TRADE volumes at the Port of Ipswich are in for a boost following the signing of a major new contract that will see some 150,000 tonnes of cement imported annually through the Suffolk facility.

TRADE volumes at the Port of Ipswich are in for a boost following the signing of a major new contract that will see some 150,000 tonnes of cement imported annually through the Suffolk facility.

Building supplies company Southern Cement is expected to import the cement from German and Turkey for distribution throughout East Anglia and south east England.

The company has invested about £1.5million in up-grading the port's No 1 Shed, to create a dedicated terminal, complete with two storage silos and a state-of-the-art packing plant.

Barry Neale, managing director of Southern Cement, said: "Ipswich is ideal for or requirements, both in terms of location and facilities.

The Port of Ipswich is owned by Associated British Ports and Robert Smith, the company's port manager based in the town, said: "This contract is good news for the port, providing a substantial boost to our existing bulk trades.

"I look forward to developing a solid, long-term partnership with Southern Cement," he added.