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A Suffolk-based storage specialist has introduced new value added services including a revolutionary new pest control system.
Anchor Storage of Kenton near Debenham handles a vast array of goods imported primarily through the Port of Felixstowe. Traditionally, the majority of these goods have been food stuffs brought into the UK in containers from all around the world, but latterly they have included everything from basket-ware destined for the florist industry to garden furniture to white goods and household wares destined to be sold on via the internet.
Much of this change of emphasis has been down to one particular entrepreneurial client who was quick to spot emerging opportunities offered by eBay and was impressed by Anchor Storage’s credentials and ability to handle stock. As her business has expanded and diversified, so in turn has Anchor Storage’s fulfilment operation been developed. As well as their standard daily handling and despatch operations, the company also now provides repacking, labelling, machine wrapping and order picking services. All stock movement and locations are maintained by the LocateIT warehouse management system; and onward transport of goods is placed with a hand-picked selection of local hauliers and couriers.
Anchor Storage is not just benefiting from entrepreneurial clients – managing director Stephen Britt has recently installed an innovative pest control solution in his Suffolk warehouses, designed to offer radically improved pest control and stemming from a real desire to deliver food products in the very best condition.
“Fumigation is no good for the organic produce,” explained Stephen, “and the alternative of freezing goods is time consuming and expensive; so we have partnered with a Dutch company, EcO2 B.V., which offers a very effective alternative.”
The process is essentially a modified atmosphere heat treatment which removes oxygen from two sealed chambers and organically fumigates the goods within. The whole procedure is controlled by EcO2 in Holland via a computer link.
“The treatment was devised five years ago with great success,” said Stephen. “We are one of just a handful in the UK using it and certainly the nearest warehouse to the Port of Felixstowe able to offer this service.
“We obviously need to have a fumigation facility in our warehouses, and this has proved to be a very efficient and reliable method. I am delighted with the system.”
Anchor Storage was established by Stephen and his father Eric in 1987 on a three-and-a-half acre site at Kenton, carrying on a family tradition which was started shortly before the war by Stephen’s grandfather in the City of London. Previously the family business had been a nationwide affair attached to all of the UK’s main ports, but when Anchor Storage was established Eric and Stephen decided that they wanted a specialised warehousing operation on one site which they could control more closely and therefore offer the highest possible levels of customer service.
The site now has 100,000 sq ft of fully racked out units, including five ambient, four chilled and one frozen, to cater for the diverse range of food stuffs handled. The stores contain everything from rice imported from India to Turkish apricots, Chinese peanuts, French prunes, American popcorn and barrels of Peruvian lime juice, to name just a few. Local produce is also handled, particularly fruit for Stonham Hedgerow, Aspall’s apple juice and Diaper’s frozen chickens.
“We have made a name for ourselves as being good at what we do and having the highest standards as far as good housekeeping and pest control is concerned,” said Stephen. “The new services are a way of adding value for our customers and making the most of our stores and our experience.”
