Customisation is the key, says KN’s Franke

DEVELOPING CUSTOMISED solutions for complex logistics operations is all in a day’s work for logistics major Kuehne & Nagel. In South Africa projects play an important role, according to GM projects Ralf Franke, who has seen the division grow under his leadership following his relocation from Jakarta, Indonesia in 1997 to head up the local operation. The project division for Africa is located at the head office in Edenvale and deals with the transport of power stations, electrification programmes, refineries and a variety of factories - in fact anything that is heavy and oversized is everyday business for KN’s project division, says Franke. “Some of our biggest projects worldwide are in the Far East, but we are involved in a number in Africa too,” he told FTW. “It’s all about precision planning, especially of heavylift items, and this demands a clear understanding of the project structure. “Bringing together a production plant with a total volume exceeding several hundred thousand freight tonnes from all corners of the world and getting it safely across swamps, through deserts and jungles to its destination using efficient global logistics is KN’s expertise.” A big benefit, says Franke is the in-house continuity. “Using our own network enables us to offer a comprehensive transport chain. Whether the plant components originate from one country or ten, they will reach their destination on schedule. Our specialised personnel ensure the most effective, feasible mode and route of transport not only in South Africa, but also in neighbouring countries. “For example we recently handled a project for Sasol that required the movement of heavylifts from the southern part of Germany to Sasolburg. This included pieces up to 305 tons and involved river barging in Europe, transit handling to a heavy lift vesssel, positioning of adequate multi-axle trailers in Richards Bay, and direct loading from vessel to vehicle for on-forwarding at this end.” A vote of confidence from the customer has come in the form of further business. “With our black empowerment partner KN Tsepisa we were awarded the total contract for the Sasol ‘Turbo project’ and that demands the co-ordination of transport all over the world to different sites. “We have the creativity and skills in the field of supply chain management to provide consulting, planning, organisation and implementation services for a broad range of products,” he added. Internet-based track and trace facilities offer added value benefits.