Partner Article

NEMS to take on the world

WEARSIDE logistics and warehousing business NEMS has set out a £20m global expansion plan which will include new operations in the UAE and US.

The Sunderland firm announced the ambitious blueprint for international growth yesterday as it officially joined forces with its new owner, commodity trading firm Trafigura Beheer.

NEMS, which was formerly owned by Sunderland-born entrepreneur Sir Tom Cowie, was acquired by the Swiss firm last month.

The company will now set up operations in Chicago, New Orleans and Baltimore in the US, as well as Dubai, UAE, and will look to expand its presence in China.

Managing director Charles Bucknall said the company will also look to develop its North East base.

He said: “Closer to home, we will make significant investments in our existing Liverpool and North- East England distribution hubs to expand our logistics operations, linking up with our other hubs across the globe.

“This will see NEMS storing and transporting a wider range of products, including electricals and white goods, making it easier for companies in the North of England to deliver their products, in large and small quantities, to customers in areas such as the Middle East, China and Asia.”

Sir Tom Cowie officially passed control of the business to Trafigura director Pierre Lorinet at a ceremony at the company’s South Dock headquarters in Sunderland yesterday.

Within the metals and minerals sector, NEMS will continue as an independent operation, providing global storage facilities for third parties as well as warehousing for Trafigura’s products.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .