Automotive logistics major targets Africa growth

The automotive industry is one of the key drivers of economic growth in South Africa and CATWWL Logistics sees strong prospects for further market and services development and expansion into new territories in Africa. “The company already handles more than 50% of the new vehicle market volume in South Africa in some way, shape or form and we are exploring how to add further value for our clients by expanding our technical service offerings. This is in line with our strategy of adopting and implementing the full service scope provided by our shareholders at a global level,” said business development manager David Macrae. “The option of extending our services into Africa is also on our shortterm radar, with several countries already shortlisted,” he said. “As a logistics company, ensuring that our customers’ endcustomers are happy is a major driver of CAT-WWL.” He concedes that there are unexpected challenges, such as the current labour climate which is threatening all sectors of the industry, but adds that logistics companies have to be able to anticipate and adapt to those challenges extremely quickly. “Although we seldom experience labour unrest, at CAT-WWL we ensure we have contingency plans in place and that if necessary, the whole team is mobilised – from the managing director to the receptionist – to become part of the solution,” said Macrae. CAT-WWL holds certifications in quality (ISO 9001:2008), environmental standards (ISO 14001:2004), as well as health and safety (OHSAS 18001:2007). The company also has a policy of continually investing in new technologies that help improve service delivery. To that end it has developed and implemented its own cutting-edge supply chain and yard management IT system, VMotion, which has been implemented at all its operational sites. INSERT & CAPTION Cutting-edge supply chain and yard management IT system, VMotion, implemented at all operational sites. – David Macrae