Palletforce is powering its way into 2010 in style after clinching the ‘treble’ with three international standard awards.

The palletised distribution network has achieved accreditations for quality, safety and environmental excellence – by gaining the internationally recognised standards ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001 and ISO 14001.

“Palletforce leads the way in setting new industry standards and these accreditations show our commitment to driving excellence throughout our whole operation,” said Palletforce CEO Michael Conroy.

“Our strapline is ‘Work with the best’ and we believe there is no better network in terms of service and quality – these are the things that really count to customers who use Palletforce.”

Over the next year more companies than ever will be scrutinising the way they transport goods from place to place – in an effort to reduce their impact on the environment.

By its very nature, Palletforce helps cut unnecessary vehicle movements and has the flexibility to transport smaller consignments so can help to drastically reduce business costs and environmental impact.

Dave Holland, Palletforce Sales and Marketing Director, said the business has an exciting story to tell that is attracting new customers and members.

“In the current trading conditions, businesses are looking to save and many have been assessing their transport costs and systems.

“Palletforce’s shared user network offers a cost effective and flexible solution that is particularly attractive to environmentally responsible businesses – so it’s a win-win situation.”

Dave added: “We have seen a big increase in the number of retailers and manufacturers looking at this flexible palletised method of transport. We can offer them the flexibility of smaller consignments while still harnessing the economies of scale of a large distribution network.”

Palletforce takes its own Corporate Social Responsibility extremely seriously and, as well as achieving ISO standards, the network has helped to raise over £40,000 for the learning disability charity Mencap, over the last few months.

The money was raised by Palletforce CEO Michael Conroy and his good friend Allan Blakeley, from FedEx UK, who took part in a 463-mile walk from Newcastle-upon-Tyne to Launceston.

The money was topped up by an extra £10,000 during a charity auction at the Palletforce Annual General Meeting in January.

Mencap Regional Fundraising Manager Kelly Railton said: “We are absolutely delighted with the amount of money raised for Mencap and can’t thank Allan and Michael enough for their efforts and the support of Palletforce and FedEx.”

Innovation has also been at the forefront of the business and the network is particularly proud of its 400,000sq ft state-of-the-art Hub which celebrates its first anniversary in January 2010.

This really is the jewel in the crown of palletised distribution centres and its place as one of the finest in Europe was underlined when HRH The Princess Royal gave it her royal seal of approval by visiting in September.

The new facilities have been accompanied by innovation and the network is especially proud of its collaboration with Wilson Trailers to be the first in the distribution sector to use ‘Curtainclear®’.

This is the UK’s first step frame double deck giving unrestricted loading access. It allows curtains to fully clear the sides of the trailer all the way to the rear, giving operators and drivers full side access to both top and bottom decks to reduce health and safety issues, achieve full pay load and improve speed of access.

Palletforce plans to continue its innovation and growth in the future as more businesses understand the huge benefits palletised networks can bring. 

With a clutch of industry awards, the best Hub operational facilities in the UK and the treble ISO accreditation, the network is ‘one to watch’ in 2010.