Fortec and Palletways have recruited new members in a bid to strengthen their regional presences in a recovering economy.

Redditch logistics firm S Walker Transport is the latest recruit to Palletways, whilst Fortec has signed up Eminence Logistics and Boxley Haulage to its network.

S Walker Transport will handle consignments for Palletways ranging from single pallet loads to large scale hauls. It will cover selected B and CV postcodes in the Birmingham and Coventry areas. The family run business, which was launched in 1990, boasts a 40-strong Scania fleet with 60 employees.

Luis Zubialde, Palletways UK MD, said its decision to take on new members was driven by the economic recovery and a desire to strengthen the network’s presence in the Midlands.

“Demand for our palletised freight services has risen rapidly over recent months as the global economy continues its recovery and I look forward to utilising S Walker’s experience to grow our business even further in the Midlands region.”

Stephanie Walker, principal at S Walker Transport, said the move would open up new opportunities to the firm. She said: “We are delighted to be a fully-fledged Palletways member and excited with the opportunities that being part of Europe’s largest express palletised freight network affords.”

Fortec said its decision to appoint Eminence Logistics and Boxley Haulage was part of a wider strategy to build a competitive edge over its rivals.

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Eminence Logistics, based near Maidstone, has experienced rapid growth since its launch in 2012. It currently operates three warehouses with a total space of 30,000ft², and 12 vehicles. The company will cover parts of Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Uckfield for Fortec.

MD Colin Burman said the company chose Fortec because of its “cultural fit” and its commitment to customer service. He said: “I want high levels of customer service – this is paramount, the number one factor in our choosing Fortec above rival networks.”

Boxley Haulage was established in 2013. It operates a fleet of 12 vehicles including seven artics and five rigids and employs 25 staff. It is currently looking to move to larger premises in the Gravesend or Medway area.

Paul Searing, operations director, said the company had not belonged to a pallet network before. He added: “We had considered a few different networks but there were a few reasons we signed to Fortec. Their offering was the most suitable for my needs and I had heard really excellent things about them word-of-mouth through my contacts in the transport industry.”

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