London Gateway shared user warehouse

Southampton-based port-centric logistics firm Import Services has been chosen to operate DP World London Gateway’s shared user facility.

It will take on a ‘significant portion’ of the 386,000ft² common user facility on the London Gateway Logistics Park, which is due to open in the second quarter of 2015.

It will provide devanning, cross-docking, storage, pick-and-pack, labelling and distribution from the site on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Mike Thomas, client services director at Import Services, said: “Operating the common user facility will enable Import Services to launch a twin port strategy, replicating our port-centric logistics model in Southampton to facilitate growth for both our existing and new clients at DP World London Gateway.”

It has been working closely with London Gateway operator DP World to establish processes including shunting containers from the port to the facility.

Peter Ward, DP World London Gateway’s head of supply chain, said: “We are delighted to be working with Import Services. The company has demonstrated a common vision and real understanding of our mission as the UK’s new deep-water national hub port and logistics park. We found the team to be tuned into our strategy and, combined with their expertise in the field of port-centric logistics, they put forward a very compelling plan.”