Asda is creating 300 jobs at its new £20M import centre with PD Teesport, part of PD Ports. The new facility, being built near Middlesborough, will save Asda an estimated two million road miles a year by shipping 70% of its distribution direct to Teesport.
Work started on the new facility last month and is due to open in February 2006. The finished project, which is being delivered by developer Gazeley, will provide Asda with an international logistics operation in the North-east for the first time.
Containers carrying products from a variety of international destinations will be delivered to the port, enabling the supermarket to distribute clothing and homewear products to its stores nationwide. The building will initially comprise a 33,480sq m warehouse on an 18-acre site. A further phase of 13,950sq m is planned on an additional 5.6 acres once the initial development is in operation.
l See News Analysis, p14
