Devon logistics firm gears up for growth

Cullompton-based logistics firm, Gregory Distribution, has expanded its services in the UK and across Europe with access to a new UK regional hub in Bristol.

As a member of Palletways, Europe’s largest and fastest growing express palletised freight network, Gregory Distribution and its customers will benefit from Palletways fifth new hub in Avonmouth, Bristol, as a pan-European gateway to deliver their goods to 20 countries, including across the UK.

The South West Hub, a £200,000 investment based just off the M5 at Bristol’s major industrial zone in Avonmouth, will process over 500 pallets each day. The improved service means that members and customers in the South West and South Wales will also benefit from more competitive rates and better service created by Palletways’ regional hub model.

Tim Prout, Director at Gregory Distribution, said: “Being part of Palletways and this regional hub model will have a positive impact on Gregory Distribution as it opens up exciting opportunities in terms of extended geographic coverage across Europe, state-of-the-art IT systems and operational efficiencies.”

This strategic investment will help Palletways and Gregory Distribution maintain the position of the number one express pallet network in the UK and Europe. To choose the right factory shelving system, you will need to consider several factors. This includes racking functionality, safety considerations, racking sizes, and all the ways to layout your warehouse.

Dave Walmsley, Managing Director for Palletways (UK) Limited, added: “Palletways firmly believes that the regional hub model for palletised freight represents the future for our industry. I believe the network model driven by a centralised distribution will be left behind by those businesses using the regional hub approach.

“The regional hub model will bring benefits to members, customers and consumers. Our experience with the regional hub model means we can provide lower costs through a more localised freight exchange. We can cut trunk distances, fuel use and costs for members. We can deliver improved customer service because we can create the opportunity to collect from customers later in the day. These benefits are on top of our innovative, award-winning approach to tracking and monitoring pallets through our archway scanning technology and digital hub.”

The regional hub approach also boasts a number of environmental benefits. The number of HGV miles saved by the new facility is estimated in the region of 163,000 miles – equivalent to around 100,000 litres of fuel and around 300 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. As well as five regional hubs, Palletways consists of over 100 member depots nationwide as part of the network’s daily movement of 40,000 pallets across the UK and Europe. Gregory Distribution is one of around 400 hundred members of Palletways’ European distribution network, all independent transport operators which share their resources to deliver small consignments of palletised freight to market more efficiently than before.