ABP ties up 12,000 sq ft deal with Vuba Resin

Associated British Ports has agreed terms with the chemicals firm to develop a facility at the Port of Goole.

Vuba’s operation at what ABP describes as the Humber’s most significant inland port will see the firm develop a port terminal facility for its production line, including storage, drying, blending and bagging.

The Vuba plot has a 1.5-acre external area.

Andrew Dawes, regional director of the Humber ports, said Vuba “are an industry leader in their sector and we’re always looking forward to helping customers expand their operations”.

He added: “We have an extensive portfolio of warehousing and storage facilities within our ports, making them ideal for those businesses looking to locate themselves in the Humber gateway.”

ABP has been on the front foot in its real estate strategy locally in recent times, bringing in Greg Lacey as head of property for the Humber then adding Rob Morton from CEG.

In the last couple of months, it has acquired 21 acres for an expansion of the Port of Immingham, where a roll-on roll-off ferry facility is to developed in joint venture with Stena Line, following the granting of a development consent order.

Sean Scott, founder of Vuba Chemical Innovations said: “ABP have been very helpful and accommodating throughout this process. I feel they share our vision for us to create a world leading suite of aggregate and derivative production facilities at the dock.

“We’ve invested £3m in the ABP site on a state-of-the-art drying, screening and cooling process, with four bagging lines and three robotic palletisers. We have a further £2m planned investment next year.”

Laura Wood, head of commercial (Humber) for ABP, added: “It’s a pleasure to work with a company with the ambition of Vuba. We look forward to deepening our partnership to support their strategic growth.”

Vuba’s commitment to Goole follows Metsa’s plans for a 2.6m sq ft tissue factory and development manager HBD advancing up to 5.5m sq ft of industrial property for key landowner St John’s College Cambridge, both developments sitting within the wider Humber Freeport Goole tax sites.

Lacey concluded: “This investment in Goole by Vuba is an indicator of Goole’s potential to attract new manufacturing uses.

“We commend Sean for how quickly his business has grown having originally started it in 2009, and I’m delighted that we are now in talks for the next phase of expansion at the Port of Goole.”