News

Pallet network Fortec has been given a vote of confidence by its parent company Geodis after getting the go-ahead for a £5m investment in a new 14,000m² hub and associated IT infrastructure.

The move is the biggest single spending programme in Fortec's 10-year history and will accommodate growth plans for the next five years and allow triple capacity, says the network. It is currently based on the Europark Estate near Rugby and will relocate to new premises near Watford Gap  after Easter.

Rod Abrahams, managing director of Fortec, says: "This multi-million pound investment in a new central hub, systems and facilities is without doubt a quantum leap for the business.

"The new site represents a huge step forward in the future development of Fortec and will enable the network to handle the forecast volume growth which is anticipated over the next few years."

The size of the new hub will enable the network to increase its membership from 61 to 75 licensees.

• Geodis increased turnover in 2006 by 5.3% to £2.6bn (€3.8bn) while operating profit grew to £72.4m (€106.4m).