£1m inward investment supports multi-million pound contract for Teesside logistics firm

A Teesside freight logistics firm has officially opened a £1m canopy to support its multi-million pound deal with a blue-chip manufacturer.

Middlesbrough-based firm AV Dawson has invested in a new rail-linked facility to support its delivery of the multi-million pound contract with plaster specialist British Gypsum.

Part of the global Saint Gobain group, British Gypsum is importing its product through AV Dawson’s Teesside freight terminal, based on Middlesbrough’s Riverside Park. The purpose-build canopy is based at the southern end of the site.

Kevin Flinton, Saint Gobain’s senior procurement manager commented: “We awarded this contract to AV Dawson because of the flexible and environmentally efficient solution they’ve provided to our business.

“We also liked that the business was prepared to take a long term view; investing further in its facilities to ensure it could deliver the highest quality service for us.”

Signed in 2018, the contract has resulted in the creation of ten new jobs at AV Dawson, as well as over £2m investment in new facilities and plant equipment.

North East England Chamber of Commerce director of international trade, Julie Underwood, explained: “It’s fantastic to see the investment that is happening at AV Dawson’s site, the business really is going from strength to strength and securing a major global brand name such as Saint Gobain is testament to this.

“This operation is a great illustration of the innovation, investment and added value that the logistics sector and the wider supply chain delivers to businesses trading internationally.”

AV Dawson’s managing director Gary Dawson added: “This is a significant investment for AV Dawson, however to provide the high service level that our customers have come to expect from us, it was important to invest in the best solution for British Gypsum.

“The canopy is just part of ongoing investment in out 100 acre Teesside site. The fact that we are still a family owned company with a relatively flat management structure means we can make quick but considered business decisions to help support our customers’ needs; it really shows how adaptable and resourceful we can be as a company.”

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