The need for liquid chemicals in bulk volumes is on the increase on the continent, according to Kreason Pillay, managing director Africa, India and the Middle East for M&S Logistics. “The traditional method of receiving product in drums continues in many African countries,” says Pillay. “One of the biggest challenges is changing this perception and getting customers to realise the benefits of receiving products in bulk ISO tanks. Although it is slow going, we are working hard to change this.” He says M&S has a special projects division in the United Kingdom that is working on some interesting projects in Africa with tanks, while the oil and gas division remains extremely active on the continent despite the drop in the oil price. “In Africa, persistence is key – continuously showing customers the benefits of what you are offering is extremely important,” explains Pillay. “I do not see any major changes on the continent other than a decline in volumes. This, however, is really just a temporary setback.” And he’s upbeat about growth despite the slowdown in recent years. “We believe markets will continue to grow on the continent albeit at slower levels than in the past,” he says. “We are targeting a variety of countries in large parts of West and East Africa as they continue to hold promise and offer very real growth opportunities.”
One of the biggest challenges is getting customers to realise the benefits of receiving products in bulk ISO tanks. – Kreason Pillay
