PPS, a leader in the returnable transit packaging industry, has acquired Alison Handling Services, the UK’s largest independent stockist of returnable plastic packaging.

The deal will enable PPS to expand its current services to ensure customers have access to a full range of packaging solutions. Currently PPS offers the delivery, collection, asset tracking, washing, rental and repair of returnable equipment and will now expand the services through Alison Handling to include sales of a wide range of load carrying equipment.

PPS has enjoyed continued growth in its 13 year history, and now employs more than 100 people across the business.  The company provides cost effective and environmentally friendly returnable plastic packaging solutions across the UK and Europe.  PPS moves 25 million boxes a year for customers including retailers, food processors and the automotive industry.

The acquisition will see PPS increase its number of sites to include the Alison Handling premises in Lancashire alongside the existing PPS sites in East Staffordshire and Grimsby. All Alison Handling employees will be retained by PPS.

To facilitate the group’s expansion, PPS will be moving to significantly larger premises in Grimsby.  The new 69,000sqft site will offer opportunities for PPS to increase capacity and employee numbers. PPS has invested £1.5 million in the purchase and refurbishment of the former derelict site. North East Lincolnshire Council also provided a grant of £300,000 towards the purchase.

David Peggie, Chief Executive of PPS, said: “We’ve admired the services and reputation of Alison Handling for many years.  Now, as Tony Dearden looks to retire from the company he set up, we are proud to be able to take on the exceptional services and impressive customer base Alison Handling has created.

“PPS has grown rapidly over the past thirteen years and this deal and the significant expansion of our site in Grimsby, is the next step in our plan to bring an all-encompassing, top quality service to those looking for re-usable packaging.

Tony Dearden of Alison Handling said: “We’ve known of PPS for many years due to the complementary services they offered to our own.  Their reputation is second to none and we couldn’t think of a better partner to take the business forward.”

To help fund the acquisition, PPS received a £4.9million investment from the British Growth Fund (BGF).  BGF is the UK’s most active provider of investment to companies with strong growth potential.

Mark Freer of BGF said: “PPS has experienced exceptional growth under the leadership of the current management team.  The business has an attractive customer proposition that will become even more relevant in the future as companies across a range of sectors look to lower their costs whilst looking for a more environmentally friendly alternative to single trip packaging.  With BGF’s backing, PPS is well positioned to take advantage of these opportunities.”

About PPS

PPS is a market leader in the returnable transit packaging industry.  Established in 2002 with sites in Grimsby and East Staffordshire, the company offers cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions to cardboard and polystyrene single use packaging.  The company employs around 100 people and works with customers across the UK, Europe and Iceland.