Increasing volumes to and from Europe is a key goal this year for Tigers Global Logistics South Africa, says managing director Paul Lawrence. This is despite Brexit and the more recent uncertainty in markets that have been hit hard by the Covid-19 virus.
“Global trade has been, and will continue to be, impacted for some time by Covid-19,” says Lawrence. “Even though the main impact is with China trade, the reality is that a lot of manufacturers supplying out of Europe also get components from China.”
But, he says, it is not necessarily all bad news and there may be real opportunity for South African exporters. “Buyers may very well diversify their supply chains due to the coronavirus and reduce their risk of dependence on suppliers in China,” he says. “This could open opportunities for local exporters.”
According to Lawrence, the company focus is on driving volume growth to and from European markets. “Specifically for Germany and the United Kingdom. We have a dedicated team on both sides driving our trade lane development. We believe that we can offer a great solution to potential clients with our SmartHub: Connect solution and the transparent visibility that our clients have on their orders and shipments.”
According to Sharon Page, Tigers’ regional director freight forwarding Europe, the company has also prepared itself well for Brexit.
“Robust warehouse capabilities in both the UK and Europe have been a key development within Tigers Europe over the past two years,” she says.In the UK, Tigers has opened a 100 000-square-foot facility with 12 000 racking positions and storage for 15 000 pallets, 17 loading bays and 24-hour security.
“Currently under construction is a 550 000-square-foot, 60 000-pallet-position mega hub facility in Rotterdam which will be an advanced omni-channel fulfilment centre and our single biggest operation in Europe.”
