PALLETFORCE

PALLETFORCE has been recognised once again for its unparalleled approach to health and safety with a gold RoSPA award.

The UK’s leading palletised distribution network has been awarded the prestigious accolade from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents for the third consecutive year.

It became the first in the sector to achieve the gold award in 2010 and has continued to lead from the front ever since.

“With hundreds of vehicles and thousands of pallets of goods coming in and out of the world class hub every day it is a high risk environment,” said Ryan Birchnall, Health, Safety, Quality and Facilities Manager at Palletforce.

“Quality health and safety management systems are key to our operation and it is essential to get it right.”

PALLETFORCE member David Hathaway Transport Ltd has invested in a new depot as it expands its coverage for the Palletforce network.

The 14,500 sq ft depot in Swindon has created 10 jobs and will enable David Hathaway Transport to cover more areas for Palletforce.

"Although the market is still very competitive there are plenty of opportunities for companies to invest and grow," said Chris Hathaway, HR and Quality Director at David Hathaway Transport.

WHEN William Armstrong set up his transport firm Stanley Baldwin was Prime Minister and George V was on the throne.

Times have changed but Wm Armstrong – a founder member of Palletforce – is still going strong and is now run by the family’s third generation who will celebrate the company’s 85^th anniversary this year.

“My grandfather William started out in 1927 and a year later Nestlé came to Carlisle and asked him to transport their milk,” said Managing Director Jennifer Whyberd.

“In the thirties we then started working with the Milk Marketing Board and milk was really the backbone of the business.”

Milk and livestock were the origins of Wm Armstrong’s business and still play a big part today, one of its major customers is Meadowfoods in Chester and they still continue to work with Nestlé.