HRH The Princess Royal officially opened the UK’s single largest palletised distribution Hub at Burton-upon-Trent on Monday, September 28.

To watch a video presentation from the official opening please click here.

The Princess Royal, who is an honorary member of the Road Haulage Association, visited the £30million Palletforce Hub in recognition of the transport network’s phenomenal success. 

During her visit The Princess was given a guided tour to see how Palletforce’s distribution Hub acts as a nerve centre for the overnight delivery of palletised goods across the UK and Europe. More than 220 guests, including Palletforce shareholder members and customers, celebrated the official opening of the Hub, which is a significant milestone in the network’s eight-year growth. From humble beginnings in 2001, Palletforce has built a unique member-owned network of 86 haulage companies, which work together to offer cost effective and environmentally efficient distribution for many major brands and high street retailers.

The Princess Royal was able to see how Palletforce has grown from operating out of a World War II aircraft hangar to building a state-of-the-art distribution hub, which now leads the way in the palletised distribution sector.

Palletforce Chief Executive Officer Michael Conroy said: “This was a momentous occasion for Palletforce. The opening of the £30million Palletforce Hub is the culmination of years of hard work and is a tribute to the commitment of our members and staff.

“At a time when other businesses are downsizing, Palletforce is travelling forward and flying the flag for British entrepreneurial spirit.”

As part of the visit The Princess Royal looked at vintage heavy goods vehicles on display that belong to Palletforce shareholder members.

Amongst the guests were the High Sheriff of Staffordshire Richard Haszard, Chairman of Staffordshire County Council Rex Roberts OBE, Mayor of the Borough of East Staffordshire Geoffrey Morrison, and other dignitaries.

The Princess unveiled a commemorative plaque in the Hub and a posy of flowers was presented to her by Harriet Conroy, from Stratford-upon-Avon, who is daughter of Palletforce CEO Michael Conroy.

Michael added: “We are very proud of our staff and members who have all contributed to the growth and success of the network and deserve this recognition.

“It is especially thrilling as The Princess Royal is an honorary member of the Road Haulage Association, which provides dedicated support to the haulage industry.”

The powerful distribution network is made up of 86 shareholder members and 100 depots based across the UK – stretching from Inverness to Truro, together they serve thousands of customers.