16 new jobs created as logistics operator invests £1.6m in new warehouse

East Trans, the Humber logistics operator, has made a £1.6m investment in a new warehousing facility to capitalise on the growth in online transactions.

The investment means East Trans can now offer customers a total of 200,000 sq ft of newly-built or recently refurbished warehousing over nine acres at Stallingborough, North East Lincolnshire.

The new 8 metre high, 40,000 sq ft warehouse has a reinforced floor, offers flexibility of use and is built to food grade standards. As with all East Trans’ storage facilities, it also offers full fibre connectivity allowing customers remote access to multi-camera, CCTV feeds and real-time stock control data.

The site is close to the Humber ports and within an area that has an established manufacturing base, with 75% of the UK’s manufacturers, importers and exporters within four hours’ drive time.

The investment has resulted in the integrated logistics supplier securing a new contract is with a medical supplies company requiring secure warehousing and reliable distribution across the UK.

This marks East Trans’ first move into “pick and pack” logistics – a market driven by consumers and businesses favouring the speed and convenience of online purchasing.

The business, owned by managing director Paul Hickling and director Peter Aarosin, was acquired 11 years ago from Icelandic-owned international transportation company Eimskip, which remains an important customer of the company.

East Trans now operates more than 100 HGVs and over 160 trailers, with annual revenues of £18m.

Mr Hickling said: “This is a major, long-term investment for the business. It enhances our ability to serve existing and new customers requiring reliable, secure and cost-effective logistics and underpins our position as the leading company in the Humber region for high-class warehousing.

“The new warehouse is equipped to the latest standards and is technically far superior to many other facilities – in some cases storage amounts to no more than a big box in a field or on an industrial estate.

“Our expanded storage capacity has already paid dividends by enabling us to provide a pick and pack service to a major new customer, supported by full fibre connectivity across our site which gives the client 24/7 visibility and instant stock information.”

East Trans, which has a roster of more than 200 clients, employs more than 100 staff and the new investment in the warehouse and pick and pack facilities will create at least 16 new jobs.

Mr Aarosin added: “We’re now well positioned for further growth as existing and prospective clients respond to the ever-growing demand for online purchase and fulfilment, which require much more sophisticated logistics support.

“As trusted warehousing and distribution partners we can meet that need, giving our customers peace of mind that their stock management and deliveries are in very good hands.

“That confidence is underpinned by technology. We’ve created a bespoke service for our new client, including incorporating their IT systems into our facility.

“The full fibre connectivity on site also means they have their own online window into the warehouse. The client can see at all times the efficiency and accuracy of the pick and pack operation and that their stock is being managed professionally and carefully. It’s as good as them being on site.”

The investment has been backed by NatWest Bank. Senior relationship manager Nick Spencer, commented: “We have been delighted to support the team at East Trans with the opening of their new warehouse. The business continues to go from strength to strength and the new facility will provide East Trans with the space needed to expand further.”

CR Parrott Consultants, the Scunthorpe-based consulting engineering firm, managed the project. The warehouse was built by contractor PK Construction.

The investment was also supported by a £136k Local Growth Fund grant from the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership, via North East Lincolnshire Council.

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