34 HGV driver jobs created
30 office/warehouse jobs created
Superb HGV driver facilities – focus on driver welfare
Remote HMRC/ DEFRA approved Border Control Post status
January 2022: PML – the provider of world-class logistics and supply chain solutions has officially opened its doors for business at the company’s new satellite operation located at Lympne Distribution Park.
£6m investment in ideally located transport & logistics hub
PML, specialists in the transfer of perishable goods, has invested £6m in the purchase and refurbishment of the Kent transport and logistics hub which extends to 220,000 sq. feet in total, incorporating a 44,000 sq.foot warehouse. The Lympne site represents a prime location for hauliers, due to the excellent proximity to the motorway network, Channel Tunnel, and the ports (Dover and Folkestone) while also benefiting from the absence of any charges/penalties associated with using the roads within the Greater London area affected by the new LEZ standards. In addition, the facility has achieved 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.
PML signed contracts on the new warehouse in September and has completed the necessary refurbishments in time to deal with the issues Brexit will bring. The 24/7 operation will handle daily consignments of food – for packing, loading, and unloading – and has the capacity to easily process 80-100 truck movements per day in its first phase of the 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.
64 jobs created
26 HGV drivers have been recruited to operate out of the Kent site, and a further eight vacancies will become available from April 2022. The Lympne facility has also created 30 office and warehouse jobs, with 20 staff already in situ or undergoing induction training.
Best-in-class facilities for drivers
PML is fast becoming the industry spokesperson for HGV driver welfare, and the company continues to champion the need for improved conditions for these important key workers. The new Kent hub ensures drivers using the facility are treated with respect and offered access to the fundamental amenities, as per their treatment in other European countries. PML Kent offers:
- 24/7 on-site security
- Secure parking to enable drivers to get a good night’s sleep without fear of break-ins/migrant stowaway attempts
- Clean toilets
- Showers
- Access to on-site catering serving hot meals and snacks
- Lorry wash
- Fuel pumps
Commenting on the launch, managing director Mike Parr said, “This is a massive step for PML and once again demonstrates our commitment to spearheading new initiatives which challenge the status quo. In addition to proximity to the ports and Heathrow, we anticipate that haulage 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. This will be a totally unique facility – there is nothing else that compares with it in the area – and we are excited to be the force behind such a major industry development. We hope that the local community will also welcome the opening of our Kent operation, which as well as representing the creation of a substantial number of new jobs, will also reduce delays on the roads within the area, caused by queuing freight traffic.”
- Ends –
NOTE TO EDITORS
- The transport and logistics hub comprises:
- Two impressive purpose-built cold stores
- 14 dock levellers to enable safe and time-efficient loading and offloading
- Expansive parking (for up to 60 trailers)
- Generous office space, including the creation of dedicated inspection areas and offices for customers and DEFRA personnel to access.
