ABP invests £1 million into port improvements to support new jobs

Immingham Bulk Park, which spans an area of more than 1.5 million ft2, already has the capacity to handle 1 million t of cargo each year and is home to ABP’s long-standing customers, Thomas Bell & Sons Ltd. It provides a vital service to farmers across the Midlands and North of England in keeping them supplied with fertilisers and animal feeds.

Thomas Bell & Sons has recently signed a new five year agreement with the port operator, which will guarantee an additional 80 000 t of fertilizer being brought through the port each year.

ABP’s new investment will be used to build a fourth bagging plant for the customer and to purchase new equipment for the expanded facility, including loading shovels and forklift trucks.

The new facility is expected to be complete and operational in January 2019 and ABP anticipates the need to recruit additional employees to help support this expansion.

Simon Bird, Regional Director for ABP Humber, said: “At ABP, we strive to exceed our customer’s expectations. This development is another example of how we invest and shape our operations to support the growth of valued customers, like Thomas Bell.”

In 2016, ABP and Thomas Bell & Sons jointly invested £500 000 to build a bespoke blending facility at the Immingham Bulk Park. With national reach, this now enables the farming community to request specific blends of fertilizer, bespoke to their requirements.

Andrew Major, Managing Director of Thomas Bell & Sons said: “We have been working with ABP Bulk Park for over 20 years and in the past two years, both parties have made significant investments to support our brand, Diamond Fertilisers, and increase the range of products and services we offer our customers. The infrastructure at ABP in Immingham, including the location, storage facilities, ability to discharge cargoes up to 25 000 t and our blending production plant, has all contributed and strengthened our position in the marketplace.’’

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/ports-terminals/08102018/abp-invests-1-million-into-port-improvements-to-support-new-jobs/