Gregory leads the way in Health & Safety with £100K investment in pallet operation

Drivers on Gregory Distribution’s South West pallet delivery network will see significant benefits from a £100K investment in semi electric pallet trucks.

The initiative is part of Gregory’s ongoing commitment to caring for its people and their health & safety, and was implemented in operations where pallet weights can reach up to a tonne. The new equipment is now available to all pallet delivery drivers in Shepton, Mallet, Cullompton, Willand and Plymouth depots and makes heavy pallets easier to manoeuvre. 

Gregory Operations and Business Culture Director, Darren Beaven said: “We have closely followed the responsible debate on pallet weights of 750kg and over on tail lifts and decided to trial some semi-electric pallet trucks to improve the safety aspect of moving them around.

“After some intensive trials we eventually found equipment that was fit for purpose.  The decision to make the investment was entirely health & safety driven.  It was not made because we had to but because we think it is the right thing to do.  Our drivers can now move up to a ton of palletised goods safely and securely.”

Gregory customer Fred Lawson was impressed with the new equipment after receiving a delivery of wood pellets.  He said: “I was pleased to see that our last pallet delivery used an electric pallet truck. Until now, we have unloaded the pallet in the road and carried the bags by hand to the store. Now it will save us a lot of time and effort.”

Driver Lee Broad, said: “The new equipment is excellent and has transformed the service we provide to our customers. We can now deliver pallets to places we couldn’t get to before.”  

Matt Fryer who drives both rigid and articulated trucks for Gregory said: “They reduce the chance of injury, I’ve no complaints with them.”

Darren Beaven added: “Not only have we made heavy pallets more manoeuvrable, the initiative has been very well received by customers and suppliers as they see that we are very health & safety conscious and we are looking after our drivers.”