Tees Business Issue 35 | Page 144

FEATURE
Growth plans – AV Dawson property and legal director Gareth Jones .

Gearing up for further growth

Port operator spells out exciting expansion plans

Dry bulk – AV Dawson acquired Cobra Middlesbrough last year .

From its humble roots on Emmerson Street in Middlesbrough to becoming a flagship port located on the River Tees , AV Dawson – owner and operator of Port of Middlesbrough – has come a long way from the firm it once was .

There is no denying the port operator and multimodal logistics firm has seen major changes in its 85-year history and is set for further growth .
Its ever-expanding port has seen a huge amount of development over the last two years , from acquiring multiple plots of neighbouring land to extending its quayside and deepening its berths to accommodate larger vessels . It has definitely been an exciting period for the Middlesbrough company .
Diversifying and adapting to change has always been a part of the business ’ DNA and it has played a big part in how the company has evolved over the years .
The firm prides itself on being versatile and has had to adjust to many changes throughout its history , including industrial , social , economic and environmental factors .
Fast forward to 2023 and the business is now a multi-million-pound logistics and port operator , owning three subsidiary businesses – AV Dawson Transport , AVD Industrial & Port Services and Cockfield Knight . A fourth business , Port of Middlesbrough , due to launch in October , will be the final subsidiary in a new group structure for AV Dawson .
The port is also the Northern European base for a world-leading offshore cable manufacturer , and houses 35 tenants from various sectors at its 115-acre base .
AV Dawson ’ s property and legal director , Gareth Jones , said : “ We have a strong history of diversifying which is still demonstrated to this present day .
“ As a business , we feel it ’ s important that we honour the past and the hard work previous colleagues have done to get the business to where it is today and to protect and build upon their accomplishments .
“ From acquiring new pieces of land to building new premises and investing in the latest equipment , we are continually
144 | Tees Business