A family-run haulier in Cheshire is marking 70 years in the logistics industry with a significant investment in new equipment.
Clark Transport Ltd, based in Widnes, has installed an automated pallet sorting line to improve efficiency, reduce the need for manual sorting and ensure more consistent quality.
Phil and Keith Clark
Supplied by Pallet Sorting Systems B.V., the new line will sort up to 400 reusable wooden pallets per hour on behalf of IPP, one of Europe’s leading pallet poolers.
The sorting line will make it quicker and easier for operators to identify pallets that require repairing before they can be reused.
It follows the purchase and installation of a pallet repair line and paint booth in 2021, with the addition of both machines helping to future-proof the business while also returning reusable pallets to the circular economy as quickly as possible.
Clark Transport, which was founded in 1953 and became the first partner depot of IPP UK&I 18 years ago, sorts and repairs between 45,000 and 50,000 pallets per week on behalf of the pallet pooler.
IPP, which is part of the Faber Group, provides reusable pallet and box pooling services across Europe for fast moving consumer goods and industrial supply chains.
Phil Clark, operations director at Clark Transport, said: “Our investment in this new sorting line will be of great benefit to all of IPP’s customers.
“By making a significant investment in this new machinery, we can make the tasks of sorting and repairing pallets much easier and quicker for our team, ensure more consistent quality and ultimately get reusable pallets back out on the road as soon as possible.
“We are committed to transforming our operation and want to reduce the amount of manual handling that is required by staff during the sorting and repair process.
“The key to our success and longevity as a business is our willingness to invest in and diversify our services, and we are very proud to be celebrating our 70th year in business in 2023.”
David Bage, operations director at IPP, said: “We are delighted that Clark Transport’s partnership with IPP has supported the growth and longevity of the business and to have played a role in helping it reach this impressive milestone.
“Its investments in the sorting and repair lines will have such a positive impact on our operation, ensuring pallets can be returned to us as fast as possible, and supporting our wider commitment to the circular economy.”
