Factory Tour in Pictures- Storage

Where do we store our equipment you may ask?

Here’s a tour around our storage areas.

We keep a wide variety of stock ranging from the product sample section to our new equipment for pooling as well as a constant flow of crates coming in and out of the factory.

Take a look at our storage spaces.

Our product sample section is used for equipment sample washes, customer trails and testing. 

This includes a range of stack/ nesting crates, dollys, pallet box inserts and collapsible trays. 

When dirty crates are delivered they are stored for a short period of time before being washed in our BRC accredited wash plant.

Here at PPS we operate at a fast moving pace to clean and dispatch our equipment as quickly as possible. We can turn around dirty equipment to clean equipment in around 24hours. Quick isn’t it!

Clean equipment will then be wrapped and stored ready for dispatch.

If you didn’t know we also provide plastic crates and handling equipment for office moves and removals, these are stored clean and ready for dispatch.

Our pooling area is full of stock ready to be sent out on rental hire or as part of our complete package.

Stock is available for immediate dispatch.

Factory Tour In Pictures- Washing

At PPS washing is not a dirty subject it's what we do best! Both of our equipment wash sites hold BRC accreditation in warehouse and distribution ensuring hygiene is of the highest standard. We take our equipment cleaning seriously which is why we have made substantial investments into modern machinery. 

We are able to offer washing to a variety of industries with the infrastructure we have in place. Take a look at our wash tour below to see for yourself. 

Our main wash line is less than 12 months old and cleaning around 3,000 crates per hour. 

Trays are decanted at the 

dirty end.....

...cleaned through our

 high pressure system...

...and re stacked at the clean end. 

Our other wash line sits proudly alongside the new machine giving us capacity to meet growing customer demand.

Our trio of machines is completed with our pallet wash line. 

Originally installed to clean and maintain our own pool, we now also clean customers own plastic pallets to food industry standards with a high pressure wash and rinse.

For those trickier pieces...we know that returnable equipment comes in all shapes and sizes which is why we built our own industrial wash bay to cater for bespoke and larger packaging. 

The high pressure wash and chemicals work their magic on heavy soiling and label removal. 

Washing to such a high standard means we also need to keep the equipment protected when in storage and transit. Our automated pallet wrap machine is very efficient and also prevents our warehouse staff from getting dizzy!

Once wrapped the stack is then barcoded with traceability labeling. 

We take great pride in our wash service which is why we have committed to our future with the employment of an in house engineer in order to conduct regular services and inspections on the machinery to protect the longevity of our assets.

Have you got dirty crates, trays, boxes, totes, pallets or Dolavs? We'd love to have them in for a wash- call us on 01283 821 502 to organise your trial.

Factory Tour In Pictures- The Office

It’s not every day that you get to design your own office, but here at PPS we embraced the opportunity. Here is a little insight to what life is like in our office.

 When you walk into reception you are greeted with a range of art work along with brochures on display to provide details of our returnable packaging services. You will also find our BRC certificate in storage and distribution on show.

The office is based on an open plan design so all departments can work hand in hand yet still have their own productive space.

 Sales and Marketing are the first port of call at the top of the office being available to meet and greet visitors.

The office then follows down to Operations who have members in both the open plan space and the transport office. 

From there they run a drivers reception where all delivery and collections are logged.

Finance have a private section of the office due to the confidential information dealt with.

From here you come to the conference room which holds internal and external meetings. The artwork on display demonstrates our warehouse facilities showing an operational wash machine and loading bay.

Throw back to life 

during the build.

PPS in Marchington

Last weekend saw the move of our PPS Midlands site relocate from Measham in Leicestershire to Marchington in Staffordshire. The move has more than doubled our capacity enabling us to increase our services to existing customers and welcome many more new ones on board.

Our Operations Director has spent month’s onsite with our construction team from Skubala Ltd who have converted the empty space into a fully functioning wash plant, office space and repairs unit with a brand new gas supply, wash machines, loading docks, security barriers, lighting, extractor fans and much more. They have ensured all structures and functions are in place for it to be a successful setup for PPS.

A large part of our move was warehouse based but we still had the challenge of moving an operational office. Having our own crates and handling equipment on hand was a huge benefit so we could pack as and when and select the correct size crate for the application. The plastic crates proved ideal with their durability as nothing was damaged, they stacked perfectly in storage and transport and were easy to nest and store away once emptied.

We owe a huge thank you to Britannia Premier in Burton on Trent whose team made our move as smooth as possible and even worked on a Saturday.

Here’s to the next chapter of Returnable Transit Packaging with PPS. 

PPS Midlands Supports The Boparan Charitable Trust

PPS Midlands Supports Worthwhile Charity

At the beginning of November David Peggie, Managing Director and Andy Flynn, Operations Director represented PPS Midlands at the The Boparan Charitable Trusts Monsters Ball.

The ball took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London with over 1,000 people in attendance. The Jacksons provided the entertainment alongside a very exciting charity auction. All proceeds raised went to the The Boparan Charitable Trust which was set up with the sole purpose of helping as many children and young people as possible across the nation who are disadvantaged either by poverty, disability or terminal illness.

David Peggie from PPS Midlands reported “We were delighted to be invited to contribute and support such a meaningful and worthwhile charity.”

