Hellmann

WORKING in conjunction with the owners of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Infratil Airports, the Prestwick division of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has been building on its success in the handling of horses imported into the UK. In fact, Hellmann Prestwick has developed such a ‘hassle free’ and thriving service for importers that it is now looking set to be rolled out across Hellmann Worldwide Logistics UK.

The international equestrian industry is big business, especially when it comes to importing and exporting animals for trade, pleasure and major sporting events such as racing, dressage, show jumping and eventing. With the UK being a major influence in this industry, imports into the country are high. However with only four Equine Border Inspection Posts (BIP’s) equipped to handle the arrival of horses into the UK, the market is highly competitive.

The equine BIP at Prestwick is also the only one based in the north of the UK. As a result, it is seeing a rise in horses being imported, in particular from the USA.

David Yeamans, branch manager, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics Prestwick, said: “We have found that many of our customers use Prestwick as an alternative to other equine BIP locations such as Stansted, as it is less congested, both in the air and on the ground. This means there are rarely any delays, which in turn makes Glasgow Prestwick a more cost effective solution for customers.

“We make contact with the shipper and keep the UK importer fully updated on flight times, costs and other important information that they may require. This means that the customer doesn’t have to worry about paper work or calling airlines for updates. We can also organise horse transportation for customers unable to collect animals from the airport. We have found that importers really appreciate this trouble free experience.”

Nico Le Roux, group manager of freight development for Infratil Airports, said: “We have approached Hellmann Prestwick to manage the proposed equine BIP at Kent International due to the expertise it has shown in handling the Prestwick operations and due to the exceptional relationships it has within the equine industry. It means that Hellmann Prestwick would have 100 per cent control of the Kent equine BIP and provide the same high standards of service that it currently provides in Prestwick.”

Martin Meyer, managing director of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, said: “The fact that Hellmann Prestwick has been offered such a great opportunity is testament to the hard work and dedication we bring to any project, in particular the specialist products we provide such as fashion and automotive. The equine product has the potential to be another string to our bow and we are very excited by what could unfold as a result of Prestwick’s dedication to this service.”

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