An expanding Bradford-based logistics and distribution group will help open the gateway for Yorkshire exports to southern China with the launch of freight forwarding operations.

Advanced Supply Chain, based on the Euroway trading estate, has announced plans to begin operations to and from a giant new warehouse in China.

It is a move which could open up the country to Yorkshire businesses eyeing expansion into the world’s fastest-growing economy, the move will also help importers of raw materials and goods from China.

ASC expects to start import and export services at the 1.2 million sq ft Pinhu Logistics Centre in Shenzhen, South China, in the first half of 2014.

Located in the north of Shenzhen, the new state-of-the-art warehouse will provide Yorkshire businesses with easy access to cost-effective manufacturers in China along with good transport links to Chinese sea ports such as Yantian, Shekou, Chiwan, as well as Huanggang Port where cross-border trucks connect to Hong Kong.

The facility also provides a launchpad for local UK exporters wanting to target the 130 million residents in the Pearl River delta area, the most densely populated area in China.

The latest move follows a deal clinched by ASC in 2011 with China’s largest logistics company, Sinotrans, which will run the new distribution centre.

The Shenzhen site will also offer round-the-clock cargo receiving operations, bonded and non-bonded warehousing services, prompt tax compensation for export cargo, and deferred tax services for import cargo.

Mike Danby, chief executive of Advanced Supply Chain, said: “We are proud and excited to be starting forward freight operations to the Pinhu Logistics Centre in 2014.

“As home to an estimated 1.35 billion people, China has amazing potential for economic growth and has to rank as one of the most prized import and export markets for Yorkshire businesses.

“The Pinhu Logistics Centre is not only large, it is a cutting-edge warehouse facility in a brilliant geographic location.

“In 2011 we formed a partnership with Sinotrans to offer UK customers end-to-end logistics for the movement of goods to and from Asia and we are excited to be strengthening that relationship with this new warehouse, as well as being accredited as an overseas sales agent for Sinotrans.” Jacky Zhou, general manager, Pearl River Delta at Sinotrans Guandong, said: “Advanced Supply Chain has consistently proven to be a natural partner for us by offering a full range of logistic services.

“We are proud of the excellent new distribution facility we are building in Shenzhen and are confident that it will provide customers with a competitive edge.”