said Mr Taylor.

Gazelle Transport joins around 100 other transport depots across the UK who make up the powerful Palletforce distribution network. Together they serve thousands of customers – which include major brands and well-known high street retailers.Gazelle Transport will operate in Palletforce’s SR and DH postcode areas.

Michael Conroy, CEO of Palletforce, said: “Gazelle Transport is a well-established company with exacting standards and will be an important addition to the network.”

The company is joining the distribution network at a particularly exciting time – as Palletforce has recently moved into its new £30 million distribution hub in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire.

The state-of-the-art hub will enable the Palletforce network to offer faster delivery turnaround and an unrivalled transport distribution operation.

Press release - 7th April, 2009

PALLETFORCE, one of the UK’s leading palletised distribution networks, has appointed three new staff members to strengthen its sales team. 

Now operational in its £30million state-of-the-art palletised distribution hub, at Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, it is an exciting time for Palletforce as it increases its sales team to pursue strategic and national accounts.

                                                      
                                                                     Jason, Marie and Jeremy

The new appointments include Regional Sales Manager, Jeremy Flinders for the Midlands, and Sales Manager, Jason Law covering the South West, supported by sales and marketing coordinator Marie Leadbeater.

All three staff bring a wealth of experience from the logistics, palletised distribution and supply chain industries.

With almost ten years’ experience in winning key accounts in the palletised distribution industry Jeremy Flinders is excited at the potential growth for Palletforce.

“The new £30million distribution hub is the best sales tool in the industry. It is a great opportunity and the best one I could have hoped for,” said Jeremy.

For 25 years Jason Law has worked for several bluechip steamship companies, including NYK Logistics, MAERSK, OOCL, as well as major third party logistics (3PLs).

Jason explained: “My supply chain knowledge in manufacturing, together with an operational background in freight forwarding has helped brand retail clients to realise significant inventory cost savings through identified efficiencies.

“By joining Palletforce I am looking forward to supporting the local business community and other organisations delivering cost effective solutions coupled with outstanding service.”

Supporting the sales team is sales and marketing coordinator Marie Leadbeatter, who comes from a pallet network and logistics marketing background. 

“Palletforce is clearly ahead of the game and with such a strong team there is massive potential for the company going forward,” said Marie.

Director of sales and marketing Dave Holland added: “It is fantastic for Palletforce that the new staff members bring such a cross section of knowledge and experience.

“Combined with the strength of the new £30million hub, Palletforce is increasing its team to position itself for expansion and development of key strategic and national accounts.”

Press Release -  18th March, 2009

Palletforce, one of the UK’s leading pallet distribution networks, has clinched a major award for excellence in the transport industry. The prestigious accolade has been given by The Institute of Transport Management (ITM) and officially recognises Palletforce as the best network in the business sector.

Philip Leung, from the ITM, said the title had been awarded following thorough research into the current market and positive reports from within the Institute’s membership. He said: “At a time when many businesses involved in logistics are struggling to counter the pressures associated with the downturn in the economy, Palletforce, by virtue of the esprit de corps which characterises its fellowship, plus its adherence to the highest standards of customer care, is going from strength to strength." “New partnership agreements are announced weekly as more businesses express their desire to be part of this success story. With the new hub development at Burton-on-Trent, Palletforce has demonstrated that it has the resources to carry through investments in expansion while others are fighting for survival in the recession. In light of the capabilities engendered by the new centre, Palletforce is in an excellent position to pursue further success in the palletised distribution market.”

The Institute bestowed the accolade of ‘Logistics Pallet Supplier 2009’ after judging Palletforce as offering exceptional services to its clients and having an outstanding business ethos.

Key areas were taken into account including:

• Range of services
• Growth and achievement
• IT and innovation
• Quality of management
• Specialist services
• Geographical reach
• Customer service

The announcement reinforces Palletforce’s position as a leading palletised distribution network and the company is set to continue its success after moving to a £30million distribution Hub early in 2009.

Michael Conroy, Palletforce Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the award, saying: “This is an exciting year for our network – and this award recognises the hard work of all our staff and network members. Palletforce has a fine reputation for providing high quality express freight delivery services and we are striving to build on our success with the latest technology and the very best facilities in the sector."

“At the start of 2009 we moved into our purpose-built £30million Hub which ensures we are well positioned to offer the very best services out there – in terms of quality, flexibility, cost and efficiency. It is also the strength of our membership that gives us our success and we will continue to build on this. "

"The award is testament to the member owned network principle, which drives quality and ensures we have common goals and objectives. I extend my congratulations to all our members for their continued efforts at keeping us at the forefront of a highly competitive sector.”

Palletforce is a ‘driving force’ in the palletised transport sector.