Perishable Movements Ltd (PML) has invested around £3.5 million in the purchase of a satellite site in Lympne, Kent, to provide customers with an alternative route in and out of Heathrow.
The company says that the 100,000 sq ft site offers excellent proximity to the motorway network, the Channel Tunnel and the ports of Dover and Folkestone. PML claims it will represent a ‘seamless, efficient freight forwarding service’ that will not attract the charges and penalties associated with using the roads within the Greater London area affected by the new Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) standards.
PML plans to apply for a remote HMRC / Defra approved Border Control Post (BCP) status to enable a faster transit of consignments out of the Port of Dover, which currently does not have a BCP. According to the company, this will enable customers to avoid delays associated with freight traffic in and out of Dover, and extend the shelf life of any temperature sensitive cargo by up to four hours.
Around £1 million will be spent on refurbishments to ‘ensure best practice in the handling of fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and flowers’ at the site. The plans include the creation of dedicated inspection areas and offices for customers, and the site will offer parking for up to 60 trailers.
Once the refurbishments are completed, PML expects the 24/7 operation to be running and handling daily consignments of food – for packing, loading and unloading – in 16 weeks. PML anticipates the facility will be able to process 80 to 100 truck movements per day during phase one, which will focus on refrigerated goods only. Ambient cargo will be incorporated in phase two, which is likely to begin in 18 months’ time.
The new site is expected to create 30-plus office and warehouse jobs.
Managing director Mike Parr said: “This is a massive step for PML and once again demonstrates our commitment to spearheading new initiatives which challenge the status quo. The new site is located just two miles from Junction 11 of the M20 and really couldn’t offer a more desirable location.
“In addition to proximity to the ports and Heathrow, we anticipate that haulage drivers will also appreciate the efficient and seamless service we will be able to deliver, enabling them to leave the trailer onsite while they take a rest break, as opposed to sitting in a queue worrying about the lengthy delays which could seriously impact on the condition of their perishable cargo.
“This will be a totally unique facility – there is nothing else that compares with it in the area – and we are excited to be the force behind such a major industry development.”
