West Yorkshire-based logistics company Expect Distribution have announced the acquisition of Pallet Plus, an established transport company, with an enviable reputation, based in the Essex area. This announcement comes as part of the ongoing growth plan for Expect as they seek to enhance their national presence.
Operating now from four sites within West Yorkshire and incorporating over 600,000 ft2 of warehousing, Expect continues to expand with the purchase of the £10million turnover business, based in Colchester. This acquisition will strengthen the group’s overall offering, expanding operations in the Southeast and solidifying its capabilities as a UK-wide logistics and warehousing company. Pallet Plus held real appeal for the Board at Expect: as a well-run and efficient distribution business, with a strong brand and modern fleet, long-term employed qualified drivers, an impressive IT infrastructure and – crucially - a culture and value-set that aligned and complemented that of Expect.
Established since 2005, Pallet Plus is a modern, family-run business providing national final mile distribution of palletised freight to and from the Essex region. Primarily a pallet network operator and a member of TPN, UPN and Palletways, Pallet Plus has a strong customer base in their immediate area which provides Expect with the opportunity to grow volume over the medium term and exploit existing synergies with current volume.
The acquisition of Pallet Plus, will see Expect Distribution’s turnover close to £60million, the workforce increase to 440 headcount and the combined transport fleet to include 190 vehicles
Managing director, Matthew Kilner commented on the news, “The fantastic reputation, dedication of the senior management team and drivers, operational capabilities and longstanding membership with three national pallet networks [The Pallet Network, UPN & Palletways], were more than enough for us to consider this acquisition. But beyond this, the cultural fit of the business was key. Pallet Plus are clearly a company punching above its weight and we are certain the two businesses will integrate seamlessly”.
Operations director and co-owner Andy Taylor added “With the purchase of Pallet Plus, we can not only significantly increase our presence in Southeast with an owned operation but also bolster the proposition, by expanding the transport side of the business and introducing, in the medium term, a new warehousing offering which has been an important growth area for us in Bradford over recent years. I’d personally like to thank the team at Pallet Plus, and we look forward to working with them, to take both businesses forward.”
Gary Rowe, the managing director at Pallet Plus also commented, “The acquisition by Expect Distribution is a significant milestone and marks an exciting new chapter for both companies. Together, we will combine our collective resources, cutting-edge technology, and industry knowledge to provide even greater value to our clients. As we embark on this journey, I want to express my gratitude to our loyal customers, dedicated employees, and valued partners.”
