Lombard Shipping invests in six new Fortec Pallet Distribution Network liveried vehicles

A national import export company which joined the Fortec Pallet Distribution Network six years ago has demonstrated its commitment to the partnership by investing in six new Fortec liveried trucks. Lombard Shipping, whose Fortec arm operates out of Ipswich and Liverpool, first joined the Network in 2004. In that time the company's pallet operation has steadily grown and now Lombard Shipping puts between 600 and 800 pallets into the Fortec network every week.

Simon Fraser, MD of Lombard Shipping, said: "We have an excellent relationship with Fortec. From day one a 'can-do' attitude prevailed throughout the team and its licensees. Like ourselves every licensee seeks to serve their network partners in exactly the same way they would want to be served themselves. Our regular meetings, and the accessibility of the Fortec management team and other licensee principals ensures an excellent flow of communication, innovative ideas and suggestions for ongoing service improvements.

"Fortec's IT system, upgraded last year, is already above the industry norm and as new functions are rolled out over 2011, Fortec will continue to achieve what other networks can only aspire to achieve." Lombard Shipping has taken delivery of one of the vehicles in Liverpool. By the end of December the company is expected to receive one more for Liverpool and another four in Ipswich.

Neil Hodgson, Managing Director of the Fortec Pallet Distribution Network, said: "During the past six years we have built up an excellent relationship with Simon Fraser and his team, and Lombard Shipping is a highly respected licensee within the Network. These days we are operating in an increasingly competitive market. To succeed in the market companies like Lombard Shipping and ourselves strive to constantly maintain a standard of service second to none an ethos expected of us by a network of 65 licensees and their customers. We are delighted with the investment in the six new vehicles which symbolises the strength of our partnership. We are looking forward to building upon that partnership in the years to come."

Lombard Shipping was established in 1987. As well as Ipswich and Liverpool the company also has bases in Dublin, Belfast and Huddersfield. The company's Fortec operation employs 22 staff in Liverpool and Ipswich and turnover as a direct result of the Network has grown by 1.8 million to 12 million a year.