Family-run Craigavon transport and logistics firm Manfreight is set to open a new £14 million 50,000 sq ft chilled storage facility in Belfast.
Located in Belfast Harbour, the facility - which has been supported via a seven-figure funding package from HSBC UK - is the first purpose-built warehouse to be constructed in Northern Ireland in more 25 years.
Its strategic position is also close to essential transport infrastructures and the major Belfast ferry terminals, which will help to reduce overall food miles.
The hub, which will employ 30 people across the warehouse operations team, has been sustainably built to BREEAM Excellence Standards and will be powered by 1890 rooftop solar panels.
Manfreight managing director Chris Slowey said: “HSBC UK’s funding has aided us to construct a best-in-class facility, ensuring our continued success for another 50 years.
“The new warehouse will be vital in driving growth and building stronger partnerships with our key customers.”
Planning approval for the logistics facility was granted in September 2022, and ground was broken on the development on West Bank Road in April last year, with Newry firm Felix O’Hare the lead contractor.
Marty Colvin, relationship director at HSBC UK, which serves more than 14.75 million customers, said: “It has been great to be able to support Manfreight whilst it makes significant and innovative changes to the business.
“The company is moving in the right direction to meet its goals and we are excited to be supporting this.”
Port of Belfast director Michael Robinson said the investment by Manfreight demonstrates its confidence in both the local agri-food and distribution sector and also the competitive advantage the facility and its location will provide.
He said: “Over the past decade, we have seen requirements change in the logistics market, with occupiers requiring more modern, energy efficient facilities, and this site presented an opportunity to construct an occupier-led, purpose-built warehouse in an ideal location within the harbour estate close to our main ferry terminals.
“With more than 500,000 sq ft of modern logistics space already developed in this part of the Harbour Estate, it is clear that the market sees the economic value of locating in the Port beside the ferry terminals.”
