Pall-Ex to Unify UK Networks Under Single Brand by 2026

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Leading logistics firm Pall-Ex Group is set to consolidate its UK operations under a single brand from January 2026. The move marks the culmination of a strategic integration process following its 2020 acquisition of Fortec Distribution Network. The company aims to streamline its structure, improve efficiency, and boost competitiveness across the UK palletised freight sector.

The transition, announced as part of Pall-Ex’s long-term growth strategy, will see all shareholder members operate under one unified network. Operations will be managed from the company’s new national hub in Leicestershire, supported by two regional facilities: the Northern Hub in Rochdale and a second site at Watford Gap, Northamptonshire. Members will be assigned to hubs based on their geographic location, a move the company says will reduce delays, optimise freight flow, and enable greater capacity at key sites.

To support the shift, Pall-Ex has already invested £200,000 into improvements at the Watford Gap Hub and bolstered its operations team in anticipation of increased freight volumes. The integration is underpinned by the rollout of Nexus, the group’s centralised operating platform, designed to enhance tracking, performance monitoring, and coordination across its expanding network. In addition, a reconfiguration of service territories has been implemented to increase drop density and route efficiency.

Barry Byers, Chief Operating Officer of Pall-Ex Group, explained that acquiring Fortec was never a simple takeover, but a calculated step towards expanding hub capacity, consolidating market share, and futureproofing the business. “This merger allows us to offer a more agile and responsive service across the UK,” Byers said, emphasising that customers would benefit from faster deliveries and stronger regional support.

In parallel, the group has continued investing heavily in infrastructure. It’s a £80 million project in Leicestershire, developing a 408,000 square foot Centre of Excellence, which is expected to become the firm’s central base of operations. Once operational, it will serve not only as a national hub for pallet distribution but as a cornerstone of Pall-Ex’s warehousing and fulfilment operations.

Beyond its traditional freight model, Pall-Ex Group has been expanding into storage and fulfilment services through a UK-wide network of local facilities. These are supported by a bespoke Warehouse Management System (WMS), allowing seamless inventory handling and tighter integration with its core logistics network.

The company has stated that the consolidation is key to keeping operating costs in check and ensuring long-term resilience in a competitive logistics landscape. As rising costs and market pressures test businesses across the sector, Pall-Ex’s proactive approach to modernisation and integration sets a strong example of strategic thinking and operational discipline.

By bringing together its networks under one cohesive brand, Pall-Ex is positioning itself for continued growth while reinforcing its reputation as a major player in the UK’s freight and distribution industry.