IPP has established a new service center to serve as the platform for further growth in the UK south east. The strategically located facility in Grays, Essex which will process more than half a million reusable pallets within the first year. This site is an addition to the company’s existing network which include the £2.5 million fully-automated repair and repatriation center at Bardon Hill, Leicestershire. That operation processes in excess of 700 pallets per hour – a capacity of six million each year.
The new pallet inspection and repair service center, which began operations in the summer, is operated by S&R Smith and Son Logistics, a long-standing south east distribution specialist and transport partner for IPP who has also gained much experience in operating circular economy models.
Located next to the Thames, the service center will support IPP’s growth having the capacity to inspect and repair more than 1.3 million pallets per year.
“Sustainability has always been at the heart of what we do and this move illustrates our commitment to increasing reuse and efficiency as well as reducing waste,” stated Phil Storer, UK & Ireland director of IPP.
“With the ability to process well over a million pallets per year, we can increasingly use this facility to apply our popular circular economy model to even greater effect across the supply chain,” he added. “This location is perfectly located for south east users and represents a major investment in IPP’s future growth.”
“Our history is in the London area, launching in 1949 with just two ridged flat back vehicles, and we have grown from a small family-owned start-up to an established and reputable logistics firm,” stated Lee Smith, the third-generation owner of S&R Smith and Son Logistics.
“Working alongside IPP will be a unique opportunity for both businesses, as we work together to deliver top-level supply chain management solutions. Similarly to IPP, we are a business which strives for true efficiency across the board, and operating this service centre enables us to make the best use of our resources.
“We’re always eager to continue evolving as a business and I’m looking forward to seeing our professional relationship flourish over the coming years.”
For more information on S&R Smith and Son Logistics, visit www.sr-smith.com.