'We recognise the strategic importance of the region': French logistics firm expands into Northern Ireland with £600,000 customs office, creating 10 jobs and boosting trade links

A major £600,000 investment by French global logistics company Groupe BBL has led to the opening of a new customs office in Portadown marking a significant boost for the local economy and the region’s growing international trade sector.

Specialising in the movement of goods across international borders, the company has chosen Northern Ireland to take advantage of its unique dual access to both the UK and European Union markets, positioning the new base as a strategic hub for cross-border trade.

The official opening event brought together a number of civic and industry figures, including Jessica Johnston, Deputy Mayor of ABC Council, Steve Parker, director general of BIFA, Shauneen McConville of BIFA Northern Ireland, Carla Lockhart MP and Jonathan Buckley MLA (DUP), highlighting the significance of the investment for the area.

Heading up the new Portadown office is local man Colin Robb, who was born and raised in the town. He said the investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to the region and its role in supporting businesses operating across the UK–Ireland corridor.

Speaking at the opening, he said: “This investment demonstrates our long-term commitment to Northern Ireland and strengthens our ability to support businesses across the UK–Ireland corridor through integrated road transport, overseas freight, contract logistics, customs, and compliance services.

“We recognise the strategic importance of the region within the wider logistics and transport network and are proud to contribute to its continued economic growth.”

Managing director of Groupe BBL UK and Ireland, Jamie O’Reilly, explained that the company has evolved from its origins as a transport provider into a global logistics specialist.

“It’s a federation of specialists,” he explained. “We operate across more than 130 countries worldwide and employ approximately 2,200 people.

“We’re investing in Northern Ireland because of its unique position, with access to both the UK and European markets. That dual access is incredibly valuable for our clients.”

The company provides a wide range of services across Great Britain, Ireland and Northern Ireland, including customs clearance and regulatory compliance, international freight forwarding by air, sea and road, end-to-end supply chain and contract logistics, warehousing and distribution, cross-border trade management and consultancy, and specialist handling for complex and regulated goods.

The Portadown customs office represents the first phase of the company’s investment, with 10 new jobs being created, five of which have already been filled.

Mr O’Reilly continued: “We’re looking for talented individuals here in Northern Ireland who understand the complexities of customs processes across both markets. The European customs system in particular can be intricate, and businesses need expertise to navigate it effectively.”

Groupe BBL works with a wide range of global clients, including pharmaceutical companies, retail brands, sports and leisure businesses and firms operating in the food and manufacturing sectors, with the new Portadown base expected to strengthen supply chain efficiency and compliance support.

Supporting the company’s UK and Ireland operations are senior leaders Gareth Godber, head of UK, and Richard Maher, head of commercial UK, who are overseeing expansion and strengthening client relationships across the region.

Looking ahead, the company has signalled further growth ambitions as global demand for efficient logistics and cross-border trade solutions continues to rise.

“This is just the start,” Mr O’Reilly said. “We are laser-focused on growth. There is increasing demand from companies looking to source raw materials and distribute products globally, and we see Northern Ireland playing a key role in that future.”