Fife industrial supplies group moves to expand UK footprint

Fife pallets, packaging and workwear supplies firm Scott Group has expanded its UK market presence with its latest bolt-on acquisition.

The Dunfermline headquartered company, which is one of the region’s largest private sector employers with a workforce of more than 1,000 staff, has completed the takeover of South Yorkshire pallet provider Whirlowdale Trading Co (WTC).

Scott Group has three businesses operating in the sector – Scott Pallets, HLC and Pallet Logistics – and said the addition of WTC will give it extra operational capacity and capability nationally, particularly in the reconditioned business.

In addition to its headquarters in Rotherham, WTC operates from six other sites in Burton, Rainham, Sedgefield, Birtley, Lincoln and Castleford.

Its 85-strong staff are understood to have transferred to Scott Group.

“The combined businesses will deliver enhanced security of supply through access to our exceptionally well established, diverse and controlled reconditioned pallet supply chains,” Alan Gibson, Scott Pallets’ managing director, said.

“WTC is a well-invested business with a particular strength in reconditioned pallet trading and facilities including strategically located sites, automated pallet production facilities, all adding significant service capability to our current offer.”

The deal was supported by HSBC with BTO and Campbell Dallas acting as advisers to Scott Group, and BHP Corporate Finance and hlw Keeble Hawson advising WTC and its shareholders.

WTC owner Andrew Pearce joined Scott Group as a director on completion of the sale.

He said he was delighted to remain involved, adding: “Our combined range of pallet products and services, delivered nationally is exceptional.”

Scott Group was founded in 1987 and moved to its current location at Halbeath in 2010.

In 2014 it signed off on a multi-millionpound investment in its pallet manufacturing base at Burntisland.

The group acquired HLC Wood Products in 2015 and later bought over Northern Case of Ellesmere Port.