Dachser is to invest £23m in a new integrated logistics centre close to its existing operation in Northampton.
The German logistics firm has purchased a seven hectare freehold site on which it plans to build a 6,000 sq metre cross-dock facility and 11,000 sq metres of contract logistics warehousing, together with two-storey office accommodation.
UK MD Nick Lowe said the development, scheduled for completion by March 2014, was in response to the rapid increase in demand for Dachser’s pan-European trailer services.
“Export growth was 15% last year, closing the gap on our imports which are growing slightly more slowly. That’s giving us an ideal balance between our inbound and outbound traffic and I’m pleased to say we have maintained our rate of growth in the first quarter of 2013,” he said.
Lowe added that this was a result of significant growth in market share for Dachser, since the company’s analysis of trailer movements in and out of the UK indicated an increase of only 2.5% last year.
He also stated the company, which currently employs 140 staff at Northampton, would add a further 40 to 50 new personnel in the first phase.
The company’s plans include provision for a further 2,400 sq metres of cross-docking and 10,500 sq metres of additional warehousing, which Lowe hoped could be developed in five to six years if volumes continued to increase.