Groundbreaking at Ernesettle

It’s full steam ahead for GDL’s new depot at Ernesettle in Plymouth where construction commenced following a groundbreaking ceremony at the 5.5 acre site in December.

The Plymouth based pallet network business has continued to expand and as a result the operation is moving to the larger site at Ernesettle to meet our future needs.

Construction of the new depot in the north western part of Plymouth, close to the A38 Expressway, represents a major investment by the Group. The purpose-built facility will have a 25,000 sq ft drive-through transhipment facility, an additional 15,000 sq ft of warehousing, a drive-through wash, an axle weighbridge, offices and fleet maintenance facilities and parking for approximately 50 vehicles and 80 trailers.

After the groundbreaking ceremony which was attended by members of the Management Board, January saw the ground prepared and the foundations set. The building began to take shape in February as the steel framework was assembled, and the project is on course to become operational in July.

The completed depot will undoubtedly portray a highly professional image to our customers and has been designed with enough space to enable more efficient operation and allow for future growth.

To give an idea of the enormity of the task, we have some amazing statistics associated with the site preparation and the construction process.

• Excavate 6,000 tonnes of soil
• Create a 130,000 gallon rainwater collection tank
• Recycle 5,500 tonnes of concrete
• Dig and pour 1,260 tonnes of foundations
• Slab out 7,600 tonnes of concrete
• Bolt down 258 tonnes of steel framework
• Use 38,000 screws to fix cladding

The new Ernesettle depot in Plymouth is set to be a major player in the future growth and success of GDL’s Transport business unit.