A cargo specialist is setting up a new base in the county - creating more than 30 jobs in the process.

Perishable Movements Ltd (PML), which is headquartered in Heathrow and also has a site in Spalding, is expanding with a satellite operation at the Lympne Distribution Park.

The company specialises in global perishable cargo.

It has spent £3.5million on buying the 100,000sq ft site near Hythe due to its proximity to the key Channel ports of Dover and Folkestone.

The move comes as the firm looks to offer its customers with an alternative route in and out of Heathrow.

It also plans to apply for remote HMRC/Defra approved Border Control Post (BCP) status to enable a faster transit of consignments out of Dover.

The 24/7 operation which will handle daily consignments of food - for packing, loading and unloading - should be up and running by end September.

It is expecting to process 80-100 truck movements a day.

The company plans to spend around £1m on refurbishments to bring the building up to standard.

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 on-site 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 – and of course adds to major delays on Kent’s roads."

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