Wolverhampton's northstarr acquires UPN to create the largest UK pallet network

Technology-led logistics specialist northstarr Group has acquired United Pallet Network (UK) Ltd to create the UK’s largest national pallet network.

The Wolverhampton-headquartered group has added UPN to its fast growing portfolio of logistics businesses, which also includes Pallet-Track.

Together, the networks will handle more than 6.3 million pallets a year, with both brands continuing to operate as standalone networks with their own membership models.

UPN, founded in 2001 by Martyn Chapman, has more than 100 UK members. It operates a 300,000 sq ft SmartHUB near Lichfield, Staffordshire, and has its head office in Leicester.

The northstarr Group officially opened a new head office and a 405,000 sq ft central hub at Waterway Business Park, Wolverhampton, earlier this year as part of its ongoing expansion.

Stuart Godman, Group CEO at northstarr, which was established to offer tech-enabled flexible logistic solutions in an ever-changing market, said: “This is an exciting new chapter for the industry and a major step forward in our strategy, which shows the strength and ambition of our group.

“In a challenging economic climate, and with the pallet network landscape changing, size and scale matters. UPN is a high-quality, well-established and respected name in the industry, with loyal membership, strong service levels and excellent technology.

“Welcoming Dave Brown and the team to the northstarr family secures a strong future for both UPN and Pallet-Track by creating the largest and most robust pallet network in the UK.

“UPN and Pallet-Track will continue to run as independent networks, each retaining its own identity, and both will be stronger together for being part of the same family.

“Our latest acquisition follows an excellent year of trading and cements northstarr's position as a market-leading, asset-light, tech-enabled logistics leader.”

Dave Brown, managing director at UPN, said: “UPN has been built on the strength of our members and the service they deliver every night.

“Joining northstarr gives us the backing and the broader set of services to help our members grow their own businesses, while retaining the UPN brand, culture and service our members and customers value.

“We’re excited to be working with the northstarr team on the next chapter for UPN.”

The acquisition follows the announcement of multi-million-pound growth for northstarr, which also owns cloud-based transport management specialist Truckcom, flexible warehousing operation Sqrrl Solutions and 4PL road transport business X2.