Capitalising on Africa expertise

‘Zero to hero story’ THE FUTURE is “an exciting one”, according to ZA Trans Logistics MD Warren Erfmann, and he is looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that await it as a Barloworld company. This as the company appeared at 18th place in the IATA Top 30 in 2003, with a turnover of R30.4-million. But the success of the export division is simply a reflection of the whole company’s amazing “zero to hero” story, according to Erfmann. Started 10 years ago by Erfmann and Peter Schmidt Loffler in what is described as a “humble” office near Sandton City, the company today boasts an annual turnover close to a billion rand – and has just recently been acquired by Barloworld Logistics. Export manager Grant Palmer attributes the aggressive entry into the Top 30 ranking, and the success of his export division, to three simple philosophies – a focus on customer satisfaction; excellent relationships with select suppliers; and divisional autonomy allowing freedom to be creative. One of the areas where ZA Trans has been capitalising on its experience is the African continent. “Our Africa desk has thoroughly researched and built up information packs on the customs, banking and legal requirements along with service providers, frequencies and cost structures of all the countries in the complicated “minefield” of the African continent,” said Palmer. “Added to that have been just-in-time shipments of temperature-sensitive medicaments into the Indian Ocean islands - a new and successful niche market for us.” The textile industry also contributed to success, he added, although – because of its vagaries – the company’s strategic planning meant this sector would never exceed more than 20% of its revenue. “This,” said Palmer, “has certainly paid dividends - while many of our competitors felt the enormous negative effects on their profits.”