Fortec Distribution Network appoints new Network Director

A man with more than 30 years experience in the transport industry has been appointed Network Director of the Fortec Distribution Network.

In his new role Tony Tompkins will work closely with Fortec's three regional commercial managers -  Neil Kinnear in the north, Steve Wyton in the Midlands and David Spong in the south - forging stronger relationships with each of the 65-strong licensees and in turn developing a more robust network.

Through the regional commercial managers he will also build relationships with the Fortec staff, helping them reach their full potential for the benefit of the company and its licensees.

Tony, who is originally from the north east but who now lives in Warwickshire, started in the transport industry in 1978 at the age of 21 when he joined the National Freight Corporation. He started as a trainee before moving into management.

In 1980 he joined United Carriers, working his way up from Depot Manager to Regional Manager. In 1990 he moved into hub management when he joined Carryfast, which was later taken over by UPS. In 1993 he joined Target Express as a Senior Manager and in 2007 he became a Regional Director with City Link, which had acquired Target Express. He remained with City Link until last year.

Tony's career has taken him all over the Midlands, north of England and Scotland. Although he has climbed the ladder his move to Fortec marks his first move into the pallets industry.

Tony said: "Trucks and the transport industry are all I've ever known and I still find it as exciting today as I did when I started at the age of 21. The thing with this industry is that the feedback is instantaneous. You never have to wait long to find out whether you've done a good job!

"Today the service expectation in the transport industry is forever on the increase. Everything needs to be quick, if not immediate, and it has to be proven. 

"It is not enough these days to deliver, you have to prove you have delivered. Customer demands are becoming ever tougher and companies such as Fortec have to keep up.

"Fortunately, Fortec is keeping up. It has an excellent reputation in the industry and already I've found it exciting to work for. 

"The move to Fortec also sees me working again with Neil Hodgson, Managing Director and Andrew Knowles, Network Operations and Compliance Manager, for the first time since our days at Target. That was a huge part of the attraction as I've always held both in high regard it is great to be working with them again."

Neil Hodgson, Managing Director of Fortec, said: "We are delighted to welcome Tony to Fortec. He has a wealth of experience in the industry and a proven track record.

"I am confident his appointment will reap dividends for Fortec, its staff and each of its licensees."