A £7.5m fertiliser storage and distribution facility has been launched on the banks of the Tyne, in a move that has created 15 jobs.
Fertiliser firm Origin Soil Nutrition has partnered with the Port of Tyne to bring the 64,500 sqft warehouse and blending plant to South Shields, where it will be used to supply 100,000 tonnes of fertiliser annually. The Hertfordshire firm says it chose the Port as a strategic location on the North East coast thanks to its distribution capabilities and proximity to nearby growth markets.
It said the Port’s infrastructure and direct links to global markets also helped it make the decision. Origin, which is part of the €2bn Ireland-based Origin Enterprises agri-services group, says it will use the Tyneside location to serve customers in Northern England, the Scottish Borders, and Southern Scotland.
The business has 11 production sites around the country and markets about 18,500 products to arable and grassland farmers. It provides prescription fertilisers it says improve soil fertility and crop productivity, and which can help farmers towards sustainability goals.
Ashley Nicholson, chief business officer at the Port of Tyne, said: “The presence of a business like Origin and its facility at the Port not only strengthens the agricultural sector but enhances the region’s prominence as a key player in essential supply chains. This partnership underscores the Port’s commitment to regional business growth and supporting sectors that have a direct impact on the local economy and job creation.
"Welcoming the new facility will also bring decarbonisation benefits as it will cut road miles for up to 5,000 lorry loads annually. We’re delighted to see this facility now officially opened.”
Michael Pater, managing director at Origin Soil Nutrition, said: “The new facility at the Port of Tyne, with direct access to deep-sea vessels, is key to expanding our ability to source raw materials globally, offering better product availability and competitive pricing. The Port’s prime location enables us to efficiently provide prescription fertiliser to farmers across the North East and Southern Scotland, supporting sustainable farming by ensuring the right fertiliser is available when and where it’s needed.”
The latest accounts for Origin Ƶ Operations Limited - trading as Origin Soil Nutrition - show it generated turnover of £418.2m in 2023 and operating profit before exceptional items of £14.4m.
Earlier this year, the Port of Tyne said a £100m refinancing deal secured in 2023 had been a “game changer” in terms of allowing it to invest for the future. It reported 15% rise in turnover to £55.3m in 2023 and a profit after tax of £3.1m which helped it to invest £20m into its facilities, particularly on measures that prepared it for the growth of green industries.
