United Pallet Network (UPN) has bucked the industry trend for falling volumes, claiming that last week was its busiest in relation to throughput in its eight-year history.
On 8 April, UPN had a throughput of 3,200 pallets – 39% higher than its average of 2,300 pallets per day.
Dave Brown, director at the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire-based firm, says: "The Easter break is historically our busiest time, but even we did not expect such an upsurge."
Brown claims the company has traditionally focused on quality business rather than high volumes and believes this may have attracted members from other networks who feel pressurised maintaining volumes.
In accordance the group expects its 60-strong membership to rise by the end of calendar year. For its financial year ending 31 March, it says turnover will increase by up to 20% on last year.
Meanwhile, rival pallet network Palletline also predicts member growth this year despite managing director Kevin Buchanan saying the average daily volumes are down to approximately 8,500 pallets from an average of 9,300 in 2008.
Finally Palletways (UK) Ltd, the principle subsidary of pan-European pallet network Palletways Group Limited, reported a growth in turnover of £17m for the twelve months ending 31 May 2008. Turnover stood at £122.8m with pre-tax profits up to £7.1m from £4.3m at the same point in 2007.
In its statement to Companies House the company said it would continue to concentrate on expansion to become the "European pallet network" of natural choice for palletised freight across the continent.
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