Davies Turner to double capacity of Scottish hub.

22 April, 16

Scottish shippers will soon have even more reason to choose the freight forwarding and logistics services offered by Davies Turner now that the company is doubling the size of its Scottish regional distribution centre and BRC-accredited site for the storage and distribution of foodstuffs at Cumbernauld.

The UK’s leading independent freight forwarder announced that construction work started this week and the first phase will see the development of 10,000 sq ft (929 sq m) of warehousing with an eaves height of 32 ft (10 m) to increase the racking capacity, plus five powered dock-levellers and another two floor-loading doors.

Phase 2 will add a further extension of the same size with an eaves height of six metres (19 ft) to match the original building.

When both phases are completed Davies Turner’s hub at Cumbernauld will have 3,000 pallet spaces and increased floor-space for cargo-handling and sortation.

Altogether, the build will be completed by October with this being carefully planned so Davies Turner can continue to operate the premises while the work is in progress.

The secure 1.5 acre (0.61 ha) service yard also includes a clear-span canopy of 4,500 sq ft (420 sq m) to protect the loading area from the elements.

Including the offices, the extended depot will have a total area of around 43,000 sq ft (4,000 sq m) and a gated yard with palisade fencing, security alarms and CCTV protection.

Cumbernauld is one of Davies Turner’s strategically placed RDCs covering the UK and Ireland. The other hubs are at Birmingham, Bristol, Dartford, Dublin, London Heathrow and Manchester – linked by overnight feeder services and with a further 16 satellite branches supporting the network. These are a mix of freehold and leasehold developments.  Both approaches result from the Group’s ongoing investment programme and belief that these hubs are best located at motorway junctions close to the main concentrations of customers.

Philip Stephenson, joint managing director of Davies Turner said: “Ten years ago, we reinforced our commitment to the Scottish market when we moved to a larger facility at Cumbernauld which is well situated in the industrial belt between Glasgow and Edinburgh and benefits from some of the best road connections in the UK. Soon afterwards we invested in narrow aisle racking in the 23,680 sq ft (2,200 sq m) facility which quickly filled with new and existing business.

“We were then able to offer storage and distribution services as well as space for rapid transit freight.  A decade on, we have taken the opportunity to acquire our freehold in Cumbernauld plus some adjoining land.  With the completion of the construction project, we will have a facility exceeding 43,000 sq ft (4,000 sq m)” operated under BRC, AEO and Type A customs bonded status.

“This is a much-needed expansion of our surface freight operations in Scotland alongside our air cargo branches at Glasgow and Edinburgh airports.

“The investment is further proof of Davies Turner’s continued commitment to Scottish exporters and importers.  It will strengthen our network in Britain and Ireland as well as further developing the company’s trailer services with Europe, together with our ocean freight consolidations serving the other main markets worldwide.”

In Scotland, Davies Turner Air Cargo also has its regional HQ and depot at Glasgow airport, plus the branch at Edinburgh airport.
– ends –

Related posts

13 February, 24
Europa Warehouse has secured a contract with US-based Paramount Global to support the packaging firm’s ambitious European growth strategy.
Advertisement
TK23-022-Banner-AxlePower-1400x1200

Latest posts

27 March, 24
Parksafe Group, the vehicle safety specialist, has entered into a fleet technology partnership with Queclink Wireless Solutions to develop industry-leading telematics and connectivity systems.