The Wednesbury-based manufacturer has invested in 2-way pallet automation in a move that will not only increase capacity but will also help customers in the region meet their decarbonisation targets.
“At Nicklin we have continued to make major investments in our manufacturing plant in Wednesbury as we strive towards automated production, adapt to changing markets and move the business towards achieving our own long-term net zero aspirations,” said David Nicklin, chief executive officer.
“Over the past year we have invested in a new biomass plant as well as our first electric lorry, important steps in not just reducing our own carbon footprint but also that of our customers.
“The 2-way pallet market, which is dominated by the construction sector, has changed significantly in recent years with the ongoing trend of consolidation within the pallet sector and as more independent manufacturers and suppliers are acquired by larger operators, so the choice for customers has diminished.
“This investment will not only significantly increase our capacity but means that we are now the only West Midland’s pallet manufacturer with a 2-way pallet line.
“In tandem with our 4-way pallet automation, this means that our customers can source all their pallet requirements from us in the knowledge that they will get all the benefits of working with an experienced, independent company, as well as being able to reduce their carbon miles by sourcing their pallets from a local manufacturer.”
Nicklin’s recent investments totalling in its electric forklift fleet, biomass and first electric articulated lorry are testament to its own decarbonisation journey, which are key steps towards the company becoming carbon neutral by the end of 2025.
The biomass plant itself consumes all the timber waste generated on site – around 600 tonnes per year – removing around 4,000kg of C02 that would be generated transporting that waste to landfill.
“Nicklin is a proudly independent company that has been operating for more than 100 years with ambitions to become the greenest operator in our sector,” said Mr Nicklin. “The investments we are making are good for the planet and they are important to our customers, and we eventually aspire to becoming a business that is providing a net gain to the environment.”
