NFT, the UK’s market leader in chilled food distribution, launched its game changing London Logistics Facility based at the Port of Tilbury last week.
The facility was officially opened by The Rt. Hon.The Lord Mayor of London, Alderman The Lord Mountevans with a commemorative plaque being unveiled in NFT’s reception.
NFT marked the occasion by inviting over 170 key industry movers and shakers from 75 companies to a celebratory lunch on board the delightful Dixie Queen paddle steamer, which was berthed outside the facility.
Whilst on board, guests were given an overview of the port’s key activities and were addressed by Jackie Doyle-Price, Local MP for Thurrock about the significance of the port in today’s economy before a tour of NFT’s logistics centre took place.
The theme ‘The Future of Global Logistics’ reinforced NFT’s worldwide strategy to provide seamless, efficient and sustainable logistics. It informed attendees about the increasing demand for imports and how to leverage this opportunity with reduced food miles, thus extracting additional value throughout the supply chain.
The history of maritime London is one of tremendous success. While the docks have migrated out of the centre and international dominance has been challenged, London remains an enormous shipping centre, one of the world’s largest.
Located at one of the biggest dockside facilities in Europe, NFT’s innovative logistics centre is strategically positioned to provide optimum inbound solutions for importers, regardless of the point of entry into the UK’s South East.
David Frankish, NFT’s CEO commented: “We are delighted that our official launch was so well supported and in particular was marked by the attendance of the Lord Mayor. NFT’s vision is to be the catalyst for true, seamless end-to-end world food logistics and this facility secures our place as a global logistics provider.”
The Lord Mayor of London, The Lord Mountevans, commented: “The new NFT London facility is very impressive and the link it provides between the shipping companies and the food retailers is undoubtedly going to be of great value to the UK.”
Charles Hammond, Group Chief Executive of Forth Ports (owners of the Port of Tilbury) said: “This is an exciting day for the Port of Tilbury and we are delighted to be working with NFT as they open one of the largest temperature-controlled facilities in Europe at our port. This is a significant development and places Tilbury at the heart of the food distribution and logistics process in the South East.”
The £25m investment will generate over 500 jobs, has capacity for 25,000 pallets within 230,000 sq ft. and the ability to handle a throughput in excess of 2.5 million cases per week.
NFT is now well on the way to fulfilling its ambition to become a key logistics provider in the global food industry and in so doing will create further exciting opportunities within the industry.
