Christian Salvesen has been awarded a five-year renewal contract to operate British Airways World Cargo’s perishable handling centre at Heathrow.
The multi million pound contract extension, until April 2010, reflects BA’s continued confidence in Christian Salvesen’s management team and their entrepreneurial and innovative approach, the carrier said.
Gerry Mundy, global perishables manager for BAWC, said: “Christian Salvesen has risen to the considerable challenges that both the airfreight and produce industries have encountered over the last four years.
“While remaining focused on the needs of the importer and retailer, the management of the PHC has also looked to the future, extending the business beyond Heathrow. I look forward to growing our business together as the market leader in the handling of perishables at UK airports.”
The 7,000 square metre centre has a fleet of 14 chilled articulated lorries, collecting produce from airlines at south-east airports, including Manston, Stansted and Gatwick as well as at Heathrow. Deliveries of shelf-ready produce depart 24/7 from the centre to major retailers and markets across the UK.
Designed to handle 150,000 tonnes of perishable freight annually, the £15 million PHC, under Salvesen stewardship, has experienced non-stop growth since its inception in August 1999, since when it has received numerous industry awards, including an inaugral Re:fresh award in 2004.
Matthew George, general manager for Christian Salvesen said: “The Re:fresh award for innovation in 2004 was important for us. It showed that our efforts to add significant shelf life to products by introducing value-added services and reducing handling times at the centre had been recognised by the fresh produce industry”.
The centre recently received a ‘Grade A’ rating during a British Retail Consortium/Soil Association audit for the reception, handling, packing and distribution of fresh fruit, fruit juice, vegetables and salads as well as the coveted ISO 9001:2000 for its high standards of procedures.
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