Global freight forwarder International Cargo Logistics (ICL) has nearly doubled the size of its cold storage facility at Heathrow Airport to meet growing customer demand.
Originally 153 sq m, the cold storage facility has grown to 300 sq m. The facility now consists of five chambers with varying temperature regimes, as well as X-ray and external temporary storage facilities (ESTF), plus temperature-controlled vehicles to transport goods across the UK.
In an effort to further streamline operations, the ICL Site Unit 13 facility boasts inspection areas for the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and a control point for Customs checks and clearances, fur streamlining operations.
“This expansion, which comes as we celebrate our 20th anniversary this year, greatly enhances our ability to deliver high-quality logistics services from our Heathrow site,” said Nick Finbow, perishables sales director, ICL.
“Our clients from the perishables sector can now benefit from centralised, round-the-clock logistics services as well as access to an efficient and reliable national distribution network, saving them valuable time and resources while allowing for fresher products to enter the UK food chain.
“Additionally, ICL is preparing to be BRC-accredited by the end of the summer, which means we will be able to deliver to a wider range of retailers and wholesalers.”
In March this year, Heathrow-headquartered ICL announced it would collaborate with fellow UK firm FreshLinc on final-mile delivery for UK airfreight.
In February, ICL also opened a new office in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, as part of efforts to expand its perishables operations across Europe and beyond.
The company aims to further extend its global reach this year with plans to expand into Southeast Asia, starting with a new office in Vietnam.
The forwarder currently operates in over 207 countries.
