HAULAGE firm Eddie Stobart is setting up a base DP World London Gateway.

The company, which also owns Southend Airport, will use the base for its huge lorry fleet and hope it will support their growth plans in the south of the country, as well as reduce costs for its customers.

Stobart says the deal won’t have any effect on their operations at the airport.

Alex Laffey, chief executive at Eddie Stobart, said: “We see the potential at London Gateway and the opportunity to offer our customers greater cost efficiencies and environmentally-friendly supply chain solutions.

“Asamultimodal transport and warehouse provider, we believe London Gateway provides a natural strategic fit with the growth plans for our business.”

Commenting on how the partnership could benefit or affect the operation at the airport, a spokesman added: “There will be no implications for the airport.

“It’s a haulage contract with DP World and Southend is a passenger airport, there’s no link. They’re very different international hubs.”

London Gateway chief Simon Moore added: “We are delighted to welcome Eddie Stobart Logistics to London Gateway. It’s great to see a leading brand realise its growth plans here at Britain’s newest port and logistics park.”

Thurrock councillor, Richard Speight, in charge of regeneration welcomed the announcement.

He said: “London Gateway has a huge role to play in generating jobs here in Thurrock and the arrival of such a well-known company setting up in the borough is a strong statement of where we want to go.

“I look forward to welcoming more companies to the distribution park in the future."

South Basildon and East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe: “It’s all a step in the right direction for the London Gateway.  

“A project of this size was always going to take time to gain momentum so this is definitely a step in the right direction for London Gateway. It will create jobs and investment and is a real vote of confidence in the area.

“It shows there is real confidence in the area and people recognise the importance of the location.”