Seafast Holdings Ltd, owned subsidiary "Seafast Celsius PLC" has just completed a phase of expansion at its Felixstowe Port based "Temperature Controlled Facility", which sees its capacity almost double in size, with immediate effect.

Seafast commenced operation of the "Celsius" facility, uniquely located within the boundaries of the Port of Felixstowe, in July 2009, always with plans for phased expansion, underpinned by the Company's long term agreement with The Port of Felixstowe.

Commented David J Halliday, Seafast Group Managing Director, "From the date the facility first opened 20 months ago, we were planning the expansion, to ensure we meet market demand, ahead of time. Seafast Celsius has attracted considerable support, and by late 2010, it was becoming apparent that expansion during the first quarter of 2011, was essential. We are therefore on schedule, and now looking ahead to the next two phases of growth, with the expectation these may also occur before the end of this year".

The new phase also increases the facility height, both of the Docking Bays, and internal short term storage areas, which was considered as vital in meeting the demand for handling tall fresh produce pallets.

Dave Baker, Director of Seafast Celsius, added, "The main features of the expansion, are two. Firstly we have experienced a clear requirement for an additional temperature chamber, and being restricted to two, meant some restrictions in our ability to handle our all Customer's needs simultaneously. The extension now operational, provides three different chambers, and therefore the ability to handle Deep frozen products at -18-20', chilled produce at zero to 3' and also fresh produce at 5-6' all simultaneously. The second is the increase in height, which now facilitates tall fresh produce pallets. The facility not only offers increased short term storage capacity, but a much wider range of flexibility, required by both present and prospective clients."

A second, and equally important development for Seafast Celsius, is the strategic agreement reached with Solstor UK Ltd, who manage a fleet of over 350 temperature controlled vehicles providing UK, as well as European distribution.

In a recent meeting the two Companies established solid grounds for co operation, and given the shared core values which are very much focused upon Customer Relationships, and "bespoke solutions" the agreement between Seafast and Solstor creates added value for each Company, but delivers and integrated solution for Customers seeking temperature controlled handling and distribution capabilities.

David J Halliday explained, "We have been co-operating successfully with Solstor for some time, making use of their quality temperature controlled distribution services. When we met recently to review our relationship, it became immediately apparent that the complimentary services, and shared belief in the importance of serving our respective Customers, made a closer co operation an obvious step. You tend to know instantly when there is a good fit with prospective Partners, and we are delighted to have established this strategic partnership with Solstor.

Graham Doe, Managing Director at Solstor, commented "This is an exciting opportunity for customers in the food manufacturing and retail sectors to unlock substantial supply chain cost savings. Working with Seafast Celsius has demonstrated the flexibility and efficiency of this unique solution which plugs in to the global shipping network at Felixstowe. Rapidly rising transport costs are forcing companies to revisit their true supply chain costs and our combined service offer allows container payload to be optimised whilst eliminating costly container demurrage and empty container return movements".

The Seafast Group involvement in handling "temperature controlled commodities" stretches beyond the UK Shores, through its involvement with the "Easyfresh", Reefer Logistics Network. Established in October 2010, Seafast is one of the founding Partners in the "Easyfresh" venture, which is uniquely focused upon the provision of Reefer Shipping and Logistics solutions, as opposed to it being part of a broader portfolio. Commented David J Halliday, "By virtue of our ability to combine the service offerings of Celsius, with Easyfresh, and now our partnership with Solstor, we quite literally have the capability to ship from any origin globally, into the UK, where upon arrival we can offer, customs clearing, handling and delivery of full or part loads to final destination, without any degree of "sub-contracting. It fits perfectly with our business model of specialization and bespoke solutions."