​James Jones & Sons (Pallets & Packaging) Ltd has today announced the acquisition of one of the country’s leading pallet collar manufacturers, Billington International Ltd in Rotherham, for an undisclosed sum to further expand its product portfolio.


The deal will see James Jones & Sons (Pallet & Packaging) Ltd take immediate control of the Billington Group, with business operations continuing from Billington’s current office and warehouse premises in Rotherham, Yorkshire to ensure a smooth transition for the Group’s long-standing and loyal customer base and staff.

The acquisition has been made to further expand the James Jones & Sons (Pallet & Packaging) range of products and services, which includes new pallets, pallet repair, pallet management, recycled pallets and bespoke packaging solutions, and to strengthen its market position in the pallet and packaging sector.

Wooden pallet collars help prevent spillage and damage, ensuring that irregular items are secured during transit. Collars are fully collapsible, stackable and space saving with sides that adjust gradually as products are placed inside, eliminating the need to bend over high bin sides. All new pallet collars are heat treated to meet ISPM 15 regulations and collars can be branded with company names and logos.

Billington International was launched in 1985 by Frank Billington and has grown to become a leading provider of wooden pallet collars, with an unrivalled reputation for quality products and customer service. The Billington product range includes new pallet collars, used and recycled pallet collars and collar accessories with the business supplying a wide range of retail businesses across the UK.

James Jones & Sons (Pallets & Packaging) Ltd was formed in 2016 following the acquisition of a number of long-established pallet and packaging businesses in the north of England and Wales – Unit Pallets in Golborne, TWP in Gateshead and Larch in Wrexham – over the last two decades. The three businesses were brought together under the James Jones brand two years ago and Managing Director Peter McKenzie and Executive Chairman, Gil Covey, have now expanded James Jones’ Pallet & Packaging business to 11 sites across the UK.

Speaking of the acquisition of Billington International, Peter McKenzie said: “We are delighted to have acquired this respected and long-established family business. A key attraction for us is the cultural fit. Both James Jones and Billington share an approach which puts employees and customers at the heart of our business and this acquisition will ensure that continues."

Frank Billington stated "James Jones & Sons (Pallets & Packaging) is a major supplier of pallets and packaging and the Billington collar product range will fit extremely well with the James Jones portfolio. There will be a smooth handover of responsibilities for the Billington business to its new owners and this will ensure continuity of the first-class supply of the Billington products and services. The sale of the business to such a well-established and reputable buyer in our market is extremely good news for our loyal customers, suppliers and employees."

A key attraction for us is the cultural fit. Both James Jones and Billington share an approach which puts employees and customers at the heart of our business and this acquisition will ensure that continues.
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