Scottish pallets giant ramps up presence in England via acquisition

Scott Group has increased its presence south of the Border after securing the “strategic” acquisition of Bedfordshire-based business Direct Pallets.

Kevin McNeilly, managing director at Scott Pallets reconditioned business unit, brothers Shaun and Kevin McBride; Alan Gibson, managing director at Scott Pallets.

The Scottish group said the deal, for an undisclosed sum, would deliver additional reconditioned pallet capacity in the “prime industrial areas” around Luton and beyond. The £7 million Direct Pallets business supplies some 30,000 reconditioned pallets per week.

Kevin McNeilly, managing director of Scott Pallets reconditioned business unit, said: “Direct Pallets is a well-invested business, and the exceptional five-acre site complements our growing national network, so the fit was good.

“Our combined companies will deliver enhanced security of supply through access to our well-established pallet supply chain.”

Direct Pallets was founded in 1997, and like Scott Pallets is a family-owned business. Its 40 employees will transfer across to Scott Pallets and the business will trade as Scott Pallets with immediate effect. Scott Group was founded in 1987 and has some 1,000 staff.

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