The Warrenpoint-based company HMT Shipping has acquired premises in Preston as part of a £2 million expansion plan backed by Ulster Bank to cater to their growing trade in the area.

The firm plans to open a new distribution centre, creating 20 jobs in the process. The centre will allow the company to make overnight deliveries to all regions in the UK, on account of the excellent motorway links in the Preston area.

HMT Shipping has seen rapid growth in recent years, and expects to record a 30 per cent increase in its pallet division over the coming year.

The new location is only four miles from Preston city centre, and consists of 47,000 sq ft in warehouse space, accompanied by a 4,000 sq ft office.

HMT Shipping’s managing director Jarlath Magee said of the new centre: “This has significant ongoing benefits for our existing cross-channel business as it provides an established delivery network for onward distribution and collection of customers’ goods and improves efficiencies in the supply chain.”