Merry Christmas for the pallet sector, but it remains cautious
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THE ASSOCIATION OF Pallet Networks (APN) has reported "positive Christmas volumes" across all pallet networks, but the industry continues to remain cautious about 2010.
Forted led the way in volume growth, telling CM that December 2009 volumes were up 11% on the previous year, while total 2009 volumes were 20% higher than in 2008. The network also says for each week in December there was record throughput.
For the same period, The Pallet Network (TPN)reported volume growth of 9%.
Despite the cold snap affecting deliveries, Palletline managing director Kevin Buchanan reveals that the network's December volumes were up 6% on 2008.
He explains: "We had a busy Christmas, and for the first time ever opened
between Christmas Day and New Years Day, as there was work members could pick up, which is promising considering the economic climate. However, we can't be sure how this year will pan out, so we continue to remain cautious."
Buchanan adds he is in talks with three firms looking to join from other networks.
TPN managing director Adam Leonard says: "I think the market is still unpredictable, so we will do as well as we can."