By Kenneth Norris, Contributing Editor, Pulp & Paper International
NEW YORK,
Sept. 12, 2011
(RISI) -
Jenkins Shipping has recently completed the successful expansion of its port terminal operations throughout the UK and Ireland. Now, the company that specializes in "the art of paper handing" is gearing up for more planned growth with some recent high-level appointments, new port terminals, and a continued focus on training and development of their personnel.
Two recent appointments by Jenkins are set to ensure their growth strategy as a trusted partner of the forest products industry serving the UK and Ireland. Jesper Kjaedegaard was named non-executive Chairman to Jenkins in June 2011, bringing a strong executive background from the Maersk Group, and Jon Dix was appointed Business Development Manager.
Jenkins expects to open two new port terminals in 2012, which will further add to their geographic coverage of the UK and Ireland.
Jenkins Group Chief Executive, Paul O'Hare, describes Kjaedegaard's appointment as Chairman as an outstanding strategic addition to a team that has established the highest standing for quality service in forest products supply.
"We are delighted to have Jesper on board and are looking forward to the active influence of a professional of such caliber upon the development and success of Jenkins Shipping," says O'Hare.
Exploring further expansion
Jesper Kjaedegaard joined Jenkins Shipping in June this year, as non-executive Chairman. Mr. Kjaedegaard spent more than 30 years with the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, rising to Group Senior Vice President, and is the former Chief Executive of Britain's largest shipowner, the Maersk Company UK Ltd.
Speaking about his new role, Mr Kjaedegaard says: "Jenkins Shipping has a great reputation borne of an outstandingly competent management team. I have every confidence that there are many exciting opportunities ahead to grow the business and I look forward to working with the team to explore and secure further expansion in the coming years."
Soon after the arrival of their new Chairman, Jenkins appointed Jon Dix to the team in the role of Business Development Manager. Previously working with Peel Ports in Liverpool and Sheerness for 30 years, most recently as Commercial Manager at the Port of Sheerness, Dix is known for a deep understanding of the forest products industry.
"Jon brings a wealth of knowledge in our core business, the provision of port and logistics services to the Forest Products industry," says Rob Stewart, managing director UK. "I am certain that Jon will bring commitment, drive and enthusiasm to the role".
Optimizing across locations
Handling over 500,000 tons of forest products per annum through their own facilities and over 1.2 million tons in combination with services on their client's own premises, Jenkins Shipping has seen significant growth in recent years. The growth in volumes entering the UK and Ireland through Jenkins has been largely due to their ability to set up new port and warehouse solutions quickly and efficiently. Part of the mix is a team of highly skilled stevedores and warehouse operators who can operate at any of Jenkins' location.
"Our focus is on employing the very best people, and this, coupled with clear and common processes and quality assurance procedures at each location, ensures our customers receive outstanding levels of service at any Jenkins Shipping facility," says Stewart.
With 35 years of experience and over 1 million square feet of modern quayside warehousing, Jenkins operates throughout the UK and Ireland at dedicated forest products terminals in Liverpool, Belfast, Sheerness, Hull, Sunderland and Newry. Jenkins Shipping is part of the Jenkins Group of Companies that provides a full range of services, including stevedoring, warehousing, ships agency, freight forwarding, distribution and skilled port labor supply.
Combined with their centralized approach to administration, IT and standardized operational processes, Jenkins Shipping can assess how to offer the best operational and geographical solutions for new and existing clients.
Stewart explains, "We are dedicated to providing the same high level of service at each of our locations in the UK and Ireland. We have an exemplary track record in meeting clients' KPI's, including low damage levels and productivity. We operate a state of the art inventory warehouse system, which tracks cargo by unit, every step of the way."
It is a program that has proven successful and helped make Jenkins a trusted partner of the forest products manufacturers, importers, receivers and agents who comprise the logistics industry throughout Britain and Ireland.
Port terminal operators and other forest products logistics professionals from around the world will convene in Amsterdam for PPI Transport Symposium 19. For more information, please visit www.transportsymposium.com.
