CHEP signs agreement with Star and Lucart in Italy

CHEP, the world’s leading provider of pallet and container pooling solutions, announced today the signing of agreements to supply pallets to Star SpA, a leading Italian food products manufacturer, and the Lucart Group, a leader in the European paper market.

The contract with Star, based near Milan, is new business for CHEP. It represents an annual 214,000 pallets in Italy, replacing white exchange pallets. Star, which is a unit of the Spanish consumer goods leader Agrolimen, produces sauces, seasonings, ready-made meals and teas, among other products.

Gallina Blanca Corporate Planning & Logistics Director, Oriano Verri, says “The white pallet exchange system is difficult to manage and involves many hidden costs, including the purchase of new pallets to replace losses and the time it takes to manage ongoing disputes with distributors and logistics providers.

“Other benefits include administrative cost savings, operational efficiencies and reduced environmental impact. We are confident that CHEP offers a more efficient and cost-effective solution”.

The Lucart Group signed a contract renewal representing 686,000 pallets annually for two key companies, Airtissue and Cartiera Lucchese. The Lucart Group is one of Europe’s top producers of MG (machine glazed) paper for flexible packaging, tissue paper, napkins and other paper products.

Lucart Group Supply Chain Director, Giovanni Illibato, says “It is a pleasure doing business with CHEP. Our relationship has continued to grow from strength to strength and I hope it continues in this fashion for many years to come. CHEP personnel always act in a professional and diligent manner when responding to our requests”

CHEP is offering Lucart important opportunities for transport savings through logistic synergies and cost reduction. Besides, CHEP is committed to a continuing program of sustainability and reducing Lucart environmental footprint.

CHEP Country General Manager for Italy Luca Rossi, stated: “We are very pleased to report these new agreements with Star and Lucart. Despite having the option of using other pallet pooling providers and systems, both companies has chosen work with CHEP.

“We thank Star and the Lucart Group for this vote of confidence in our products and service, and we intend to continue working to exceed their expectations of us. And we are looking forward to developing our partnership even further,” noted Mr. Rossi.