Lifestyle and consumer brand JML is massively expanding its presence in the Port of Tyne this year. The company produces innovative products and promotes these directly to the consumer via retail screen promotions, its website and through TV home shopping.
In 2008, the group trebled the turnover of its Port of Tyne-based Direct to Consumer business. It created over 100 new jobs at its two South Shields sites located within the Port of Tyne's Tyne Dock estate - its warehouse/office and a call centre in Atlantic House. The expansion is set to continue in 2010.
JML's Group Operations Director, Shaun Tebble, says: "In April JML will move its retail fulfilment from the South East to the Port of Tyne - it's a giant step."
This means that stock for store groups such as ASDA and Boots will no longer be despatched from JML's incumbent centre in Dartford but from the North East.
Shaun Tebble adds: "It will hugely increase JML's presence in the port and lead to a significant hike in container traffic. We expect volumes will rise by almost 500% from 350 to 1500 containers a year as a result."
Most of JML's products are imported, generally from the Far East via Rotterdam. The relocated retail operation will have an average of 9,000 pallets stocked at any one time in one of the Port of Tyne's state of the art warehouses. The port's own team will provide the devanning, warehousing, pick and pack, despatch and onward logistics services for the operation.
Andrew Moffat, CEO of the Port of Tyne, explains: "Our strength is in providing customers with value creating solutions to their supply chain needs and we are delighted that JML has chosen to move their retail operation to the Port of Tyne. We believe this reinforces the position of a successful business in the North East and has the potential to create more employment opportunities in the region."
Shaun Tebble says: "The Port of Tyne offers a one stop shop and flexibility and this, together with the work ethic of the local population, was the major reason why we relocated to South Shields.
JML, meanwhile, continues to grow; already present in countries as far flung as the Philippines, Russia, Brazil, Australia and South Africa, it recently opened operations in the Netherlands and is about to open branches in Central Europe and Singapore.
"We supply nearly 80 countries worldwide" explains Shaun Tebble "I am proud of what JML has achieved, and delighted to be part of such a major success story here in the north east" says Shaun Tebble.