GROWING demand has seen a Bradford-based haulage firm substantially expand its warehousing capacity and increase its vehicle fleet.

Low Moor-based Peckover Transport Services Ltd has invested more than £200,000 in a new 74,000 sq ft pallet storage warehouse close to the motorway network.

The computerised operation has been equipped with high bay racking, dock levellers and container specification forklift equipment.

Combined with its head office in Low Moor it means Peckover has nearly 100,000 sq ft of storage space.

It can now offer free standing space for non-stackable delicate items and more than 5,000 racked pallet spaces, with the potential to expand to more than 15,000 spaces.

Managing director Richard Clayton said: ‘This is the next step in our expansion plans. Over the last couple of years, through a ‘results, not excuses’ approach, our transport and haulage operation has nearly doubled in size.

“The opening of our new warehousing and storage site is a significant investment. We have outgrown our current site, which we had built six years ago. We are looking to the future with confidence and our aim is to stay as a major player in the haulage and warehousing sector.”

Scott Broadfoot, operations director, added: “This is a first class facility and something to be proud of. We now have fully barcoded scanning software that will cut out human error and ensure accuracy. New and existing clients will have online access to our web-based state-of-the-art warehouse management system. This will enable all customers to know what they have in stock, at any time of the day or night and from anywhere in the world.”

Peckover, whose clients include defence food and retail companies, is also investing around £250,000 in 10 new trailers, due for delivery next month.

Over the past two years Peckover’s turnover has grown from £3.3 million to £5.3 million .It has a fleet of around 40 vehicles of various types and sizes and employs 55 staff.

Peckover was established in 1981, working from small premises on Peckover St, in Little Germany, Bradford.

Meanwhile, another Bradford haulier has become the latest firm to join Palletways, Europe’s largest and fastest growing palletised freight network.

P.D. Bannister Haulage Ltd, based at West Yorkshire Industrial Estate, Weaverthorpe Road, is a family owned business founded in 1973 as a milk round and parcel delivery service.

Peter Thrower, company principal, said: “We are delighted to be a fully-fledged Palletways member and are excited with the opportunities that being part of Europe’s largest palletised freight network affords us to develop the business.”