Fortec Distribution Network looks to the North in eco-friendly move

One of the UK's leading pallet distribution networks is expanding its infrastructure with the opening of a regional hub to serve the north of England.

The Fortec Distribution Network specialises in time-critical national and international pallet distribution. The company, part of the French-based logistics leader Geodis, currently operates from its Watford Gap base in Northamptonshire.

On May 16th the company will open the new regional hub in Warrington, Cheshire, creating new jobs and boosting the capacity of the operation.

Furthermore, the move into the north-west means the green credentials of Fortec will also be boosted, with drivers spending less time on the road, cutting CO2 emissions.

Fortec's pallet distribution service allows its 65 licensees to conduct business as palletised operators.  

At the time of the opening, 14 licensees will operate from the new centre in Warrington.

The company distributes thousands of pallets containing goods for customers from a range of industries around the UK and mainland Europe every day.

The news of the imminent opening of the northern base comes hot on the heels of the appointment of a Regional Commercial Manager for the North.

Neil Kinnear, who joined Fortec last year from FedEx, said: "Our new regional base heralds a totally new concept for Fortec and it follows a huge upturn in business in the north.

"Last year 17 per cent of Fortec's volume came from the north. We're now looking at around 22 per cent, which is well ahead of plan for 2011.  

"This new northern base forms part of Fortec's growth strategy, as well it being as a green initiative, and we're delighted to see business booming."

Despite the extreme winter weather and difficult economic conditions in 2010 the Fortec Distribution Network enjoyed growth, with total volumes of traffic up by 19 per cent.

The company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the French-based global logistics solutions provider Geodis, is positioned at the quality end of the pallet market, providing an unparalleled service with speedy and efficient handling and minimal damage to goods.

The heart of Fortec's operation will remain at the 140,000 square-foot hub in Northamptonshire, near to both the M1 and M6, where state-of-the-art equipment enables all palletised goods to be tracked, scanned and monitored at all stages of the distribution process.