China specialist invests heavily in expansion

JOY ORLEK TRADE WITH China is set to gain further momentum as industry specialists gear up for more of the same in the years ahead. Hecny Transportation South Africa recorded 25% growth on the route last year and expects 10-15% for the year ahead, according to managing director Gunther Fritz. “China’s GDP in the last quarter was 11%, and it’s the fourth largest economy in the world,” says Fritz. “Things are looking very positive and we’re well placed to take advantage of the growth.” Established 10 years ago as a joint venture with Premier Freight, the company has built a solid base in the market, moving a variety of products ranging from textiles and white goods to electronics, shoes and furniture. To support the growth, Hecny is investing heavily in expansion in China. Its current network of 14 offices in the country is growing all the time, says Fritz, who has notched up 25 years in the industry in China and ten heading up the South African Hecny operation.. “China has always been our key market, but despite our growth, we have remained a hands-on company. Our chairman is always on call, any time of the day or night – it’s that kind of passion for service that filters right through the company.” Hecny SA has a staff complement of 15 in Johannesburg and branches in Durban , Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. The Hecny Group employs 3 000 people worldwide, with a turnover close to $1bn a year.