PD Ports has signed a new long-term contract with one of the UK’s leading recyclers of waste metals to provide stevedoring and storage services at Groveport, the inland port complex on the River Trent that has direct sea access along the Humber Estuary.

Mettalis has become the latest metals trading business to take advantage of PD Ports’ expertise and services in this industry sector. The Company exports scrap metals worldwide.

With easy access to Groveport thanks to the Port’s fast connections to the UK’s motorway network just three miles away, Mettalis has started transporting scrap metals from across the UK into the East coast port ready for export. Using a 1.2 acre site adjacent to the quay it can take advantage of dedicated loading and unloading services.

Geoff Lippitt, PD Ports’ Business Development Director, sees this new contract as a further testament to the Company’s handling expertise.

“Our experience, skills and knowledge in the handling of metals at Groveport has positioned the Port as one of the UK’s premier facilities for handling steel products of all kinds, including scrap metals.

“The length of the contract with Mettalis shows real intent on both our parts to support the growth in demand for scrap metal exports.”

Mettalis is PD Ports’ second major signing in the past few months in the metals industry and this highlights Groveport’s strength in this sector. PD Ports has developed its operations at the Port and now has 14 heavy lift quayside cranes up to 40 tonne lift capacity and fully computerised 50 tonne weighbridges to facilitate collections and deliveries using its internal or customer transport.

Jason Coleman, Mettalis Director, believes the expertise PD Ports has in the metal sector was a strong attraction for his company to partner with them.

“Our business is in recycling scrap metal and this is becoming an increasingly important part of our business growth. Our need is to move our product safely, securely and without delays to our recycling customers and using Groveport makes real sense when you consider the location, the stevedoring facilities and the skills and expertise PD Ports offers us. We are confident this long-term partnership will help us expand our business operations even further.”