Bulk specialist sets up c&f division

4PL.GROUP has established a new forwarding and clearing division – 4PL Clearing & Forwarding – headed up by well-known industry personality Mark Gunther. The company, which specialises in supply chain solutions for the bulk industry in Southern Africa, previously outsourced its forwarding and clearing to third party suppliers. But increased customer demand for an in-house service prompted the development of the new business unit. “While the new division will allow the company to actively service its internal customers, it will also enable it to grow this part of the business, with a strong focus on Southern Africa,” said Brendan Pearson, 4PL.GROUP group managing director. “We also aim to target project-related work, particularly in the infrastructure sector.” Gunther previously headed up Bidvest’s freight management solutions business, Manica, and was with the company for 20 years. “Our goal is to use the division as a platform to forge inroads into countries north of our borders,” Gunther told FTW. “4PL has been operating in a few of these countries for some time, but we really hope the new business will spearhead a quantum shift for us in terms of our presence in Africa,” he said. CAPTION Brendan Pearson, 4PL.GROUP group managing director (left), with 4PL clearing and forwarding executive director, Mark Gunther.