Vanda hauls freight company Palletways to the top

Vanda Roberts is celebrating 15 years with the same firm '“ which she has helped make part of Europe's largest and fastest-growing express palletised freight network.

Vanda Roberts, is celebrating 15 years with the company

She is general manager at Palletways Edinburgh and has overseen the transition of the business from a Scottish haulage company in the Capital which Palletways bought from administration in 2015 to create the business it is today.

She said: “Palletways’ acquisition enabled the business to continue to play a key role in the network by providing first-class express distribution services across Europe.

“It safeguarded the jobs of 100 employees and made sure it could carry on serving customers, including food and drink, building and agricultural sector companies, across Scotland and the United Kingdom.

“I’m really proud to have spent 15 years here with the company, working closely with many of the same members of staff, through all its change and playing a key role today in growing the business.”

The depot is soon to take delivery of six new Palletways Edinburgh-branded vehicles to further promote the business across the UK.

Palletways Edinburgh helped to move a record breaking 5.4 million pallets around the Palletways UK network in the biggest year for the freight network since its launch in 1994.

This year’s figure beat last year’s by around 300,000 pallets with significant input from members like Palletways Edinburgh.

Vanda added: “The industry has seen many changes over the last 15 years including the growth of technology, pricing and competition but with a strong and dedicated team and positive working ethos we continue to invest, learn and expand.”

Zac Brown, director of owned operations for Palletways UK, adds: “Vanda is much valued by the Palletways team. She’s been a stabilising influence for the Edinburgh team during a period of major change which led to a complete overhaul of the business.

“Her progression from the bottom to the top, working in every department, has been hugely beneficial. The business is now doing well and going from strength to strength. That’s largely down to Vanda’s leadership – so long may it continue.”

Palletways Edinburgh handles single pallet loads to large scale consignments and covers the EH postcode.

Today it operates from a site in Newtongrange and specialises in the express distribution of consignments ranging from a single pallet through to a full 27-tonne trailer load.