Business, Freight News, Logistics, Road

Andy Crane Transport celebrates 25 years in business

[ December 9, 2011   //   Chris ]

The Sandhurst-based Palletforce member celebrates its 25^th anniversary this year and is planning a move to bigger premises and an expansion into warehousing and storage.

“When ACT moved to its current operating base they had just added additional vehicles to the 14 strong fleet, however there was still more space than we needed so growth was our target.” said General Manager Stuart Ward.

But that was more than 10 years ago and now with a fleet of more than 20 vehicles space is at a premium, so a move to larger premises with purpose-built warehousing is on the horizon.

ACT started life in 1986 as one man and his van. The operation has grown organically over the years to currently employ 32 staff and drivers working on its own account customers, its network deliveries and contract vehicles.

In 2002 ACT became a founder member of Palletforce, the UK’s leading palletised distribution network.

“We had worked with other networks previously but we found the Palletforce ethos suited us and our customers, it’s a quality thing,” said Stuart.

According to Stuart they have survived 25 years in a tough market and weathered two recessions by ‘being reliable’ and building a solid reputation based on a quality service.

“We do a good job and customers know they can rely on us,” he said.

“This is very much down to the willingness of all our staff to go the extra mile to help our customers.

“That’s why we have just added two more vehicles to our customer Rudridge Ltd’s fleet, Rudridge supply groundwork materials throughout the country.”

ACT is also involved in the local community and has supplied vehicles and trailers to be used as floats in carnivals and fetes across Surrey, Hants and Berkshire.

Stuart never has a problem finding willing staff volunteers to drive these vehicles unpaid and ACT trailers have been used as stages at charity events, including last year for the world champion Tug of War team from Sandhurst.

Michael Conroy, Chief Executive of Palletforce, said: “Andy Crane Transport inspires loyalty in their customers and proves that good service is what counts in this business.

“Twenty five years is a brilliant achievement and with more plans for diversification and expansion their future looks exciting.”