Central Logistics diversifies into food bulk transport

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.’