FEATURE
Port investment sets out a clear path for the future
PLANNING AHEAD
AV Dawson took the next step in its evolution and rebranded its Middlesbrough port facilities as Port of Middlesbrough in September .
T hroughout its 80-year history , it is this constant evolution and repositioning that has propelled the business to the next level .
As the company structures itself for the future , it is also laying the foundations with a series of key infrastructure developments that will support its growth ambitions .
As part of a recently announced three-year port masterplan , AV Dawson will invest over £ 10m in infrastructure projects .
This investment , predominantly focused on its Port of Middlesbrough facilities , is intended to aid business development and deliver a host of new business contracts .
Work on a series of investments has begun in earnest , with the structures already partially built . The first , an alternative fuel project , will support government ambitions to reduce landfill and global carbon emissions .
AV Dawson is redeveloping a whole section of its port facilities to meet the customer ’ s needs , including providing the new plant with a dedicated site entrance .
Once the factory is built it will manufacture in excess of 240,000 tonnes of fuel pellets each year and utilise Port of Middlesbrough ’ s full freight logistics capabilities , including its port , rail and transport solutions .
The project , once complete , is expected to create more than 20 full-time jobs and help support the business ’ s long-term plans to move into the renewable and recyclable energy markets , driving forward its diversification strategy and environmental aspirations .
The second of these projects is a major new state-of-the-art head office . The modern 24,000-sq ft development , also currently in the process of being built , is expected to be completed in the summer of 2021 .
The offices are on the exact location of the original Port of Middlesbrough and have been designed with a full glass frontage and rooftop terraces with views over the River Tees .
The interiors will feature open-plan office spaces with colleague breakout areas , a gym , private meeting spaces , co-working areas and training rooms .
The new building , especially the openplan top floor , has been designed and planned with the company ’ s dedication to employees ’ emotional health and wellbeing in mind .
A large entertainment area with a music room , games area , kitchen , bar and relaxation spaces offers colleagues the opportunity to get away from their desks and provides spaces to relax and reflect . The top floor area will also accommodate a large , modern conferencing facility with the capacity to seat up to 130 guests .
Gary Dawson , AV Dawson managing director , commented : “ Currently we have
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