Bollore delivers on growth mandate

Just under a year since his appointment as regional managing director for Southern and Eastern Africa of Bollore Africa Logistics (Bollore), Tony Stenning is delivering on his growth and brand awareness mandate. While trade volumes on the continent in general have been on an upward trajectory, there’s been significant expansion in Mozambique, Stenning told FTW. “The company has invested ¤15 million in a f loating quay in Pemba which became operational in March this year. In addition we’ve been awarded two big contracts for Vale – a coal contract in Nacala and an extension to the coal mine in Tete.” In another major development, Bollore is investing ¤9m in a hub in Chingola, Zambia focusing on imports and exports. “We’re growing all over Africa and South Africa continues to be an important base for leveraging regional potential.” The acquisition of SA Express Line (SAEL) was an integral part of the plan, adding more freight forwarding, local warehousing and supply chain to the mix, he said. “Recently appointed SAEL managing director, Arend du Preez, will play a key role in expanding this supply chain product.” SAEL recently relocated to new premises in Pomona offering an additional 10 000sqm of warehousing space. “The plan is to build our own mega-facility in the next two years that will bring the activities of Bollore Africa Logistics, SAEL, SDV and Whitehorse Carriers under one roof in Johannesburg. Expansion of warehousing facilities in Durban is also on the cards,” he added. And while all the divisions currently operate as separate entities within the group, the possibility of a rebranding exercise that would bring them all together under a new brand name could be in the pipeline.