Palletways delivers new jobs with depot launch

Staffordshire-based transport company Palletways has expanded its operations with the opening of a new depot.

The move, which is creating five jobs at the Dartford depot in Kent, is the latest success for the Lichfield business.

This month, the firm announced a seven per cent growth in group turnover. The new base joins existing facilities in Edinburgh, Oxford and London, as well as the firm's headquarters in Fradley Park. Bosses say it marks a significant milestone in the company's plans for growth.

The new depot will see the business collect and deliver small consignments of freight to customers in Dartford and Bromley for onwards delivery in the UK, Ireland, the Benelux countries, Denmark, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Italy.

The total number of employees at the depot will be 14, with some staff moving from other bases.

Managing director Andy Turner said: "The move to open a new depot in Dartford is part of a wider national and international growth strategy.

"Over the years, we have built a very efficient delivery network, and Dartford presented a number of good business opportunities which would allow us to replicate the success we've had in other parts of the UK and mainland Europe."

Palletways, which was set up in 1994, claims to be Europe's largest distribution network for palletised freight.

It has 300-plus depots, delivering 3.5 million pallets a year throughout the UK and nearly two million pallets a year in mainland Europe.

The firm's distribution networks in the UK and mainland Europe are supported by an integrated IT infrastructure, which allows customers to track consignments using the internet.

Last month, the firm, which employs 200 people, unveiled a new two-day delivery service to Germany.

The premium-plus service now delivers direct to Germany in 48 hours via the company's recently established hub in Homberg. Previously Palletways offered a 72-hour service via Holland.