Construction materials importer Aggregate Industries to invest millions of pounds into new ‘super shed’ at the Port of Liverpool with a capacity of 40,000 tonnes. Tony McDonough reports

A new ‘super-shed’ at the Port of Liverpool with a storage capacity of more than 40,000 tonnes will see a rise in the import of building materials via the Mersey.

Aggregate Industries (AIUK) – part of the Holcim Group – is investing several million pounds into the new facility. This is to meet increased demand for ‘cementitious products’ (cement-based construction materials).

This new facility will be one of the largest of its kind in Europe and AIUK has made a long-term commitment to the port with the signing of a 25-year lease agreement.

It represents the third major deal made by the manufacturer in the last six months, as part of a strategic investment programme into deep sea terminals.

AIUK will be better able to maintain a continuous supply of lower carbon cementitious solutions throughout the North of England and Wales, with the addition of two surrounding berths and a two-chamber flat store at the portside.

This will help accommodate larger vessels coming into the Mersey and improve overall transport efficiencies. It will ensure minimal lorry miles from terminals to construction sites.

Head of supply chain at AIUK’s cement division, Matt Owen, said: “Our commitment at Liverpool is one of a series of planned developments to respond to increasing market demand across the surrounding regions.

“By investing in deep sea facilities, we’re looking to streamline operations as well as reduce the embodied carbon in our imported products, saving up to 25% of CO2 per tonne of material thanks to increased vessel capacities.

“Our investment in the Port is indicative of the key role freight is playing in helping us to build resilience and surety of supply for customers, so we can always respond in an agile way to customer demand.”

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Tom Harrison, group strategic accounts director at Port of Liverpool owner, Peel Ports Group, added: “This significant investment highlights AIUK’s long term commitment in driving growth and opportunities across the Port of Liverpool.

“At Peel Ports, we believe we’re more than just a port, but central to enabling a more agile, efficient, and sustainable supply chain for the UK’s industries by offering port-centric solutions such as this to help our customers thrive.”