Palletforce invests £20m in ‘superhub’
BURTON-upon-Trent distribution plc Palletforce has announced further investment in its business with plans to open a new ‘superhub’ at its headquarters.
When complete, the 620,000 sq ft development will be the biggest of its kind in Europe, capable of processing in excess of 30,000 pallets per night for distribution across the UK and the Continent.
Currently Palletforce runs its 24-hour logistics operation from a 380,000 sq ft distribution centre in Burton, which was built in 2009.
A second 240,000 sq ft facility will be built on an adjacent 38-acre site, and is expected to go online in early 2017, taking the company’s total investment in its national distribution hub to £50m.
The move sees the first major project from new owners EmergeVest as part of its pledge to invest in the future growth and success of the Palletforce network.
The announcement was made at the inaugural General Meeting of Palletforce’s 88 member companies, held at the Hilton St George’s Park in Burton.
Chief executive officer Michael Conroy told members the superhub would ensure capacity for the next ten to 15 years, and would be a cornerstone of the company’s growth strategy.
“Palletforce is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2016 and we have come a long way in a very short space of time,” he said.
“The SuperHub is testament to our long-term investment in the business.
Last week’s general meeting was the first since the company’s shareholding was taken over by global investment firm EmergeVest in a £30m acquisition last year.
