Haulage firm chooses Leyland for new distribution centre

North West-based H Parkinson Haulage Ltd (HPH) has chosen Leyland to be its fourth distribution centre in the region with plans to develop it as the firm’s new head office.

HPH has recently taken a 10 year lease of 1 Aston Way, Leyland, which is situated at Moss Side Development Park, comprising of a warehouse and office facilities as well as a substantial yard and parking for up to 180 vehicles.

The property is owned by PJM Property Investments which acquired the site late last year and has since undertaken significant refurbishment works.

The commercial property team at Harrison Drury solicitors acted on behalf of PJM and advised on all legal aspects of the letting and the lease agreement with HPH. Preston-based commercial property consultants Eckersley acted on behalf of PJM as agent in respect of the acquisition and subsequent letting.

Steve Sugden, director at HPH, said: “The Leyland site was acquired to enable us to continue our business growth. It is a good industrial location, with excellent road links and motorway access. It has great HGV parking space and will become home to most of our fleet.

“Our specialist Very Narrow Aisle trucks have allowed us to maximise the racking space. The property just ticked all the boxes for HPH and we have plans to make it the flagship office for the HPH Group.”

Rhian Hawkins, solicitor at Harrison Drury, added: “The quick turnaround in which PJM purchased the premises and found a new commercial tenant shows the strong demand for warehouse and logistics space in the region.

“This demand is being driven not only by the growth of e-commerce but also by a lack of large warehouses in good locations around the region. For investors such as PJM, the security of long commercial leases and positive rental growth is an attractive proposition.”

Mark Clarkson, director at Eckersley said: “The high volume of enquiries for both the initial sale of the building and the letting to HPH demonstrates the strength and resilience of the industrial sector in the North West. The property will serve HPH well, particularly the large yard area which will be key to the management of its fleet.”

Established in 1953, HPH has over 60 years’ experience and expertise in the road haulage business. It has four locations around Preston including Fulwood, Walton Summit Centre, Walton-le-Dale and Leyland.

As well as the site in Leyland and several Preston properties, PJM also owns and manages a 20-acre industrial estate in Widnes. PJM Property Investments is part of the group companies operated by Patrick Murphy which includes commercial vehicle specialist M M Acquisitions Ltd.