BAX re-engineers to set new logistics standard

THERE'S A quiet revolution in progress at logistics major BAX Global where a dynamic new management team is re-engineering the company to take it into a new realm of logistics capability. "Our strategy is to create niche markets and opportunities where we become the experts," says national sales manager Grant Palmer. "Customers are looking for customised solutions to improve efficiencies and ultimately reflect in the bottom line." To achieve this BAX has assembled a strong executive team who boast not only the academic wherewithal, but also the industry experience, says Palmer. Recently-appointed managing director Urs Haenggi, a Swiss national with a strong shipping and forwarding background, holds a masters degree in logistics. He was appointed by regional head office in London to re-engineer the company, an area in which he has already gained considerable experience internationally. "The pace of change demands that companies must reinvent themselves to keep up with market trends," says Palmer. GM operations Peter Badenhorst has seen logistics from the forwarding and clearing as well as the customer points of view. His experience in the industry evolved through a large forwarding company and matured into various logistics management positions within the FMCG and consumable industries. National sales manager Palmer gained his diploma in Transport Economics while working in Germany, and returned to South Africa to join the original Burlington Air Express in 1996. While his current focus is sales and marketing, he has a strong operational background. Financial manager is ex-DHL man Iain Millar, CA(SA). "Today's customer demands more than good rates and service," says Palmer. "Customised solutions encompassing the full supply chain while adding value are the only way forward." In line with this focus, BAX recently installed a new warehouse management system - ISASTORE. "It provides the full spectrum of functions - inventory management, stock location management, order fulfilment, pick and pack, consolidations to mention a few - in a far more user-friendly format, says Palmer. The company has also put in place a highly focused black empowerment programme that will see the implementation of an owner-driver scheme. Other initiatives on the drawing board include the recruitment of previously disadvantaged candidates to be taken on in an apprenticeship-training scheme, literacy training and a solid employment equity policy.