South West-headquartered logistics firm Gregory Distribution has joined with more than 1,000 companies world-wide in signing a letter of commitment to pursue reductions in greenhouse gases.
The firm, which has bases in Plymouth and Newton Abbot, aims to fall in line with science-based targets set by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a partnership between the Carbon Disclosure Project, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
It drives ambitious climate action in the private sector by enabling companies to set science-based emissions reduction targets in line with the Paris Agreement.
Gregory’s group legal, risk and sustainability director Paul Jefferson said: “The group’s purpose includes embracing change that reduces our impact on the planet and we have been exploring the many ways that we can do so including procuring alternative fuel vehicles and even installing our own gas fuelling facility at our Cullompton depot. Our first all-electric 19t rigid truck enters service this month.
“Our determination to pursue a sustainability agenda has led us to sign this commitment with SBTi who will help us to set clear targets that align with their world-wide objectives and help us to focus on a sustainable plan of action.
“We will be working closely with our customers and suppliers to ensure we are able to achieve the science-based targets. More and more businesses are recognising their environmental obligations and we hope that many more will join us and plan for a better, carbon-free future.
“Under STBi’s leadership the transformation to a net-zero economy is achievable and has already begun and Gregory is very proud to be playing a part in it.”
The UK Government has recently announced its intention to phase out the sale of new diesel and petrol heavy goods vehicles by 2040.
Founded in 1919, Gregory Distribution is a privately-owned distribution business providing transport and logistics services in many sectors of the market and lists many national brand names amongst its customers.
The group’s fleet, which includes Hayton Coulthard Transport, ARR Craib and Pollock (Scotrans) now extends to 1227 trucks and more than 2,000 trailers operating from 46 depots from Devon and Cornwall to the north of Scotland.
In March, Gregory Distribution bought leading Scottish trucking company Pollock (Holding) Ltd and its subsidiaries Pollock (Scotrans) Ltd and Pollock Express Ltd. The business is headquartered in Bathgate, West Lothian, in central Scotland.
In 2020, Gregory Distribution took over a major chunk of the vast former British Ceramic Tile factory at Newton Abbot, moving into the 75,500sq ft high bay warehouse at the site, now called PowerPark 38.
Gregory Distribution, which has its regional HQ in Ernesettle in Plymouth, said PowerPark 38 would provide a facility for more than 12,000 pallets to be stored and distributed for clients.
