Solent Gateway

A 20% increase in storage demand has prompted Meachers Global Logistics to lease a new warehouse in Southampton.

The transport company said the COVID-19 pandemic had sent demand for space soaring as supply chains slowed down.

The new premises at Solent Gateway in Marchwood will help Meachers meet the needs of its customers while the coronavirus takes hold.

Gary Whittle, commercial director at Meachers, said: “The coronavirus outbreak has forced many supply chains to back up as companies with surplus goods have nowhere to ship it.

“Obviously the knock-on effect of this is needing storage for the goods until the country starts to get moving again, so we have needed to take on additional warehousing locally to ensure we can meet the needs of customers during this time.”

Chris Anderson, Solent Gateway head of business, said it had experienced a 200% increase in enquiries for storage requirements and added: “Where other ports are grinding to a halt, we have the capacity to absorb the overflow.

“We currently have 25 acres available for immediate use and are working actively to unlock more to meet demand.”