Cargo specialist Perishable Movements Ltd (PML) has appointed a site manager to head up its new satellite transport and logistics hub in Lympne, near Hythe.

PML has hired James Tinkler who has more than 20 years experience in the temperature-controlled logistics industry.

The firm announced earlier this year it had invested £3.5million on the 100,000sq ft site - a move it says was influenced by the expansion of the Low Emissions Zone in London.

It says the site will provide customers with an alternative route in and out of Heathrow without suffering the additional costs of using London's roads, with close links to the Channel Tunnel and port at Dover.

The Lympne site is due to open soon with a number of HGV drivers and customs clerks already recruited.

James Tinkler will report directly to the board of directors and assume responsibility for the 35 staff expected to serve the site.

The 24/7 operation will handle daily consignments of refrigerated food for packing, loading and unloading. It anticipates 80-100 truck movements a day during its first phase of opening.

He said:"My job is to work with the team to establish PML Kent as the best facility in Kent – or even the UK – thanks to the planned superior driver experience; superb location; extensive transport and trans-shipment solutions and unrivalled customs expertise.”

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