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Geodis UK's new Magna Park multi-user warehouse is the first of three planned for the next five years and a "footprint" for future developments. Magna Park be used to offer customers a complete supply chain solution, with air and sea freight target markets. Speaking at the official opening last week, managing director Jamie Cuthbert tells Motor Transport: "We want to do a bit more than just do transport." Cuthbert adds that the company is looking to develop its infrastructure in the Far East:  "Our non-European market share is fairly small."

The new depot will handle inbound containers, stock control, storage points, picking and shipping services to customers. No vehicles are based at the new site, instead Geodis is using the O-licence held by its nearby Rugby depot, also home of the company's pallet network, Fortec. Around 80% of the goods into Magna Park are trunked out to Fortec, which then distributes the stock. Logistics solutions manager Julian Haley says that Fortec is "growing and profitable", with a move from Rugby to a bigger warehouse and larger yard in Daventry Way scheduled for the turn of the year.

"Using Fortec means we can offer a later order cut off, almost an 11th hour service," he adds. Magna Park is now 68% full having been operational since May. It is supported by a team of 30 warehouse staff. Northern Ireland has been given an indication of when it will be given an O-licensing regime similar to that of the rest of the UK.

The government  was sharply cricised for delays by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee and has now responded with the following words: "It is anticipated that primary legislation to bring the Northern Ireland road freight operator system into line with Great Britain could issue for consulation in the autumn of 2007 and be made by summer 2008."The government also said that in the five years to March 2005, HM Revenue and Customs had: dismantled 77 laundering plants disrupted 17 criminal gangs secured 27 convictions for oils frauds seized 9.94 million litres of fuel and seized 4,285 vehicles from oils fraudsters. The government undertook to consider adding representative of the haulage industry to the province's organised crime task group.