Sussex haulier boosts volumes after self-building new headquarters

Steve Ellis, founder and MD of Pallet-Track member Prestige Distribution has seen volumes grow after self-building the company’s new headquarters in Horsham.

Ellis (pictured centre with daughter Katie and son Michael) bought a nine-acre plot of land as his company expanded and has recently completed the construction of offices and a warehouse on the site which can hold 300 pallets.

The family-run company said this week that the £1.8m investment has helped boost volumes at the business, with most of its work coming via Pallet-Track.

The firm is also investing in its fleet as demand grows. It recently took delivery of one 14-tonne DAF and is also awaiting the delivery of a further two tractors units at the end of the year. The business is also currently testing electric forklifts with a view to further investment.

Katie, 25, and  Mchael, 23, play integral roles in the business. Both are qualified Class 1 HGV drivers, with Michael passing his test in April and Katie also holding the Road Haulage CPC for transport managers.

Katie Ellis said: “After many years of renting, it’s fantastic to have our own premises – and my dad built it all. It’s a fantastic achievement and he really had the vision for what he wanted to do.

“We are a proud family business and my brother and me have followed in my dad’s footsteps. I passed my Class 1 aged 19 and have spent many shifts night trunking. It’s fantastic that my brother has passed his Class 1 as well.”

“We just outgrew our last home and with Pallet-Track growing so quickly, we really needed the extra yard and warehouse space,” she added.

“We’ve made a couple of moves over the life of the business and it’s great to be able to put down roots in a place of our own.”

Caroline Green, chief executive of Pallet-Track, added: “We’ve often said that in a market based on small margins, service is our biggest differentiator and a huge reason why our network is so successful.

“The dedication and diligence of Steve and his family at Prestige has made them a real success story and the fact they built their own premises from scratch is a remarkable achievement.

“We wish them every ongoing success as they continue to grow with us.”