A boost for
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Containerbase
BIRMINGHAM Containerbase got a shot in the arm this week with the news that a major expansion scheme is now being planned.
This announcement comes only two months after the settlement of a 16-week-long industrial dispute which threatened to close the depot for good.
Business at the base has still not fully recovered and just before Christmas 24 of the 70-strong workforce accepted voluntary redundancy.
But Mr John Reid, managing director of Containerbases Ltd, is now confident that the future is rosy and that the Birmingham depot will dramatically increase its importance to Midland industry during the next three years.
"Last year's problem is no longer with us," said Mr Reid, "and the Perry Barr (Birmingham) Containerbase is strategically located to take advantage of the expected upswing in trade."
Plans for a Elm expansion scheme were drawn up before the labour dispute and then shelved. Now they are being dusted off and actively considered.
Some four and a half acres of land adjoining the base have been bought and will be available for development when needed.
Mr John Sheldrake, general manager of the depot, said : " We have won back some of the lost trade but we are aiming to win it all back and then go on from there."