Cape Town office provides springboard for growth

FT Global Logistics has
identified the wine and fruit
juice industries as potential
growth sectors in the Western
Cape, says managing director
Hilton Tait.
“In spite of the fact that
both areas are complex,
as they require special
equipment and employees
with specialised knowledge,
we are confident that this
could become a major growth
sector for the company in the
coming years.”
Tait is generally upbeat
about prospects for the Cape
Town office, which opened
in August last year under the
leadership of Kevin Beswick.
“Exports to West Africa,
Europe and the USA are
seen as potential growth
areas while the geographical
location of the province at the
tip of Africa bodes well for
logistical efficiency.”
He maintains that because
companies compete on an
even playing field where
most agents utilise the same
sea and air carriers, to ensure
successful entry into this
market differentiation is
essential.
“We believe that our
differentiated offering
to the market will be our
personalised service and our
ability to develop and nurture
relationships.”
With changes in SA
Revenue Service (Sars)
regulations and the rollout
of new Electronic Data
Interchange phases, some
Cape Town freight companies
have opted to centralise
operations in Johannesburg,
said Tait.
“In this process, several
Cape Town operations have
been downsized. FT Global
Logistics consequently
identified two experienced
management personnel who
are now part of the team.
Their existing relationships
with local carriers make
them a valuable asset to the
company as we continue our
reach into the wine industry.”