The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology

PD Groveport investment

(Posted on 03/12/19)

Major UK port operator, PD Ports, has successfully concluded the first phase of a multi-million pound steel handling facility at Groveport in partnership with one of Europe’s fastest growing international steel traders and long-standing customer, All Steels Trading.

Construction of the new facility, which commenced in March, signifies the largest single investment in the last decade at Groveport and marks the next step in PD Ports’ growth strategy as the UK’s market leader for handling long steel products.

The contract for construction of the new facility, specifically designed for the handling of high quality steel products, was awarded on a design and build basis to Scunthorpe-based Civil Engineering and Building Contractors, BH Construction Co Ltd.

This investment is the first of two phases and is part of a long-term partnership with valued customer, All Steels Trading. PD Ports’ skilled and experienced team handle, store and prepare the steel trader’s products ensuring they are available on demand; reinforcing All Steels Trading’s customer commitment to short delivery lead-times and value for money.

Operations at the facility, which offers direct quay access, commenced in early November.

Laurence McDougall, All Steels Trading Managing Director, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the new facility. It’s just so reassuring to know that we can now sustainably deliver a totally unparalleled service for our customers, endorsing our market position as the number one choice for bulk stock supplies of long steel products in the UK.”

Geoff Lippitt, PD Ports’ Group Business Development Director, said: “To be recognised as All Steels Trading’s UK port of choice beyond 2035 is something we are incredibly proud of. Our partnership is built on mutual respect as individual market leaders and a shared commitment to deliver the very best service levels to customers.

“All Steels Trading recognises the many advantages Groveport has to offer as a central UK location for transport distribution to key UK steel processing sites and backed by a dedicated haulage fleet with highly skilled people.”

Mark Mayall, Managing Director of BH Construction Co Ltd, said: “The project from start to finish was handled very professionally by all parties involved. This in turn saw the delivery of the facility in the agreed time scale. The commitment to such a large local scheme by PD Ports in these uncertain times is credit to them. We would like to thank PD Ports for the opportunity to deliver this project and wish All Steels Trading a long and prosperous future at Groveport.”

Phase two of the project, which brings All Steels Trading’s footprint at Groveport to over 300,000 sq. ft., is now underway and will include the full integration of existing and new internal infrastructure. The facility is expected to officially open in Spring 2020.