Security and good housekeeping pull in warehouse customers

PRODUCE THE right product at the right price and the right time and success is a given.
That seems to be the formula at Durban-based Access Warehousing whose state-of-the-art facility is fast finding favour with shippers and their service providers as outsourcing becomes the industry buzz word.
"We started with a small 2 500 square metre warehouse in South Coast Road last July," says director Garth Loudon.
"Once weÕd opened it, we filled it within the first month and started looking to develop another facility."
The company undertook a series of feasibility studies, which confirmed the need for additional space. We were looking for a building that we could develop into a facility that would set a new standard for others to follow, and we decided on a site off Edwin Swales Drive as the best possible location.
"The plans were completed in August 2000 and by the end of October we were up and running," says Loudon.
The warehouse comprises 12 000 square metres of undercover space, 11 000 square metres of yard space, 20 container loading bays, a rail siding capable of accommodating 12 wagons, 5 500 square metres of bond store, as well as a further 3200 square metre mezzanine level. The warehouse also provides stretch wrapping, weighing and other specialised ancillary services.
No expense was spared to ensure top security and this includes sixteen closed circuit TV cameras offering visual access to the facility via the internet to selected clients, backed up by security guards and a 24-hour armed response.
"We believe that key areas which have attracted clients are the high security and very good housekeeping," says Loudon.
"We handle a lot of tobacco, cotton, and World Food Programme shipments and provide outsourced warehousing solutions to a growing client base.
"The idea is to adapt our services to suit the needs of each customer."
Access is targeting the clearing and forwarding industry as well as general warehousing.
"WeÕre an attractive solution to many warehousing headaches," he said.
Access Warehousing is part of the Durban-based Access Group, which combines the expertise of clearing and forwarding specialists Kevin Loudon and Clyde von Dresselt and operations specialist Garth Loudon who also holds an MBA degree.
"We are a focused team with a vision of where we are going," says Loudon, who is determined to be the leader in setting the standard for outsourced warehousing at competitive prices.
An expansion programme is in place designed to drive costs down and extend service capabilities in the near future.