Formica Group moves import operations to Port of Tyne

Formica Group has signed a new deal with Port of Tyne to move its UK import operations to South Shields, bringing around 500 containers a year into the Port.

The laminate manufacturer, based in North Shields and Newton Aycliffe, supplies branded surfaces for worldwide commercial and residential markets and imports paper reels from Savannah and the US.

The paper reels will be shipped from other parts of the world to South Shields on coastal feeder vessels before being moved into the Port of Tyne’s deep-water container facility.

The containers will then be unloaded into a port-centric warehouse, which will store around 2500 tonnes of paper before being delivered to Formica’s production site.

Port of Tyne commercial director, Richard Newton, said: “Our close proximity to Formica’s production site in North Shields will improve turnaround times, increase efficiency and use considerably fewer road miles, saving time, carbon and money.

“Our customer service, which achieved 93% satisfaction rate, was critical in winning this business; we are in constant dialogue with our customers and form strong partnerships.

“Combined with our port-centric approach, which forms an integral part of our customers’ supply chain, it gives customers one less thing to worry about. We are delighted to secure this deal and look forward to working with Formica.”

Dan Baker, European category manager at Formica Group, added: “Sustainability was a crucial factor in choosing to work with the Port of Tyne, which has allowed us to save about 40,000 road miles per year. Environmental sustainability is increasingly important for Formica’s supply chain.”

Formica Group’s factory in North Shields employs more than 400 people and serves as the company’s European headquarters.