David Peggie and Andy Flynn representing PPS Midlands

Plastic Pallet Boxes may be the answer to transporting large loads

Are you looking to transport large loads with a robust and affordable solution? Then the PPS plastic pallet boxes maybe your answer. 

Large Plastic Pallet Box - PPS

Are you looking to transport large loads with a robust and affordable solution?

Then the PPS plastic pallet boxes maybe your answer. Designed as a large container for bulk handling, the PPS plastic pallet box is ideal for transporting and storing your goods with secure stacking and easy loading with a forklift.

Manufactured from high density polyethylene material with smooth inner and outer walls, it makes for easy cleaning for any industry whether that be retail, food, waste management or automotive.

PPS Midlands Limited has recently seen an increase in demand for the sale of plastic pallet boxes in the recycling industry. It provides a flexible solutions with the capability to hold batteries, paper, oil, glass and food waste.

Government statistics show that approximately 290 million tonne of waste generated each year in the UK, we all need to take responsibility for our environment and think about the reusable packaging options that are a more cost efficient solution to wood and cardboard. What about the internal packaging you might wonder, well with the pallet box being a resilient and durable option, your internal packaging can be somewhat reduced.

PPS are on hand to discuss your plastic pallet box requirements and help with building your fleet.

Is Tray Washing a dirty subject?

Tray Washing at PPS

At PPS it’s not – it’s what we do every day!

We wash thousands of supermarket style bale arm trays 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

We do this because our customers don’t want the hassle of washing their own trays, that’s our problem and a problem solved for our customers, leaving them to get on with their core business.

We take tray washing seriously and we have exacting hygiene and quality systems.

These systems have enabled us to be certificated to BRC standard, which is recognised widely across the food supply chain.

So, if you have a tray washing problem don’t delay – contact PPS and let it be our problem.

Crate Hire from PPS

Renting crates for your office move or refurbishment couldn’t be simpler with PPS Crate Hire.  Our experienced customer service team will help you throughout the process from advising you on how many crates to hire to arranging collections to fit in with your business needs.

Here are some steps to follow when arranging crate hire:

1.    Which Crates? – PPS offers a large range of crates to our customers conducting office moves and refurbishments.  We provide computer crates which are specifically designed to hold a computer and all the related equipment such as keyboards.  We have metre long crates which are ideal for moving books and the contents of filing cabinets.  We also have standard crates which are designed as one crate per person for all their desk top belongings.

2.    How Many Crates? – The general rule is one standard crate per person and one computer crate per PC.  It is also important to consider the contents of filing cabinets and folders when calculating how many crates you need.  Our customer service team will be happy to advise you on crate quantities and extra crates can always be hired if required.

3.    Do you need any packaging? – Will you want labels to identify the contents of each crate, bubble wrap to protect the contents?  Security seals are available to lock crates to protect high value goods or sensitive files. 

4.    How are you going to transport the crates? – When the crates are full they can be heavy.  Skates or sack barrows can be hired for safer and easier handling.

5.    How long do you need them for? – You will have a plan of how long your move will take and it is a good idea to hire the crates for a few extra days either side of the move to allow staff to pack and unpack their crates.  Don’t worry if your move takes a bit longer than expected rental periods can always be extended.

It can seem daunting having to make all these decisions which is why our customer service team is always available to discuss your individual move.  We understand that all moves are different so we tailor our service to suit you. 

Once you have ordered your crates all have to do is sit back and wait for them to arrive. 

Meet the team - Andy Moss

Andy Moss - PPS Plant Manager

Andy Moss - PPS Plant Manager

Name:
Andy Moss

When did you join PPS?
September 2007

What is your role at PPS?
Plant Manager. I am responsible for all the washing and equipment movements on site, that involves arranging the transport for our collections/delivery’s. I also plan all of the PPS Removals delivery’s and collections.

What was your first ever job?
I did the usual paper rounds and washing up in a pub kitchen but my first job where I was properly employed was at McDonalds.

How do you take your tea?
This depends what mood I’m in and who is making it. If I make it I will usually have it strong and milky, if somebody else is making it I tend to have a couple of sugars to mask the flavour.

What is your favourite food?
I think the most appropriate answer is Junk Food. However if pushed I don’t think I could survive much longer than a week without Bacon.

What are your hobbies?
Mountain Biking and Skiing. I like being outside and in the mountains, unfortunately we don’t have many of them in the Midlands.

For more information about Returnable Transit Packaging contact Joanne Moss or visit our Website

Meet the Team - Kate Williamson

Kate Williamson - PPS MIDLANDS LTD

Kate Williamson - PPS East

Name:
Kate Williamson

When did you join PPS?
February 2011

What is your role at PPS?
Business Development at PPS East

What was your first ever job?
Saturday girl at The Body Shop!

How do you take your tea?
White, 1 sugar and preferably in a PPS mug!

What is your favourite food?
Hmmm… tough, but suppose I should say Fish!!

What are your hobbies?
Fishing (not really)... Most of my spare time is spent having lots of fun with my twin daughters.

Follow our blog to keep up to date with news about the returnable packaging  industry and to meet further members of the PPS Midlands Ltd team.