We recently spoke to our new General Manager, Tony Brooker, asking him questions about our new Lymedale site. Tony comes to the company with 17 years of experience at GIST.
Is the new site in a beneficial location?
“Our new Lymedale site is situated close to the M6, the site provides excellent access to the motorway network. Centrally located in the country, our drivers are strategically positioned to deliver efficiently across the nation.”
What is the capacity of the new site?
“Our new Lymedale site spans 322,000 square feet, an impressive size, combined with its unusual 18-meter height, offers an incredible 52,270 pallet spaces for our customers’ use. This significant capacity ensures we can meet the growing demands of our clients.”
What new new technology has been introduced?
“We are excited to introduce two new conveyor unloaders, which we have trialled and are now purchasing. This advanced equipment reduces the manual handling strain on our colleagues during the destuffing of containers, speeding up the entire process and enhancing operational efficiency.”
Has sustainability been a priority?
“The Lymedale site is equipped with energy-efficient lighting throughout and boasts excellent thermal qualities. Operationally, we recycle waste materials at the source, such as cardboard and shrink wrap, which are baled prior to collection for recycling. Even the milk in our canteen is delivered in glass bottles instead of plastic, allowing for return and reuse, further reducing our environmental footprint.”
Is the new site going to have an impact on the local area?
“In a time when several businesses have reduced or closed their operations in and around Newcastle, we are proud to have created over 150 full-time permanent roles. This job creation demonstrates our commitment to positively impacting the local community.”
What safety initiatives are being implemented?
“We are implementing a new safety system on our dock doors to address one of the biggest risks to warehouse colleagues: accidental drive-offs from bay doors. This new system aims to make such incidents almost impossible, ensuring the safety of our incredible team. Unfortunately, the industry sees several deaths and serious injuries each year due to this issue, and we are determined to lead in improving safety standards.”
Is there a plan for future Growth?
“Looking forward, we aim to provide our customers with the best possible experience, giving them a competitive advantage. We believe our Lymedale site will deliver this and more. The success of this site not only helps us attract more customers but also creates a compelling business case to replicate our achievements at additional sites in the future.”
