Lympne, Kent, UK: Perishable Movements (PML) is moving some of its operations to Kent in a bid to avoid the “crippling effect that extending the Low Emission Zone” will have on its business.
PML has spent £3.5m on a 100,000sq ft satellite site at Lympne Distribution Park, Kent, enabling it to capitalise on an alternative route in and out of Heathrow. The company’s main operation is based at Feltham, near Heathrow Airport.
The company plans to apply for remote HMRC/DEFRA approved Border Control Post (previously known as a Border Inspection Post (BIP) status) to enable a faster transit of consignments out of the Port of Dover, which
currently does not have a BCP. PML says the move signals a significant industry development, enabling customers to avoid the well documented delays associated with freight traffic in and out of Dover and therefore extend the shelf life of any temperature sensitive cargo (which represents PML’s core business), by up to four hours.
PML signed contracts on the new warehouse on 28 May 2021 and expects the operation, which will handle daily consignments of food – for packing, loading and unloading – to be up and running in 16 weeks. The new site is expected to be able to process 80-100 truck movements per day in its first phase of operation – which will focus on refrigerated goods only. This figure will increase during Phase 2 – which is likely to be in 18 months’ time – when ambient cargo will also be incorporated.
The operation comprises two purpose-built cold stores, 14 dock levellers and expansive parking for up 60 trailers. The company plans to spend around £1m on refurbishments to ensure best practice in the handling of fruit, meat, fish and flowers. This will include the creation of dedicated inspection areas and offices for customers.
Mike Parr, managing director of PML (pictured above) 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. We anticipate that 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.”
