THE LASER Group is well on the way to achieving its goal of becoming an integrated logistics service provider.
That's according to chief executive of Laser's logistics division, Charles Fairweather who told FTW last week that Laser's acquisition trail over the past 10 months had placed it firmly in the supply chain management driving seat.
The acquisition of Cape Town-based Docks Shipping in January this year set the ball rolling. Docks, a customs clearing house which established a niche market in the complex tariff world of the clothing industry, has expanded from that base and provides Laser Transport with an import/export arm. Docks recently spread its national wings and opened offices in Gauteng and Durban.
Next on the acquisition list was Pietermaritzburg-based Timefreight, an established roadfreight operation with a national presence spanning Natal, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Nelspruit. The company is currently considering expanding into Port Elizabeth.
Adding a courier string to its bow was the acquisition of Dawn Wing Couriers which specialises in the express airfreight market. It has offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Durban, Pretoria and the East Rand.
Related services like third party distribution, household removals and data storage fall within the Group's ambit.
We are trying to offer a one-stop service because this is the way companies are going.
We believe the group is the embryo for much bigger things and are serious about growing it. Growth will be achieved organically as well as by further acquisition, he said.
Fairweather sees huge opportunities in the technology revolution which is transforming the freight industry.
With our express capability, we will be ideally placed to serve the industry's e-commerce needs and are looking to find partners to develop the business.
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