Visit to Eurocentral on 8 May 2001

The Scottish Branch visited Eurocentral on Tuesday 8 May 2001 and were given an interesting presentation by Morag Thomson of Eurocentral.

Eurocentral, one of the largest commercial developments in Scotland, covers 650 acres and is located adjacent to the A8 near Bellshill. Eurocentral is a joint venture between the Royal Bank of Scotland, AMEC and Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire. The site also encompasses the Eurofreight Terminal that connects Scotland to Europe via the Channel Tunnel.

Currently the site is occupied by Chunghwa Picture Tubes, NCR, Scottish Power plc, Headlam, P. & O. Trans European, TDG Logistics and Securicor Omega Express. There are still a number of sites awaiting development and Eurocentral offers flexible design and build packages tailored for individual clients needs. In addition, work is underway on the new Colossus II development, similar to the 94,000 sq. feet Colossus I facility that is occupied by P. & O. Trans European.

Following the presentation, the group were shown around Eurocentral by coach due to the size of the site and members were able to see the various facilities. During the tour it was explained that Scottish Power had relocated their distribution operation from Moodiesburn and the facility serves the entire Scottish Power retail network in Scotland and all of the home deliveries in the Central Belt. There is also a call centre located within the building.

The tour passed through the Chunghwa Picture Tubes facility and members were impressed by the size of the site and the range of benefits offered to employees. The two Colossus buildings were also seen before the tour stopped off at the Eurofreight terminal operated by EWS. Here members were able to see trains being loaded with containers and saw the various types of rolling stock used for rail freight operations. Returning to the Marketing Suite, members were provided with an excellent buffet and had an opportunity to ask questions about Eurocentral.

The Scottish Branch would like to express its thanks to Morag Thomson of Eurocentral for her hospitality and to EWS for allowing members the opportunity for a close look at their operations.

Report by John Fender.