A Pallet-Track logistics specialist has gained one of the sector’s highest professional distinctions after helping lead the company through a major hub relocation.
Anthony Ratchford, Head of Safety, Health, Environment and Quality at the Wolverhampton pallet network, has been named a Chartered Fellow by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
The accreditation is awarded to industry leaders who have gained peer recognition and made a significant impact through their work.
It follows a year of achievements for Mr Ratchford, including multiple award wins and the completion of the biggest project of his career.
He was named Colleague of the Year at the Pallet-Track Shareholder Gala for his role in the network’s move to a new Central Hub and headquarters at Waterways Business Park in Ettingshall.
The relocation saw Pallet-Track move its operations from Titan Distribution Centre in Millfields Road to a new campus more than double the size of its previous site.
Mr Ratchford said: “The large-scale relocation required a phased transition to ensure minimal disruption to our team and operations, with eight phases meticulously planned and executed to keep the network operating as usual.
“Despite the project’s scale and complexity, and the need for a seamless transition for our team and shareholder members, we experienced only a handful of challenges during the process.
“This was a once-in-a-career opportunity, and I am proud to have played a key role in the project while also achieving such a successful transition.
“It’s been an exciting period of growth for Pallet-Track and a real achievement to have my work recognised through both the Colleague of the Year Award and as a Chartered Fellow.”
Stuart Godman, CEO at Pallet-Track, said Mr Ratchford had continued to impress since joining the business in 2021 as National Operations Manager.
He said: “He made an exceptional contribution to our site move by taking ownership of key activities and was instrumental in making the transition as smooth as possible.
“His positive attitude, teamwork and dedication have had a lasting impact and truly exemplifies our values as a business.
“Anthony goes above and beyond in every aspect of his role and, as a team, we congratulate him on these well-earned achievements.”
Following the move to Waterways Business Park, Mr Ratchford also completed a Chartered Management Business Degree.
He credited the support of Mr Godman, Chief Operating Officer Gary Oliver and Project Manager Peter Louden with helping him succeed both at work and in his studies.
Mr Ratchford said: “Studying for my degree has broadened my skills, helping me to gain a wider view of the business by strengthening my ability to work cross-functionally.
“I really value the support and encouragement of the senior leadership team and having a greater understanding of all areas of the business will prove vital as we implement new projects in the year ahead.”
During his time at Pallet-Track, Mr Ratchford has also completed further qualifications, including a Certificate of Professional Competence licence and the health, safety and environmental NEBOSH qualification.
He has also helped drive the network’s work on warehouse safety, including the development and installation of AI technology for forklift trucks.
The system, described by the company as a UK first, can analyse issues including harsh braking and detect when a driver is feeling drowsy.
The technology was named Safety in Logistics Initiative of the Year at Logistics UK’s Logistics Awards 2025.