James Kemball trucks

Felixstowe-based haulier James Kemball has made a “multi-million pound” investment in a new loaded container storage depot at the Port of Felixstowe, as part of plans to grow its client base.

The move follows rapid growth at the company last year, when it reported a 32% rise in pre-tax profit to £439,701 (2015: £333,925) in the year to 31 March 2016 with turnover 9% ahead on the previous period at £20.9m.

The container haulage company said the new depot allows it to offer state-of-the-art facilities and additional services to its customers, which include retailers, brands, shipping lines and freight forwarders.

The five-acre depot, which has capacity for more than 1,600 loaded containers, has Kalmar reachstackers, offering Felixstowe’s largest container weight lifting capacity outside the port, according to the operator.

It also includes a one-acre plot which the company said could be developed into warehousing facilities for its clients.

James Kemball has taken on four new staff members at the depot, which is open from 6am on Monday until 5am on Saturday, with plans to add a further six employees over the coming year.

Darren Walne, commercial director at James Kemball, said: “This investment is very much part of our overall strategic plan to add value. Not only will it help us to grow our client base but will provide a fantastic new service for current clients and the ability for them to streamline their supply chain and reduce their quay storage costs.

Depot manager Andy Tattersall added: “We are immensely proud of our long-standing relationships with our customers and this depot will set new standards of excellence in how we operate, the equipment we use and how we utilise our strongest assets, our people, to provide exceptional customer service in an environmentally friendly and, importantly, safe environment.”

James Kemball runs a fleet of more than 500 vehicles.

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