Major freight forwarder, Rhenus Logistics UK, has opened its new headquarters and warehouse facility at Peel’s Port Salford complex, near Irlam, Manchester. The move is a milestone for the business, marking a significant investment in its UK operations in the North West.
The new hub will be home to Rhenus’ existing business, and to Staples International, which was acquired by Rhenus in November 2016. The site sees Rhenus strengthen its freight and contract logistics offering in the North West, while also enhancing its network to include Mediterranean and North African destinations as part of its comprehensive road, air and ocean coverage. The impressive new Rhenus UK facility is the second development on the Port Salford site. It provides more than 40,000 sq ft of logistics and warehousing space, 10,000 sq ft of offices and parking for 30 trailers.
David Williams, managing director at Rhenus UK, said: “To be able to say we’ve opened the doors to our new site in Port Salford is a very proud moment. Due to a period of significant growth for the business, we needed a site that not only meets our day-to-day needs in terms of space and functionality, but our future aspirations too. Over the past 12 months, we have made several business acquisitions and have significantly increased our volumes. While our previous headquarters at Trafford Park has served us well for over 20 years, it was time to invest in a new site to take us forward again.
“The Port Salford complex is an exciting development and the perfect home for Rhenus UK in the North West. Its strategic location and tri-modal port facilities mean our customers benefit from some of the most efficient routes in and out of the UK.”
Once complete, the £138 million project will become the UK’s first tri-modal inland port facility and distribution park, based on the Barton Strategic Site adjacent to the Manchester Ship Canal.
The move coincides with the further integration of Rhenus’ core roadfreight business with Staples International, whom it acquired in November 2016, creating a multimodal facility capable of providing shippers with comprehensive logistics solutions by road, air and ocean. Significantly, it also presents a fantastic opportunity for companies with shipping needs to North African and Mediterranean destinations.
With 75 years of performance in services direct to overland markets and global destinations, Rhenus has a turnover in excess of £70m and employs 270 people across 12 strategically-placed locations throughout the UK and Ireland.
