Improved warehouse capability could boost UK logistics sector

Two brand new warehouses are set to be constructed close to the M6 in the Wigan area, representing the largest project of its kind to take place in the north-west for over a year. The creation of the 31-acre site is to be financed as part of a joint venture between development firm Barwood and insurers Legal & General Property. Barwood director Andrew Dickman has described the facility, which sits on the South Lancashire Industrial state on Locket Road, as a "strategic site", which will benefit from its prime location in "one of the UK's distribution hotspots", DHL Logistics reports. The two new units will measure 555,000 sq ft and 100,000 sq ft, with Legal & General property fund manager Will Edwards saying the site will profit from "little competing supply and considerable demand prospects”. Once completed, the new warehouses could provide a large number of new logistics and supply chain jobs, with managerial and handling positions set to become available. Meanwhile, the handling process in warehouses could soon be revolutionised, with Penny Hydraulics set to unveil two brand new pieces of lifting equipment at the IMHX convention, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from March 19th to 22nd. The new Penny Hydraulics BayLift will offer handlers the ability to lift loads between levels that are less than 1.5 metres apart, therefore eliminating the need for manual lifting or handling which is currently common practice over this distance. In addition, the company will showcase the Penny Hydraulics MezzLift, which stands within its own self-supporting structure meaning no construction is required for installation, and which also enables the lift to be moved around the warehouse as and when required. Both products are designed to allow the lifting and handling process to be undertaken quickly, safely and efficiently by a single person, removing the need for any of the work to be done manually. Continual innovation within the goods handling market is making warehouse management increasingly efficient and cost-effective, enabling the entire UK supply chain to become streamlined. Looking for logistics jobs? At Cast UK our team of expert consultants can help you find your ideal role.