Pallet network Pall-Ex celebrated its 10th birthday on Saturday night with a dinner for 400 at the super smart Celtic Manor Hotel in Wales. Hilary Devey, managing director, recalled the first night on November 20 1996 when, operating from a pre-fabricated building, the network delivered 117 pallets. The network has grown at rates of more than 100% a year and now, says Hilary, it is still seeing grwoth of 25%. Pall-Ex has is now acquiring more land adjoining the hub, for a 150,000 sq ft warehouse.
At the dinner she paid tribute to all the original members and also made a special Award to Paul Shaw of Leach Distribution, who has won the depot of the year award three times. Hilary also presented a cheque for £14,680 to industry charity Transaid, being the money raised through donating a penny a pallet to Transaid and also through collections at the dinner.
Hilary is one of the most prominent people in the whole industry and has fought hard to make Pall-Ex the success it has become. It has become probably the best known name in the pallet industry surpassing those who moved into the market earlier. It also has a extremely impressive hub that is a testiment to it professionalism.