Kia Motors UK is to relocate to a vehicle distribution centre at Killingholme, near Grimsby to cope with its growing business demands.

The new distribution facility, expected to be operational in August, will also include workshops, preparation areas as well as sufficient capacity to accommodate up to 10,500 vehicles for the 8,000 car-carrying vessels being introduced by Kia’s shipping partner Eukor.

The initial 55-acre single site will be provided and operated by GBA, which currently handles more than 1.3 million vehicles per year for various automotive manufacturers and shipping lines.

Tom Jacobson, Kia’s general manager of systems and operations says: “This is a significant move for Kia in the UK. Last year we saw our sales rise to more than 30,000 units and this year we expect to deliver 45,000 vehicles to customers. As we grow towards our target of 100,000 units a year by the end of the decade we have to be able to cope with increased movement of vehicles and Killingholme will give us significant benefits, enabling Kia to enhance our vehicle preparation and logistics facilities.

The sites new position means it has links to mainland Europe and unhindered access to the UK trunk road network allowing Kia to cut its lead mileage between the port of entry and the dealer showroom by approximately 25%.