Press Release  - 13th February, 2009 

STONES Distribution 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 the family-run company, based in Hertfordshire, 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 UK and European palletised delivery network and the high quality customer-focused services offered by Stones Distribution.

Welcoming the announcement, Steven Penstone of Stones Distribution said: “This is an important part of our growth and will enhance the services we can offer as we drive our business forward in 2009.

“Becoming a member of Palletforce gives us the opportunity to increase our level of service and efficiency of our fleet. We can offer a full service to the area we operate in, which will benefit our existing and future customers.

“We chose to become part of 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.”

Becoming part of Palletforce will bring exciting new opportunities for Stones Distribution, which has more than 10 vehicles in its fleet, as well as offices in Hoddesdon and Hatfield.

The company will be joining around 100 other transport operators 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.

Stones Distribution will operate in Palletforce’s EN postcode area, covering Enfield, Barnet, Potters Bar, Waltham Cross, Waltham Abbey, Broxbourne and Hoddesdon.

Michael Conroy, CEO of Palletforce, said: “Stones Distribution 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 moves into its new £30million distribution hub.

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

For more information contact Stones Distribution on 01992 469000 or email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Press Release - 12th February, 2009  

LEADING palletised delivery network Palletforce is supporting a Scottish man’s aim to cycle more than 270km for charity.

Ranald Graham, from Inverness, is planning to use pedal power to get him from London to Amsterdam over three gruelling days to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The 47-year-old business development manager for haulage company JBT Distribution, which is a member of the Palletforce network, is taking on the huge test in August and can’t wait for the challenge.
  
“I completed a cycle run across Inverness last year so I have an idea of what I am letting myself in for but I always say if you are going to do something, do it in style, and there is nowhere better to ride than in Holland – one of the flattest countries in the world,” explained Ranald.

Ranald’s journey begins on August 28 with a 106km ride from London Stanstead to the port of Harwich before catching an overnight ferry to the Hook of Holland.

Once in Holland, Ranald will cycle a further 92km to Heemskerk along some of the countries dedicated cycle routes before taking on a further 80km to the ‘Capital of Cycling’ Amsterdam.

At the end of his journey Ranald will have completed 167 miles – the same distance covered as 5½ London Marathons. 

Ranald added: “Marie Curie Cancer Care is a fantastic charity that provides care and support for cancer suffers across the UK, so to be able raise money for such a worthy cause is great.”

One of the UK’s biggest palletised distribution networks Palletforce is sponsoring Ranald’s charity cycle, and sales and marketing director Dave Holland said: “It’s a massive achievement that Ranald will complete so we are delighted to be sponsoring and helping him. We all wish him the best of luck.”

You can support Ranald as he aims to raise as much money as possible by visiting; www.justgiving.com/ranaldgraham 

Press Release - February 2nd, 2009

GARRETT Transport 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 the family-run company, based in Essex, which already delivers goods to major high street retailers.

The new partnership brings together the might of a successful UK and European delivery network and the high quality services offered by Garrett Transport.

Welcoming the announcement, Simon Garrett said: “This is an important part of our growth and will enhance the services we can offer as we drive our business forward in 2009.

“We chose to become part of 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.”

Becoming part of Palletforce will bring exciting new opportunities for Garrett Transport, which has 14 vehicles in its fleet, as well as offices in Saffron Walden, Essex, and 40,000sq ft of storage as part of its sister company Hicks Warehousing Ltd.

The company will be joining around 100 other transport operators 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.

Garrett Transport will operate in Palletforce’s CB postcode area, covering Cambridge, Haverhill, New Market and Saffron Walden.

Michael Conroy, CEO of Palletforce, said: “Garrett 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 moves into its new £30million distribution hub.

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

Press Release - January 8, 2009

THE UK’s single largest pallet distribution centre will be officially opened this month – following a £30million investment by leading palletised transport network Palletforce.

The new ‘Palletforce hub’, overlooking the A38 at Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, will act as a nerve centre for the overnight delivery of palletised goods across the UK and Europe.

It’s a major step forward for Palletforce which has seen phenomenal growth during its seven-year history – with thousands of customers switching to the efficient and cost effective network palletised transport system.

From humble beginnings in 2001, it has built a network of 100 transport depots across the country and now has 4,500 people working to deliver a wide range of goods that are used in our every day lives.

