Logistics firm UDS Group in ?350000 move to new Ballymena hub

A BALLYMENA logistics specialist has moved to new 80,000 sq ft premises as part of a £350,000 investment.

UDS Group has opened the Logistics Building at Galgorm Industrial Estate following a period of significant growth in recent years.

The signing of the lease at its new logistics hub reflects a significant investment in the business, which includes a trailer fleet for UDS Freight and the establishment of UDS Clearances and UDS Warehousing within the group.

And the firm also plans to add around 20 people to its staff headcount in the next 24 months.

UDS Group managing director Chris Hutchinson said: “The investment in this new Galgorm logistics hub will enable us to continue its growth strategy, while delivering outstanding results for our existing client-base as well as seeking to tap into the growing e-commerce and e-fulfilment sectors.

“Our new site will ensure our customer base has access to high quality warehousing facilities, road freight transport across Ireland, UK and Europe, as well as all of the necessary clearance/customs requirements needed to enable goods to move seamlessly across borders.”

The letting to UDS Group was managed by commercial real estate agency CBRE NI on behalf of landlord Heron Property Ltd.

Paul Mulholland, property director at Heron Property, said: “We aim to provide high quality, bespoke commercial solutions to deal with specific end user requirements and are delighted to welcome UDS Group as the latest tenant at Galgorm Industrial Estate.”

Lisa McAteer, senior director at CBRE NI, said: “As we indicated in our Q2 2023 quarterly report, whilst the market has been hindered by a lack of supply, demand remains strong for good quality warehouse space.

“We have seen considerable interest in large new build warehouses, particularly for food distribution and manufacturing, which we believe is largely being driven by Northern Ireland’s unique access to both the UK and Single Markets.”