PPS Specialists In Crate Hire Announce Acquisition Of TFA Box Company

PPS prepare for a new business venture with company also involved in RTE

25 May 2010

PPS Equipment Management Ltd, based in Measham in the Midlands (and known for their specialist services in crate hire) has announced its successful acquisition of the Grimsby based TFA Box Company that has a long history of supplying the East Coast fishing industry with a wide selection of plastic fish boxes plus collection and hygienic washing services.

PPS has built up a solid reputation in providing a very similar service connected with returnable transit equipment (RTE) and hygienic wash services – mainly plastic pallets and crates primarily to customers in the dairy, poultry and fresh produce sectors, where volumes tend to be much higher. They are delighted by this acquisition as this is considered a complementary business with many synergies to PPS and forms part of its strategic plan for controlled growth.

In 2009 the Directors of PPS began to investigate opportunities to expand their business, not only organically, but ambitiously towards a potential acquisition. Their attention was drawn to the TFA Box Company in Grimsby, whose business operations are very similar to those of PPS – both owned a fleet of returnable transit equipment, managed it on behalf of customers and washed the products. The only fundamental difference in the business model being that TFA operated exclusively in the fish industry, an industry segment where PPS had no previous involvement.

Following a number of meetings an agreement was finally reached with both sides acknowledging the many synergies of their respective operations. For PPS it provided an established and respected entry into a new market segment, whilst for TFA it provided investment and access to the special operational practises employed by PPS.

TFA Director Peter Davey commented, “TFA has been a key player within the Hull & Grimsby area for many years and has recognised that to continue to meet the growing expectations of our customers it was necessary to invest and upgrade current facilities. Therefore, the acquisition was timely and is certainly seen as a very positive move for all those involved, as PPS Equipment Management aim to take the company forward and invest in the business.

TFA management and all the staff will actively continue within the company and will shortly re-locate operations to new, modern premises on the Omega Industrial site in Grimsby. To increase the capacity at the new facility, operational staff from both sides are now working closely together to eventually install a large twin lane high volume wash line in the new plant and are looking to establish the same high wash standards as accredited to the PPS plant at Measham (ISO 22000:2005 – Safety in the Food Industry).”

PPS Equipment Management Director David Peggie reported, “We are delighted with this acquisition as it strengthens the position of PPS as we diversify with an established complementary and established business. TFA will continue to be strategically located in Grimsby to service the fishing industry and PPS will bring to them a wealth of experience in washing and equipment management as we look to grow the business.

We are also committed to expansion at the PPS – Measham site, as proven with the recent introduction of two new services. Two specialist repair services have been introduced for repair of plastic pallet boxes, pallets & trays, crate hire and also, metal roll cages as used in many logistical operations. Although other companies provide such a service we are the only company who use a mobile workshop – meaning we can undertake repairs on site.”

PPS Directors David Peggie and Iain McArthur will continue to drive both sites forward and are looking forward to reporting further controlled and strategic expansion in the future.

You can find out more about PPS Direct’ services via their website and contacting them either via their ‘Contact Us’ form or by calling 01530 515 333.

PPS is an established company that has many years experience within the Returnable Transit Equipment trade. To see how they can improve the efficiency of your business, visit ppsequipment.co.uk.