DESPITE market uncertainty, Bidvest Panalpina Logistics (BPL) has forged ahead with several large-scale infrastructure development plans.
The company has moved into a new chemicals and general cargo warehouse in Mobeni, Durban, taken over new Westmead, Pinetown premises, and is now operating out of new regional facilities at Frosterley Park on Umhlanga Ridge.
“We’ve witnessed steady growth in various areas of our business for several years now, which required us to readdress capacity issues and ensure that we continue to uphold a solid emphasis on compliance – these three investments meet this head on,” said Maria du Preez, Business Development Director for BPL.
Runway Park, the Mobeni warehouse facility jointly owned by BPL and Growthpoint Properties, has become the new regional home of BPL’s warehousing division. It covers 25 000m2 comprising flammable solids and liquids stores, a general cargo store, space for 36 000 pallets, 15 container ramps, and undercover truck loading capacity for 10 superlinks.
Alongside the warehouse is a smart new office block to accommodate the admin team. And, obviously, all the relevant permits to operate as a fully recognised and accredited J1 chemical facility are in place.
“Despite a few challenges, our relocation from Umbilo to Mobeni went off very smoothly. The development will provide us with capacity, compliance and security for the next five to seven years, following which we may look to roll out phase two on a site next door,” Du Preez said.
In another development, BPL’s roadfreight division, also previously housed at Umbilo, moved into new premises in Mahogany Ridge, an industrial node just off the N3 in Pinetown. Named Axle Park, the new roadfreight facilites boasts 4 000m2 of warehousing space, 12 000m2 of yard space, nine bays for loading and offloading, 100 trailer bays, above-ground diesel tanks, and offices for 130 employees.
“We really wanted to improve turnaround time for our long-haul deliveries. Mahogany Ridge gives us prime access to the N3, so will hugely improve our efficiency,” said Du Preez.
BPL’s regional offices for KwaZulu-Natal are now housed at Frosterley Park on Umhlanga Ridge, within walking distance of the popular Gateway Mall. The new building is the home of the company’s international logistics, roadfreight, business development, and compliance and risk operations.
Du Preez said that the idea behind the move to Frosterley Park was to merge various old and outdated facilities into one, and still have a space that could accommodate future growth. “The sweetener in the deal is its location, stunning views and overall feel – it will be a pleasure for both clients and staff to come home to.”
