Michael Conroy

Palletforce has launched a direct Italian service after appointing Italy's One Express as its strategic partner.

The tie-up between Palletforce and Bologna-based One Express was formalised this month and results in a combined network of 174 depots handling about 4 million pallets.

It is the first direct network-to-network collaboration in Europe for Palletforce.

"This new partnership follows the blueprint for our European strategy of aligning ourselves to country-leading pallet networks to create a significant European footprint," says Palletforce CEO Michael Conroy.

"We specifically selected One Express as our Italian partners as they share the same values and operate in a similar way to Palletforce, offering a quality and value service for all, and we are excited at this new direction we are heading in together," he adds.

The new Italian service from Palletforce includes day-definite delivery and daily direct departures.

"Our members are able to access the same services as their UK offering through Palletforce's existing IT platform Alliance, allowing them to take advantage of the expansion opportunities in Europe," Conroy says.

Earlier this year, Palletforce appointed a new European development director, John Mckail, to enhance its European coverage.

Separately, Palletforce has welcomed the new intake to its Apprenticeship Training Academy where youth will learn practical skills and obtain a forklift driving licence.

As new trainees join the academy, two apprentices have just graduated and are now working full-time as night shift forklift drivers at Palletforce's hub in Burton-upon-Trent.

Palletforce, founded in 2001, claims to be the UK and Europe's leading member-owned pallet network.