Motherwell park for distributors?
Page 14
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
IE 150-acre Righead trading estate in Motherwell, North narkshire, may soon be turned into a distribution park by the ottish Development Agency (SDA). It would be on similar lines to e SDA Food Park in Motherwell (CM November 19). TIM COBB ports.
Eric Dunkley, director of the atherwell Food Park, told CM 3t many distribution cornflies have shown an interest in tting up on the trading estate take advantage of the work nerated by the large food nufacturers. In addition, atherwell's links with the 3torway network mean that press parcels companies are :o being attracted to the site. Independent Express Corration is the latest parcels mpany to set up a factory in estate. It has been chosen for
its central Scottish location and its good motorway access.
Operations director at IEC Michael Egan said: "Motherwell is the only logical location for a depot covering the Greater Glasgow area. Because it is on the main road link from England it cuts our trunking costs while also being at the centre of all other main routes of our operation," he said.
IEC will initially employ eight staff at the 10,000sqft premises although this figure will increase to around 50 when the workload increases.
Already established on the site is TNT, which has recently recruited 15 extra staff, bringing its workforce to 130.
Other companies on the site include Scottish and Newcastle Breweries, Smiths Crisps Distribution, haulier David Haig, Fourways Distribution, Comet Electrical, Coventry Climax Forklifts and Ford dealer Laidiaw Trucks.
There are also plans for a road/rail freight complex at Mossend near Motherwell, although whether this will get final approval from the SDA is not yet known. Talks are being held with Scottish hauliers who would be needed to forward the goods brought in by rail to their final destinations. A transport consultant is studying British Rail's proposals for the terminal.
Mr Dunkley ruled out any possiblity of a road/rail terminal in the Food Park, as road transport was more efficient and safer, he said. "An expensive food load must have someone with it during the whole journey. It makes sense to transport the food by lorry and so rely on the driver to protect the load," he said.
"It is in his interests to do this,"he said. "Should any damage come to the goods then his job may be at stake. Using BR you have no such responsibility. Once the load is out of one station the responsibility is transferred to someone else."
Another point in road's favour is that rail containers in the UK do not match the dimensions and specifications of those abroad. So containers would have to be unloaded at the port and put into continental containers, he said.
A new arrival at the Food Park will be food and vegetable distributor Geest. It plans to open a 50,000sqft storage and distribution centre at a cost of £2m.
The site will hold coldrooms, offices and a staff restaurant and parking will be provided for 60 cars. There will be a yard area with re-fuelling and washing facilities for the company's transport fleet.
The investment is aimed at strengthening its service to the Scottish retail trade and to Scottish fruit and vegetable growers.