The Fortec Pallet Network has sustained growth levels in the first half of the year and has continued to invest significantly in IT systems and the recruitment of quality executives to support its 67-strong licensee network.
Fortec's commercial ties to its parent company Geodis have continued to grow closer than ever before, resulting in a major increase in tender invitations for corporate accounts which have subsequently benefitted volumes.
The Fortec/Geodis service offering to customers is now a true one stop shop embracing pallets to parcels through air, sea and road throughout the UK, Europe and worldwide. This has resulted in a significant impact with Fortec comfortably maintaining 20 per cent growth year on year.
Fortec invested heavily in IT systems in 2009 and the clear message from Managing Director Neil Hodgson is that the company will continue to invest in its IT programme to position the company at the leading edge of IT in the pallet industry. This strategy supports Fortec's Investors in Excellence philosophy.
Indeed continued IT expenditure and four new high calibre executives joining the team is evidence of Fortec's commitment to a continued investment strategy.
Neil Hodgson also stressed that Fortec will continue to be a quality driven pallet network and although sales growth is important there is no pressure to hit volume targets. "We don't want to grow volume for volume sake" he said.
"We aim to work smarter and licensee profitability is a high priority."
Fortec is also currently reviewing its West Midlands presence, partly fuelled by the new Fortec Birmingham regional depot that will help the pallet network to expand in the region.
The new facility may also lead to the appointment of new licensees in the West Midlands, says Hodgson: "We are always on the lookout for quality licensees.
"The new Birmingham depot is part of our overall strategy to have representation in all the major areas of the UK," he added.
The objective he said is to have Fortec regional hubs and Geodis sites in all areas of the country in the future as the Fortec/Geodis combined pallets to parcels logistics force continues to expand.