AMI to double warehouse capacity

It is a not-so-fond farewell to 2009 but has it taken the recessionary woes with it? That is what Mike Scott, MD of AMI has asked, while at the same time suggesting that there’s a very strong ‘maybe’ in the answer. “There was growing optimism for 2010,” he told FTW, “and certainly our airfreight volumes have increased 28% yearon- year – albeit from the recessionary levels.” However, he expressed concern about the strength of the rand, and its stranglehold on exports. “It is also concerning how long it is taking the SA economy to shake off the recession,” Scott added, “and whether our main overseas trading partners will indeed show meaningful growth. “The World Cup will be a memory in six weeks’ time, and then we truly have to stand alone with regard to economic growth. “I predict a tougher than expected end to 2010.” Looking to the future, Scott pointed out that AMI had outgrown its current Johannesburg handling facility – and is to move into its new Pomona building on June 6. This will double the company’s warehouse capacity. “As a Section 108 regulated agent, this facility will be compliant with CCTV and access control,” said Scott. “All our clients’ export cargo is made known through our accredited warehouse.” AMI currently has a 70:30 ratio of export to import cargo, and intends to focus on increasing its import volumes. “The increased warehouse space will allow us to open an offairport import degrouping facility,” Scott added, “with the idea of making it a neutral, multi-user facility for agents.” He also told FTW that the opening of King Shaka International Airport (KSIA), some 30 kilometres north of the Durban metropolis, would put pressure on the airfreight fraternity. “The majority of freight agents,” Scott said, “operate in and around the old Durban airport. “However, AMI has committed to taking a unit at King Shaka from August, as we have seen increased volumes and see opportunities for further growth.”