Global forwarder International Cargo Logistics (ICL) has nearly doubled the size of its cold storage facility at Heathrow Airport to meet rapidly growing demand.

It said that it expanded the size of its facility to 300 square meters from 153 square meters.

ICL Site Unit 13 now consists of five chambers with varying temperature regimes, as well as X-ray and external temporary storage facilities (ESTF), and temperature-controlled vehicles to transport goods across the UK.

In addition, the facility boasts inspection areas for the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and a control point for Customs checks and clearances, further streamlining operations.

"This expansion, which comes as we celebrate our 20th anniversary this year, greatly enhances our ability to deliver high-quality logistics services from our Heathrow site," said Nick Finbow, perishables sales director, ICL.

"Our clients from the perishables sector can now benefit from centralised, round-the-clock logistics services as well as access to an efficient and reliable national distribution network, saving them valuable time and resources while allowing for fresher products to enter the UK food chain," he added.

Finbow noted that additionally, ICL is preparing to be BRC-accredited by the end of the summer, which means we will be able to deliver to a wider range of retailers and wholesalers.

Earlier this year, ICL expanded its temperature-controlled airfreight capabilities in the UK when it launched a partnership with FreshLinc, collaborating on final-mile delivery.

ICL also opened a new office in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, as part of an ongoing growth strategy focused on expanding its perishables operations across Europe and beyond.

Southeast Asia expansion plans

ICL said it will further extend its global reach this year, and plans to expand into Southeast Asia, starting with a new office in Vietnam.

The Heathrow-headquartered forwarder already operates in over 207 countries, enabling it to offer comprehensive supply chain and Customs solutions worldwide.