NFT begins construction of new Tilbury logistics centre
Located at one of the largest dockside facilities in Europe, the centre is strategically positioned to provide inbound services for importers, regardless of the point of entry into the UK's south east.
It is scheduled to be open for business by late 2015 and will have capacity for 25,000 pallets and be able to handle a throughput in excess of 2.5M cases a week.
Those attending the event were informed about the increasing demand for imports and how the opportunities this presented could be achieved with reduced food miles to extract extra value from the supply chain.
‘Endless financial opportunities’
“Our concept is very simple,” said NFT sales and marketing director Dale Fiddy. “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.”
Perry Glading, chief operating officer (coo) at Forth Ports (the Port of Tilbury’s owner) said: “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.”
Meanwhile, food logistics specialist ACS&T has extended its fleet of 30-pallet refrigerated trailers to 18, following successful trials. The company has invested in 15 more new 30-pallet trailers, after successful trials for frozen food manufacturer McCain.
All the trailers are built to the new 15.65m length as part of a nationwide research project by the Department for Transport into the economic and environmental benefits of longer semi-trailers.
Cut carbon emissions
Initially, ACS&T purchased three such trailers two years ago to help McCain develop its distribution channels, and help reduce its carbon emissions and miles travelled per journey.
“These trailers offer great cost savings they can carry up to 30 pallets, which is four more than the standard 13.6m trailer. This represents a 15% increase in productivity,” said ACS&T md Malcolm Johnstone.
The new trailers will be based at ACS&T’s Scarborough depot, where they will be mainly used to deliver food products from McCain’s production centre located there.
