Palletforce, the UK's leading palletised distribution network, is officially amongst the 'crème de la crème' after being named as a finalist in the prestigious Motor Transport Awards 2011.

The company, which has achieved major growth and development in recent years, has been shortlisted in the MTA's Best Use of Technology category.

Dean Hughes, IT Director of Palletforce, welcomed the announcement saying: "These awards set standards of excellence that our whole industry looks to - and so we are delighted to have been recognised as one of the leaders in innovative technology.

"The dedication and vision of Palletforce staff and members has paid off and I would like to thank all those who have been involved in making our network the best there is." 

Palletforce is one of just three companies to have been shortlisted for the 2011 Best Use of Technology award and was recognised for its major new IT system called Alliance.

The network developed its bespoke Alliance IT system in 2010 to help its members gain a commercial advantage over competitors.

Alliance took a year to develop and involved a team of six IT staff led by Palletforce's IT Director Dean Hughes.

The resulting system can handle the end-to-end pallet lifecycle - from orders being placed to invoices being sent - as well as integrating with members' existing IT systems, thus ensuring Palletforce fits into a member's/customer's operation with minimal disruption.

The system represents a major step forward for the pallet sector - offering a bespoke and highly-effective way of harnessing the benefits of technology.

This latest announcement comes following a string of awards over the past two years, under the leadership of CEO Michael Conroy, and reinforces Palletforce's reputation for innovation and excellence.

The category winner will be announced at this year's Motor Transport Awards taking place on July 6, at The Grosvenor House, London.