Oakland sees strong performance at Irish operation
MIDLANDS-based logistics and cold storage group Oakland International has seen strong trading at its southern Ireland depot during its first full year of trading.
The Redditch firm said sales at the County Meath facility during 2010 had reached £1.3m.
Anticipated growth at the depot for the current year is estimated at between 40 to 45%, based on predicted sales, and if achieved, will exceed expectations.
Staffing levels at the depot doubled during the year with additional staff set to be taken on to meet demand.
Mark Caffrey, Oakland International Ireland’s managing director, said: “We anticipated a positive return on profits, but the first year of operation in any new business can be challenging so we are delighted with the performance of our business model in its first full year.
“Our core Ireland to Ireland retail distribution route operation remains strong, with Oakland’s Ireland to UK service growing and delivering associated cost benefits for customers as we drive through supply chain efficiencies between Ireland and the UK; trucks enjoy full loads on both outward and inbound journeys.”
Since the Co. Meath depot opened, investment in site buildings has been substantial with warehousing capacity tripled to 4,000 pallets, with further a further 20,000 sq ft expansion currently under discussion.
“The development of strong relationships with retailers such as Dunnes, Musgraves and Superquinn, and by working closely with our Irish food producers and manufacturers, helping them to enter the retail market, has been key to our overall success,” added Mr Caffrey.
