The latest element in a £2 million investment to expand logistics operations by Port of Immingham is underway.
Global Warehousing and Storage Ltd is adding a further 50,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art facilities at the sprawling secure site in Stallingborough, as it positions itself for further growth.
A new brand to distinguish itself from its legacy quayside operations is also emerging from the 23 acre site, where two significant haulage operators and a major national retailer have been welcomed in recent months. Abnormal load specialist WS Freight Services, set up by the Stobart family, and continental haulier Egala, have both pulled into the Worldwide Way site on Kiln Lane, a mile from the port’s eastern entrance. The latter operates around 100 lorries a week from refurbished premises, while a modular new-build base signalled WS’ arrival.
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Operations director Simon Williams has overseen the start of the latest build project this past fortnight, as warehousing is increased. He said: “This is one of the biggest investments the business has ever seen. We are taking this site forward to support the growth of the area, more specifically Immingham, one of the biggest handling ports in Europe, and one that is growing. We can see, with the likes of the Stena Line development, what is coming.”
The roll-on roll-off ferry terminal, in the process of being readied for the planning inspectorate examination, will sit close by.
Ahead of its anticipated arrival, the investment that should be operational by early summer will take covered storage to 230,000 sq ft. “We will be ready for what is coming,” Mr Williams said. “We have another 12 to 16 months of further works, with two more warehouses to upgrade.”
A 22,000 sq ft modular warehouse was built last year for a local shipping company’s customer, acting as a pilot for the major investment now underway, having secured the major national retailer in an existing 50,000 sq ft warehouse. From other existing sheds it supports local industrial operators across varying sectors.
“We sat down to look at the site last year, and felt we had to be positive,” he said of discussions with owner and managing director David Jobes in taking the site forward. “Our business plan is that we want to be a secure facility for customers to be reassured that their product is handled and looked after to the highest capability in the industry. We will take the company to the highest specifications the industry requires.
“It is all privately funded, it underlines the confidence in where we want to take the business, and we are focused on making sure the product offer is the best it can be. I think the team on site deserves it.”
A team of 10 was employed when he joined in September 2021, with five more added last year. Depending on the end use for the speculative build, a further five roles could be added.
“We have the appetite,” Mr Williams said. “The quality of build we did last year showed our intent. We have the space to add value to the site and we are able to expand the team to where we think it needs to be.”
The addition will be built with the capability to double capacity should it be required, with dedicated loading area created.
Two management buy-outs in 15 years changed the shape of the business, with the latter separating shipping operations in Goole, Hull and Immingham.
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