Mars Jones joins the Pallet-Track network
Near-century-old North Wales logistics firm Mars Jones has outlined its significant ambitions for growth after joining the Pallet-Track network – a move which has already created 10 new jobs.
Mars Jones is aiming to open a third warehouse to complement existing premises in Flintshire and Deeside, as part of its drive to become the biggest and best operator in its area.
First established in 1924, the company specialises in distribution, warehousing and storage, contract packing and assembly in the food and drink and mobility equipment industries among others.
Generations of the Mars-Jones family grew the business over 96 years before selling to experienced transport operators Chris Flynn and Paul Newton in December 2020.
The company, which counts Tate & Lyle and Irish dairy firm Ornua among its customers, also boasts accreditation from the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) and the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
One-stop shop
Explaining the reasons behind joining Pallet-Track, Imogen Watson-May, general operations manager at Mars Jones, said: “Essentially, we understood there is a requirement for our customers for a network function and we want to be a one-stop shop.
“Having dealt with other networks in the past they didn’t tick all the boxes that Pallet-Track did.
“The tracking systems and the support we have already received is second to none and we love the idea of the KPIs each depot has to adhere to. It means every pallet we send should receive first-class service.
“We have been a member of several different networks over the years, but none suited our business profile and had the same ethos as us.”
Imogen said growth was very much on the agenda for Mars Jones, with the Pallet-Track membership playing a vital part.
“We want to grow, we want to be the biggest and best operator in our area. We are expanding our storage facility and looking for a third depot in the not-so-distant future,” she added.
“We have 57 staff and joining Pallet-Track has helped us create around 10 new jobs.
“We’re really pleased and excited to have started with Pallet-Track. We’re sure it will take us to the next level and we are looking forward to a lengthy partnership.”
Expanding into Wales
Stuart Godman, chief executive of Pallet-Track, said: “We’re delighted to be expanding our footprint even further into Wales, with Mars Jones following Swansea’s Hall Brothers Ltd into our growing network.
“It’s equally pleasing for us to be enabling the creation of new jobs at Mars Jones, which is an exceptionally well-run and ambitious company. We look forward to a long working relationship.”
For more information about Mars Jones, visit its website.
