More Deep Water Port and Logistics Park Plans Come to Fruition

UK – In another win for DP World's London Gateway facility Compagnie Fruitière UK, a leading supplier of bananas to the British marketplace, has taken occupation of a 69,718 square foot ripening facility due to open next year on practical completion of the building within the deep water port's logistics park.

Compagnie Fruitière’s existing operation in Dartford will be moved into the new facility, which has received both a BREEAM Outstanding rating and an EPC rating of ‘A’, and is located on plot LG70. This puts it at the heart of London Gateway’s Logistics Park and offers truly multimodal integration with the UK supply chain.

Built adjacent to London Gateway’s deep-sea container port, with an international rail terminal on site the move is intended to improve the speed and efficiency of Compagnie Fruitière’s service to its customers. Keith Sadler, Managing Director, Compagnie Fruitière observed:

“Compagnie Fruitière are very pleased to take delivery of its new ripening facility from our partner DP World and we look forward to this exciting project becoming operational in early 2021. The port centric location, combined with the use of technology to deliver efficiency and to enhance freshness, will further strengthen our supply chain and Compagnie Fruitière’s reputation for excellent quality and service with its customers.”

The Local Development Order which the port has with Thurrock Council means the often sluggish planning permission process can be turned around in just 28 days, doubtless a factor in many of the logistics park’s successes. Oliver Treneman, Park Development Director, DP World London Gateway was quick to sing the praises of the site, saying:

“We are delighted to have delivered a bespoke best in class banana ripening facility for Compagnie Fruitière. The new facility further consolidates London Gateway’s position in the UK as the premier destination for imported temperature controlled and frozen produce.

“It further demonstrates the supply chain efficiencies to be derived from locating a warehouse operation in a logistics park adjacent to the most technologically advanced port in the UK, a semi-automated port possessing the capacity to handle refrigerated cargo traffic on an unmatched scale. Needless, to say attracting another shipping line customer as warehouse operator at the Park is a significant additional win for London Gateway.

"Compagnie Fruitière’s decision to locate in the park is an important endorsement for us and will provide them with the opportunity to drive further supply chain efficiencies for the benefit of their customers. Proximity to the largest market in the UK by population, London and the South-East, not only reduces stem mileage and emissions, but also results in helping to mitigate cost pressure. We believe it to be altogether a more sustainable business strategy over the long term.”