PALLET_TRACK_Northern Hub_launch. Mark Pulford and Wigan councillor David Molyneux

Mark Pulford, logistics director for Pallet-track (left) with Cllr David Molyneux, deputy leader of Wigan Council

Pallet-Track will open a £10m northern hub at Ashton-in-Makerfield, Greater Manchester, next week.

The pallet network said the regional hub, which officially opens on Monday 7 August, has created 20 jobs although more are expected as volumes at the site build over time.

The 70,000ft² hub will improve efficiency within the network in regards to loads for the North and Scotland, taking some of the pressure off its 276,000ft² central hub in Wolverhampton.

Pallet-Track said the move would benefit around 30 of its 80-plus haulier members directly, reducing long hauls and empty running.

David Molyneux, deputy leader of Wigan Council, said: “Inward investment is always welcome in Wigan Borough and we are delighted that Pallet-Track has selected our region for its new northern hub.

“It’s also great to see the company is thinking long term; not only for greater employment opportunities, but also in terms of reducing the environmental impact of its operations and the sustainability of the hub-and-spoke model serving the north of the UK.”

Nigel Parkes, MD of Pallet-Track, said: “This is our first stand-alone hub development in the north of England which is important because it secures our future development in this important region and allows us to manage volumes and flow in a more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly way."

As well as its central hub, Pallet-Track has two regional hubs in Belshill in Scotland and Welwyn Garden City.

In January the network bought Redhill, Surrey-based Horley Road Services.

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