Around 80 staff will work at the new Hub which is optimally located close to one of the country’s major road transport distribution arteries.

The 380,000sq ft custom-designed distribution hub will operate 24 hours a day and is so big that it could house eight football pitches… or 1,736 double deck buses end to end.

It has been carefully planned over the last two years to ensure ‘smart technologies’ are used to give faster delivery turnaround and an unrivalled transport distribution operation.

Welcoming the move to the new Hub, Michael Conroy, CEO of Palletforce, said: “This is an important milestone in our history.

“Palletforce has enjoyed years of constant growth and this fantastic new Hub will ensure that we are well positioned to provide a competitive and quality service as the country faces challenging times ahead.

“In 2009 many companies will be looking at ways to drive efficiency and keep costs as low as possible – and therefore our system of palletised distribution becomes a very attractive way to transport goods around the country. Hub-driven network distribution provides fast, high-density movement of palletised freight, which is both environmentally responsible and cost effective.

“The new Hub will give our customers the very best express freight delivery services out there – in terms of quality, flexibility, cost and efficiency – all of which will be crucial to them in 2009.”

Chairman John Brotherton added: “Palletforce is successful because it is a member-based network designed to optimise vehicle utilisation and operating time – so everyone has a stake in its success.

“The organisation has grown to a size that can capture economies of scale that give us the opportunity to further strengthen the network and build volume. The sheer size and power of the new Hub is tremendous – bringing huge potential benefits to customers who need to transport goods quickly and efficiently across the UK and Europe.”

Currently there are 100 transport depots across the UK who make up the powerful Palletforce distribution network – these stretch from Inverness to Truro, and together they serve thousands of customers, including many major brands and leading high street retailers.

For more information contact Palletforce on 08450 944441, or visit www.palletforce.com.

Ends

Facts about the new hub

• The new Hub is one of the biggest in Europe with 273 lorry spaces and parking for over 200 cars.

• The Hub is 380,000 square foot in size – big enough to house eight football pitches or 1,736 double deck buses end to end.

• During construction, 15,000 m3 concrete, 1,320 tonnes of steel, 46,000 m3 cladding and 6,600 m3 of tarmac have been used.

The new Hub has been created using the latest technology including:
• Forklift equipment that is unique to the sector with every forklift truck able to scan and calculate pallet weights to ensure ‘smart’ loading.
• Six dock levellers for taking container-loads.
• Axle weighing and scanning equipment – which allows pallets to be unloaded and weighed on the same movement.
• Scanning to capture top and bottom weight for even distribution of double deck trucks.

Palletforce, one of the UK’s leading exponents of palletised distribution networks, has expanded its senior management team with the appointment of David Holland as Sales and Marketing Director.  The appointment takes effect immediately, just ahead of the company’s move to its new state of the art hub at Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. 

David joins Palletforce from UPS Ltd, where he was responsible for developing the UK residential strategy through strategic partnerships.  This follows a 14 year career in the express parcel and freight distribution industry including directorships at LYNX Express / Business Express and senior positions with United Carriers and Parceline.

Commenting on his move to Palletforce, David explained: “This is a challenging role at the company and my main priorities will be supporting the Palletforce membership in identifying new business opportunities, maximising the incredible potential of the new hub and developing strategic and national account prospects for the company.

Specifically, I will be responsible for developing the Palletforce sales strategy, taking account of  current and future market and product demands, helping members in the management of regional sales plans, facilitating sales training, furthering the development of existing accounts and providing ‘hands on’ sales input with key strategic prospects.  It’s a very exciting opportunity, particularly as we move the business to the new hub with all its new facilities.”

Palletforce launched in 2001 as one of the UK’s earliest pioneers of palletised distribution networks, moves to its £30 million purpose-designed hub development in January.  Overlooking the A38, one of the country’s major road transport distribution arteries, the 379,400 square foot Palletforce hub with its ‘single warehouse’ concept has been designed to deliver a bespoke environment offering faster throughputs, a quicker turnaround of vehicles and a higher quality of operation. It is set to be the new flagship facility for the palletised distribution sector.

Commenting on the appointment, Chief Executive Officer, Michael Conroy said, “With the opening of the new hub, we are committed to a growth strategy.  Even in this challenging economic climate, David’s considerable experience will spearhead the drive to market leadership and I am delighted to welcome him to Palletforce.”