New R260m facility unveiled by logistics major

Röhlig-Grindrod Logistics has invested R260 million in a new state-of-the-art distribution warehouse and office complex in Meadowview, Johannesburg as part of a strategy to consolidate its warehousing footprint in the city. Gideon Botha, director for contract logistics and pharma at RöhligGrindrod Logistics, said that prior to the investment the company was managing a number of facilities within the greater Johannesburg area but that the new warehouse brings it all under one roof. “Although the services out of our facilities were always of a very high standard, we knew that a number of efficiency gains could be achieved by consolidating these operations,” he told FTW. “As far as footprint is concerned, this warehouse – covering a floor space of 21 000sqm and with capacity for 27 300 pallets – is not much larger than our other warehouses were combined. However, what we have created is a far bigger storage volume by having a racking height of over 13 metres, allowing us to handle a higher pallet throughput,” said Botha. He said all of this allowed the logistics company to deliver a faster, more flexible and efficient service. “Also, the warehouse is purpose built to our specific needs. We could therefore implement solutions that suit our business best.” One such need was product security, said Botha. “It was an important element and to address it, we included state-ofthe-art risk control measures. We also paid special attention to handling large volumes of cargo throughput within stringent key performance indicators (KPIs),” he said. That saw the company procure the latest handling equipment. “The entire facility was designed with the purpose of not only maintaining flexible and simple operations, but to ensure optimum efficiency,” said Botha. Meeting this mandate required the company to invest in a leading warehouse management system which is currently in the final stages of implementation. This system will enable customers to manage their inventory through stock level visibility and an online portal. “The warehouse management system is going to be a major driver in ensuring we meet best practices and processes,” said Botha. “We are following a system-driven process design that will ensure best space utilisation as well as ensure the most efficient use of manpower.

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We knew that Photo: Shannon van Zyl a number of efficiency gains could be achieved by consolidating these operations. – Gideon Botha

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The interior of the new 21 000sqm warehouse. Photo: Shannon van Zyl