Associated British Ports

ABP invested £2.5 million in the new 6,540 square metre warehouse and distribution complex. It is equipped with a drive-in racking system providing 8,000 pallet positions, supplied by Redirack.

Howell Billington is the new Distribution Terminal Manager. ” Our core business is about high quality and cost efficient bulk storage and distribution. Being able to select individual pallets is not important for our bulk products, because these are invariably moved in batches. However, with the varied types of products we handle, we still have the ability to locate and move individual pallets. So, we wanted a storage solution that made the best possible use of the space within the centre, whilst recognising that a limited amount of individual pallet selectivity was required. The system designed and installed by Redirack features Drive-in racking and gives us the most space efficient and cost-effective layout for the number of pallet positions we required.” He says.

The racking is laid out in six blocks, and rises to a height of 9.6 metres. Pallet rails are at 2.4 metres, 4.2 metres, 6 metres and 7.8 metres. The added height in the ground floor location makes it easier for the fork lift trucks to enter and leave the racking system. In three of the racking blocks, pallets can be stored five deep, they are stored four deep in the other three. This installation features the new Redirack heavy duty upright. Specifically designed for drive-in installations this upright enabled ABP to take full advantage of the available headroom without compromising load capacities.

“Although, the site has only been open for a matter of weeks, we are already starting to fill the racking.” Howell continues. “We handle three hundred tonnes of product each week for leading pet products specialists; The Bob Martin Company. We also have contracts with Sunjuice, for storage and distribution of their packaging and Galozzi Shipping who import tinned products from Italy for a leading Supermarket chain.”

ABP’s Project Manager, for the new terminal was Mike Jarvis. Commenting on the project he said, “Once again, we were very impressed with the performance of Redirack’s team. Their service was excellent and the installation was completed ahead of schedule. That meant the racking could be handed over early, enabling the terminal to start earning money before it was officially opened. What’s more our warehouse operators are delighted with the ease of use of the new system.”