Logistics specialist AV Dawson has officially signed a deal signalling the last phase of a £12.5m masterplan.

The firm has signed a strategic deal with Network Rail which has given the firm control of the full rail sidings which link its entire 80-acre site to the East Coast Mainline.

The deal, to manage the neighbouring seven-acre Middlesbrough Goods Yard, comes as the Teesside firm has completed work on its £12.5m expansion plans which have seen the creation of a new deepwater river Tees quay; a rail freight terminal the Tees Riverside Intermodal Park (TRIP) and huge, state-of-the-art automotive steel store.

It means Dawson’s customers can take advantage of using the firm as a single supplier – from mainline rail through to, road, sea terminal or warehouse; reducing costs through improved efficiencies and the integrated infrastructure.

The 99-year lease to manage the goods yard site includes all the operational rail sidings and will form an integral part of the overall intermodal logistics operation at Dawson’s Riverside Park HQ.

The family-run firm plans to spend £500,000 on renewals and improvements over the next five years.

Gary Dawson, AV Dawson’s managing director, said: 'Taking ownership of the Middlesbrough Goods Yard strategically underpins the investments we have made over recent years in building three additional rail served facilities, all of which rely on the goods yard for main line connection.

'It gives our investors and customers increased confidence in our business model and in their rail served supply chains.

'Having such a vested interest means that we are committed to improving the integrity of the yard, and plan to expand its capacity through redesign and the laying of additional track.

'Work on these improvements will begin over the next few weeks.'

Source: TheJournal