Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Shippers Chill Out as New Temperature Controlled Logistics Centre Gets Under Way

Construction Begins on Dockside Cargo Facility
Shipping News Feature

UK – Over 150 key figures representing 75 companies were on hand to see the ‘spade in the ground’ launch of NFT’s new dockside temperature controlled cargo facility at the Port of Tilbury this week. The new logistics centre is being developed for NFT, the UK’s market leader in chilled food distribution with the cooperation of port owners Forth Ports as we reported in March.

The distribution centre is due to be open for business by late 2015 and will have capacity for 25,000 pallets within its 230,000 square feet and able to handle a throughput in excess of 2.5 million cases per week. The attendees, all representatives of manufacturing, importing and retailing, were there to hear how a presentation, themed ‘Discover a New World of Port-Centric Logistics’, could result in reduced food miles, thus bringing added efficiency to the supply chain. Dale Fiddy, NFT Sales & Marketing Director commented:

“This event showcased the huge potential for importers, manufacturers and retailers. It was incredibly well attended, which signifies the immense demand for our proposition. Our concept is very simple. By offering true seamless end-to-end logistics solutions, from factory of origin to port of entry, warehousing, and onward distribution to the UK market, the financial and environmental opportunities are endless.”

Recent months have seen Tilbury welcome other significant developments, such as container handler Pentalver’s new purpose built facility and Perry Glading, Chief Operating Officer at Forth Ports said:

“We were delighted to welcome so many industry guests to Tilbury. This new chill facility is a major investment for the Port and NFT and we are encouraged by the level of interest in the facility. By being based at the Port, NFT’s customers will benefit from being at the heart of an unrivalled logistics process.”

Photo: Three men but only two spades. Left to Right: Heath Zarin and David Frankish – Chairman and CEO of NFT respectively and Perry Glading- COO, Forth Ports.