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Logistics Hubs in Manchester: Driving the City's Economy

Manchester has long been a hub of commerce and industry, and the logistics sector is no exception. With a strategic location in the heart of the UK and excellent transport links, Manchester has become a key player in the logistics industry, with numerous supply chain hubs in and around the city.

Logistics hubs are strategically located facilities that enable the efficient movement of goods, providing a range of services such as warehousing, distribution and transportation. Their presence in Manchester significantly impacts its economy, providing employment opportunities and supporting businesses across various sectors.

Manchester's logistics hubs are concentrated around key transport hubs such as Manchester Airport, the Manchester Ship Canal and the M60 motorway, providing easy access to the rest of the UK and beyond.

Manchester Airport Freight Terminal (MAFT): A colossal hub

One of the most significant logistics hubs in the Manchester area is the Manchester Airport Freight Terminal (MAFT). It is crucial for the logistics industry, hosting a variety of freight-forwarding firms, handling agents, transit-shed operators and other businesses.

Conveniently located just west of Manchester Airport at Junction 6 of the M56 motorway, the terminal is within a two-hour drive of two-thirds of the UK's population, including major cities such as Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield and Wolverhampton.

London, Glasgow and Edinburgh are also within reach, just four hours by car.

Featuring more than 650,000 square feet of warehousing space and state-of-the-art handling facilities, MAFT relies on a team of more than 1,000 professionals to manage freight-only aircraft as well as consignments that arrive or depart on passenger aircraft.

The airport handles around 120,000 tonnes of import and export freight and mail annually. Manchester's largest cargo markets are the Far East, North America and the Middle East, with daily flights connecting to all of these destinations. The numbers are impressive and a testament to Manchester's logistical proficiency.

Record-breaking growth in Manchester and Warrington's logistics industry

But the North West's economy is not solely driven by large-scale projects. Take, for instance, the mid box warehouse market. In the logistics industry, "mid box" refers to a type of warehouse typically smaller than a traditional distribution centre but larger than a local fulfilment centre. Mid box warehouses are often located closer to urban areas than larger distribution centres and are used to store and distribute goods to customers in those communities.

These facilities are designed to handle a range of products, from small packages to oversized items that may require assembly or kitting. They often have a range of features, such as mezzanine levels, conveyor systems and automated material handling equipment that allow for efficient storage and movement of goods.

North West became the UK's most active mid box region in 2021, with a 21% market share. The most significant growth was observed in Manchester and Warrington, where take-up (the amount of warehouse space leased or purchased by businesses) almost quadrupled compared to the previous year.

The industrial and logistical market also broke records. There was an 86% increase in warehouse occupancy in 2021 versus 2020.

The role of tail lifts in the growth of Manchester's logistics industry

These stunning figures result from the collective effort of everyone involved in logistics. After all, when transporting goods, having an experienced team and the right equipment is crucial to ensure efficiency and safety.

Amongst the many types of equipment supporting Manchester's economic growth, one stands out: the tail lift. A tail lift is a hydraulic platform attached to the rear of a lorry or trailer. It loads and unloads heavy goods onto and off vehicles.

Tail lifts come in various sizes and weight capacities, allowing a range of goods to be transported. They are convenient for handling items that are too heavy to be lifted manually or for moving objects in areas without a loading dock. With the increasing demand for home deliveries and e-commerce, tail lifts servicing in Manchester has become even more prevalent in recent years.

A bright future lies ahead

Manchester's logistics hubs provide vital infrastructure and services to support efficient goods movement across the UK and beyond. With a range of facilities and services available, Manchester is well-equipped to meet the needs of businesses operating in the sector. With continued investment and growth, the city is set to remain a key player in the UK logistics industry for years to come.

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