PALLETFORCE

FOR a haulage firm that started life with just a horse and cart, what better way to celebrate how far they have come in 85 years than with a commemorative lorry.

Fagan and Whalley, based at Shuttleworth Mead Business Park, Padiham, began life delivering coal around Hapton village near Burnley using a horse and cart.

Over time the firm grew – working for the Ministry of Defence during World War II, serving a booming Lancashire textile industry in the pre-war period and becoming a founding member of Palletforce, the UK’s leading palletised distribution network in 2001.

Now, to celebrate its 85^th year the family-run firm has unveiled a R440 Scania 6x2 44 ton GVW tractor unit in a livery to celebrate that milestone.

“We wanted to keep our traditional and instantly recognisable colour scheme while offering something that would stand out,” said Commercial Director Sam Fagan.

“We feel this special livery is a fitting tribute to the 85 successful years we have been in business while also promoting out thinking as an innovative and market-leading operation.”

The vehicle will be driven by long-serving employee Adam Walne and will be engaged on both national and international operations.

From humble roots Fagan and Whalley has grown to become an internationally recognised operator running a fleet of more than 120 vehicles across the UK and Europe. Palletforce has been a key part in the success and will continue to be a key part of the future of Fagan and Whalley.

“This is a fantastic milestone for Fagan and Whalley and shows what can be achieved through hard work and entrepreneurial spirit and we are extremely proud to work with Fagan and Whalley,” said Palletforce Chief Executive Michael Conroy.

“The 85^th anniversary livery looks brilliant and is a great way to spread the word that this is a company with a long history and a bright future.”