The UK’s largest frozen food warehouse situated just outside Wisbech in Fenland was officially opened today by the Mayor of Wisbech, Councillor Nicholas Meekins.

The building, which is one and half times the size of a football pitch and nearly as tall as Nelson’s column at 36 metres, can store up to 77,000 pallets of frozen food at temperatures of minus 27 degrees Centigrade. Operated by Dutch company Partner Logistics, the giant warehouse is set to transform the way frozen produce is stored and transported in the region, helping to ensure food reaches the consumer in the best condition.

Speaking at the opening, CEO of Partner Logistics, Bram Hage, said: “The opening of our £42 million state-of-the-art facility is a major milestone in our company’s short history and we have been delighted with the support provided by Fenland District Council and East of England Inward Investment in helping us over the last four years to turn this into a reality.” He added: “This is our third and largest site in the UK and has been built due to unprecedented demand from our customers for more deep-frozen product storage.”

Jacky Holtby of East of England Inward Investment, which is funded by EEDA, supported the project since its inception in 2006. Working closely with Fenland District Council and the company, Jacky helped with a range of matters including the planning process, recruitment and the local supply chain.

She said: “Partner Logistics’ investment is important to the longer term prosperity of the Fenlands, with its dependence on the agricultural industry. The facility has already created 45 new jobs and, with planned expansion, is set to bring a further 100. With various suppliers required to support the site, there’s likely to be even more jobs created to bolster the local economy going forward.”

Councillor Chris Seaton, Fenland District Council's portfolio holder responsible for economic development, said: “This new facility really reinforces Fenland's status as a centre of excellence in the agri-food processing and logistics industry. We are very pleased about the extra jobs it is creating, not only at the facility itself but also within the surrounding supply chains, which will give a welcome boost to the local economy.” He added: “We have worked closely with the region’s inward investment team to help secure this venture and to make sure that everything has gone smoothly for Partner Logistics.”

EEDA is the driving force behind sustainable economic regeneration in the East of England and funds inward investment support across the region.

Further press information from:
Charles Arbuthnot
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Photo captions:

ATTACHED: L to R: CEO Partner Logistics Bram Hage; Jacky Holtby of East of England Inward Investment; Cllr Alan Melton, Leader of Fenland District Council; Cllr Nicholas Meekins, Mayor of Wisbech; Sandra Claxton, Chief Executive Fenland District Council and Clive Gibbon of Fenland District Council

OTHER PHOTOS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST:

Partner Logistics’ new frozen store facility

External View

Inside the picking bay (at -27 degrees C)