SOUTHAMPTON Cargo Handling, the UK's leading stevedore and shipping services company, is introducing highly sophisticated new information technology systems aimed at streamlining and further improving its operation in the city's port.

To implement this latest investment by SCH the company has appointed 44-year-old Tony Hearn, who has a wide range of experience within information technology, to oversee and manage the project.

The aim of the system is to co-ordinate and up-grade communication between the company's many sections and locations as well as consolidating other areas such as personnel records, account procedures and training.

The new system will also help SCH comply with the new American Port Security regulation ISPS that has been adopted in ports worldwide.

"This is a challenging project to undertake and one that I am looking forward to be involved with right from the beginning,'' said Tony.

"The new packages that SCH will be introducing represent a major step forward which will bring the way we carry out our role in support of our many shipping and port customers right into the 21st century.''

Married with two children, Tony has specialised in the area of information technology throughout his career working within the financial and petro-chemical industries for Exxon, both in this country as well as Belgium, Holland and Germany.

Roger Webb, SCH's managing director, said: "We are delighted that Tony has joined the team and with his wealth of expertise and experience the company is set to move forward and be able to offer an even higher standard of service to our customers."