Central Logistics is
expanding its operations
in the containerised bulk
sector with plans under
way to diversify into food
bulk.
According to Hans
Calitz, this follows the
company’s successful entry
into and expansion in the
bulk wine trade.
“More and more wine
is being shipped in
containerised bulk using
flexi tanks,” he said. “We
have seen major growth
on the bulk wine side
and are optimistic that
when we introduce our
container liners into the
food sector that it will also
gain popularity as a way of
shipping in containers.”
Calitz maintains there
is a general switch to
containerised bulk across
the globe as it is not only a
more time-efficient way of
operating, it also has major
cost benefits.
“In logistics one always
has to be looking at new
and better ways to operate
– especially in light of the
economic environment
across the world
where margins remain
pressured,” he told FTW.
“Improving efficiency
with a cost-saving result is
what one strives for all the
time.”
He said containerised
bulk therefore made
sense – especially in the
food sector where time is
crucial.
To ensure the company is
able to offer its customers
the best solutions, Calitz
has teamed up with the
INterbulk Group and is
now its exclusive agent in
the country. This enables
Central Logistics to deploy
highly sophisticated ISO
tanks for the movement of
bulk cargo.
“Innovation and
technology continue to
impact on our operations
as new developments are
allowing us to come up
with more efficient ways
of transporting cargo.
It also means that we
are always evolving and
coming up with new ways
of operating.”
According to Calitz,
Braid Liquid Logistics’
flexi tank system, which is
placed inside a container,
is a safe, fast, costeffective
and efficient way
to transport wine and food
grade products.
“It also works for nonhazardous
chemicals and
specialty oils,” he said.
Essentially a bag in a
box, it is proof that it is not
business as usual, but that
efficient logistics requires
out-of-the-box thinking.
In South Africa Central
Logistics is the exclusive
agent for the Braid Group.
Calitz remains
optimistic about volumes
to the end of the year and
heading into 2013 in the
containerised bulk market.
“The outlook in our
particular niche is looking
good, but we need to
remain mindful of Europe
which is going through
financial pain at the
moment,” he said.
CAPTION
Hans Calitz … ‘deploying highly
sophisticated ISO tanks for the
movement of bulk cargo.’