Jobs boost for Walsall as haulage firm gets expansion go-ahead

Aldridge-based Midland Container Logistics, which formed more than a decade ago, specialises in port to port container transportation services and has become the latest transport firm in the borough to unveil expansion plans.

The company is currently based off Coppice Lane but is now planning to relocate to another site in the town.

Bosses lodged a planning application with Walsall Council to build a new transport depot at the rear of Linley Lodge Works in Westgate.

The scheme, which aims to breathe new life into vacant land, has now been given the go-ahead by the authority under delegated powers.

It will involve the firm building a new office, maintenance shop, storage areas, parking and access road.

The firm, which launched in 2004, employs around 27 staff and it is thought the scheme will allow for future job growth.

Walsall's regeneration chief Adrian Andrew has welcomed the news as a boost for the town.

He said: "It's good news. I'm glad they are stopping in Walsall and are committed to the town.

"Hopefully they will go from strength to strength.

"It will be good if it create jobs and the council will help in any way it can."

The new development plans will offer 12 parking spaces for cars and spaces for 33 heavy goods vehicles.

The firm confirmed yesterday that the proposal will create more jobs in future, but would not reveal how many.

A report, lodged with the planning application, said: "The application is for construction of an office and a maintenance workshop together with parking for commercial vehicles.

"Adjoining uses are industrial and commercial.

"The business is the organisation and distribution of goods in containers.

"There will be approximately 40 commercial vehicle movements per day, together with approximately 20 private car movements."

The company was launched in 2004 by brothers James and Michael Donlon and offers services carrying a range of products from nuts and bolts, wine, waste materials, machinery, food stuffs and chemicals to hazardous goods.

The firm has a fleet of 25 vehicles and transports goods to and from all major deep sea container ports in the UK.

It is the latest transport firm in the borough to announce expansion plans.

Parcel delivery firm Yodel, which has a main sorting centre on the Willenhall and Darlaston border, won permission in July to open up more HGV parking spaces on land next to the site.

The extra 105 spaces will enable the firm to grow by allowing more deliveries from the site.