A logistics company has officially opened the doors on its new site which has created more than 60 new jobs.

PML, which specialises in transporting perishable goods, has spent £6m on the purchase and refurbishment of its new satellite hub at Lympne Distribution Park near Hythe.

It has created 34 HGV driver jobs and 30 office and warehouse positions at the facility which stretches across 220,000sq ft and includes 44,000sq ft of warehousing.

The firm, which has its headquarters at Heathrow, hope the site's proximity to the ports and Border Control Post status, will prove popular with its customers.

PML signed contracts on the new warehouse in September.

The 24/7 operation will handle daily consignments of food - for packing, loading, and unloading – and has the capacity to process 80-100 truck movements per day in its first phase of operation – which will focus on refrigerated goods only.

This figure will increase during 'Phase 2' – which is likely to be in 18 months’ time - when ambient cargo will also be incorporated.

PML managing director, Mike Parr, said: “In addition to proximity to the ports and Heathrow, we anticipate that haulage drivers will also appreciate the efficient and seamless service we will be able to deliver, enabling them to leave the trailer onsite while they take a rest break, as opposed to sitting in a queue worrying about the lengthy delays which could seriously impact on the condition of their perishable cargo.

"This will be a totally unique facility – there is nothing else that compares with it in the area - and we are excited to be the force behind such a major industry development. We hope that the local community will also welcome the opening of our Kent operation, which as well as representing the creation of a substantial number of new jobs, will also reduce delays on the roads within the area, caused by queuing freight traffic.”