Banana and pineapple specialist SH Pratt has unveiled the man who will head up its new bespoke temperature-controlled packhouse at DP World London Gateway.
Gavin Knight, who was previously the operations director at fruit distributor Integrated Service Solutions, will manage the fruit ripener and distributor’s new venture. The new facility, which will be known as Halo, will handle multi-temperature products, before distributing them to the UK consumer market via 400 vehicles.
Knight has a wealth of experience in food and fresh produce, having worked in the sector for almost 30 years and he will manage the new site, which is planned for completion in 2018.
Aimed at improving logistics, ensuring a more sustainable supply chain, reducing waste and increasing the freshness of produce, the facility will handle goods arriving from all over the world.
It will be supported by Kinship Logistics, SH Pratt’s wholly-owned logistics subsidiary, together with FreshLinc, the venture’s strategic logistics partner.
David Bateman, SH Pratt’s group managing director, said: “Halo will be operating the port’s first temperature-controlled, chilled and frozen packing, independent service division facility. The business will see us drawing on our expertise in packing and service provision to handle a range of new products including topfruit, citrus and grapes.
“Gavin has worked in the fresh produce industry for almost 27 years and has attained a broad set of skills that we know will help Halo thrive and achieve the highest level of industry accreditations.”
Knight added: “I have worked with SH Pratt Group previously and the ethos and drive of the company is something I wanted to be a part of again.
“Halo will really raise the bar on produce handling and our range of services. We can offer full pallet or case pick and ongoing quality management, whether it is a simple distribution process or value added solutions, and full supply chain integrity.”
SH Pratt company will be showcasing the new facility with Kinship Logistics and Kinetic at the inaugural UK Industry Produce Fair at the Peterborough Arena on 13 and 14 September. They will be exhibiting at stands 89 and 90.
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