Peel Ports Group sees the automotive sector as a major growth opportunity and is working continually to provide vehicle manufacturers, logistics companies and shipping lines with world-class facilities and systems.
The latest example is Peel Ports Medway’s new partnership with the Volkswagen Group UK Ltd. to build and oversee a new eight-acre Pre Delivery Inspection (PDI) Centre at the Port of Sheerness. The investment will create 100 supply chain jobs and increase automobile imports into Sheerness by 50,000 vehicles annually.
The new facilities at Sheerness will provide the Volkswagen Group with enhanced ‘Roll-on Roll-off” (RORO) services to support the extra volumes and a range of port services and stevedoring. The ten-year deal, will see an extension to the existing 80 acre vehicle import centre at Sheerness, a new port road entrance and access to extensive new compounds adjacent to the PDI Centre.
Operations at the PDI Centre will include pre-delivery inspections to ensure vehicle compliance, as well as technical and enhancement services to modify vehicles and apply any customer-required options. The PDI facility will be operated by automotive logistics specialists, GBA Group.
Hamish Scott, Peel Ports’ Strategy Director said: “The automotive sector in the UK is thriving. Manufacturing is expanding rapidly, exports are booming and sale of vehicles made here and overseas are approaching pre-recession levels. That rapid growth and optimism represents a major opportunity for Peel Ports to work with vehicle manufacturers, logistics companies and shipping lines to shorten supply chains, reduce carbon emissions and save money.
“The GBA Group is consulting with industry leaders and shippers to identify operational efficiencies by tailoring vehicle movements and logistics to better meet the needs of customers.”
Commenting on the investment at Sheerness Miles Hearn, Port Director for Peel Ports Medway said:
“This is great news for the Port of Sheerness. Last year we handled around 330,000 vehicles and this PDI facility creates a step change of 50,000 additional automobiles, at a time when core volumes are already growing steadily year on year”
"We have a long-standing relationship with the Volkswagen Group and this significant contract is a huge endorsement of the customer-focused, proactive and positive approach we have always worked hard to deliver."
The Volkswagen Group UK is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, Europe’s largest vehicle manufacturer. In the UK it is responsible for the marketing and sales and aftersales activities of the five Group brands: Volkswagen Passenger Cars and commercial vehicle brands, Audi, SEAT and Škoda.
Matthew Bowden, Head of Group Vehicle Planning and Logistics for Volkswagen Group UK Ltd said: "Peel Ports Medway has consistently delivered a first-rate service operated by a highly skilled workforce.
"That, coupled with the Port of Sheerness's proximity to the UK’s transport network, means that Peel Ports Medway was the optimal site for our new PDI Centre. We look forward to developing our partnership further over the coming years." |