Spring 2007

Fortec, one of the longer-established pallet network operators, has moved from Rugby to a larger central hub depot on a 9.2-acre site alongside the M1 motorway at Watford Gap.

The new 140,000 sq ft facility is three times the size of its previous base. Managing director Rod Abrahams describes it as 'an enabler', explaining that it should be able to absorb at least five years' planned growth, handling up to 8,000 pallets a day. It should also accommodate a planned increase from the present 62 members to around 75.

Fortec has always pitched itself at the 'quality' end of the pallet business, resisting any instinct to pursue the volume market. 'We've not gone for volume for volume's sake,' says Abrahams. However, he adds: 'I firmly believe the market is continuing to grow.'

The company is owned by French-based Geodis, and therefore benefits from unusually strong capabilities on the international front (it serves 23 countries). It recently appointed a director to look after these activities, and Abrahams says eventually it should be able to take direct responsibility for some international trunking (currently handled by Geodis from its High Wycombe base).

IT also ranks high on Fortec's agenda. It recently introduced POD image scanning, and plans to launch a no-fuss online booking system later this year, allowing users to pay for collections by credit card. Also in the pipeline is a service provisionally named Fortec Secure, through which it hopes to encourage customers to use the service for high-value goods. 'Some businesses are currently reluctant to use pallet networks for these operations,' Abrahams says.