Infrastructure developments help manage capacity during lockdown

The logistics industry has faced major challenges since the COVID-19 lockdown, especially because of changes to Government regulations and the need to maintain stringent sanitation. We chatted to Road Freight Director, Marcus Ellappan, to find out how Bidvest International Logistics is geared up to deal with the situation.

“We are working closely with the Government, port authorities and other key players to manage the disruption to supply chains. While we focus on the daily challenges, we are ready to adapt to changes that will affect supply and demand going forward. In 2019 Bidvest International Logistics undertook several large-scale infrastructure developments to address future capacity and to uphold stringent compliance and security requirements,” Marcus explains.

Here are some key 2019 developments that have helped us manage better during the lockdown:

• Improve turnaround times for long-haul deliveries. Mahogany Ridge gives prime access to the N3 and will increase efficiency. The facility boasts 4,000 m² of warehousing space, 12,000m² of yard space, 9 bays for loading and offloading, 100 trailer bays, above-ground diesel tanks and offices for 130 employees
• The KZN Warehousing Division also has a new premises with all the relevant permits in place to operate as a fully recognised and accredited J1 chemical facility. The facility boasts 25,000m² of state-of-the-art chemical and general cargo space with flammable solid and liquid stores, a general cargo store, space for 36,000 pallets, 15 container ramps and undercover truck loading capacity for 10 superlinks
• Our facility in Rosslyn provides an end-to-end supply-chain solution for Nissan South Africa and was awarded ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Multi-site Certification. This facility consists of 3 stripping areas, 3 spray booths, three 3 areas, 3 assembly areas, an oven, a paint kitchen and a flammable store
• To uphold compliance and risk management standards, various warehouses successfully underwent Chemical Distribution Institute (CDI) audits, a new requirement for the chemical industry to assess risk using the best chemical knowledge available. CDI is a non-profit, responsible for the inspection and audit of the global supply chain for bulk and packaged chemicals in transport and storage.

Mr. Ellappan ends by saying, “While changes to dealing with the global issue of COVID-19 occur daily, we look forward to a brighter future for all and to servicing all our clients within the new normal landscape.”