(Trinidad Guardian) The Brydens Group’s regional distribution centre is poised to play a key role in adding to the domestic economy as it will occupy just over 24 acres or approximately 36 per cent of eTeck’s Factory Road Industrial Park with an initial investment value of US$29 million during phase one of development.
Additionally, the centre will make a significant contribution to the construction sector, generating employment for approximately 300 people, and a further 500 permanent jobs upon completion in late 2025.
These details were revealed by Trade and Industry Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon, while delivering the feature address at the ground-breaking ceremony, which took place at Factory Road Industrial Park, Factory Road, Chaguanas on Friday.
Sharing details about the phase one development Gopee-Scoon said, “It is my understanding that phase one will involve the operationalisation of the distribution centre, which is expected to span 250,000 square feet of business space, and be designed to consolidate the warehousing needs of the group’s subsidiaries, namely: AS Bryden and Sons; Bryden pi; and Micon Marketing Ltd.”
Gopee-Scoon said these subsidiaries are all engaged in the distribution of vital consumables such as: food items; grocery products; beverages; pharmaceuticals; personal care products; hospital equipment; and hardware items.
“These products are not only distributed in the local market but are also exported throughout the region. Therefore, the establishment of this distribution centre will cater to those markets in closer proximity to T&T, maximising operational efficiencies and facilitating business growth, both locally and regionally,” Gopee-Scoon said.
She added that the distribution sector in T&T, is a subset of the trade and repairs sector, which remains a significant contributor to GDP growth.
The minister cited the 2023 Review of the Economy to note that the trade and repairs sector grew by 10.9 per cent during the period January to March 2023, adding that the main components in this category are wholesale and retail trade, and natural gas and petroleum distribution.
“It is therefore, without a doubt that the Brydens Group’s role in retail and wholesale trade consistently contributes to this sector’s growth and will continue to do so.
“It is expected that positive economic activity will continue in the distribution sector, and this event today is testimony to that expectation, as the distribution centre is set to ensure that consumers will have access to essential products,” Gopee-Scoon added.
