Diversification is key

Three years since its entry into
the overborder market, transport
specialist Manline has recorded
exponential growth – and is cautiously
optimistic about the year ahead.
Established in 1998 as a domestic
transport operator, the company
diversified its operations based on
customer demand and launched a service
in and out of Botswana in 2005.
This was followed by Zambia where
Manline currently operates a 50-truck
fleet on a regular basis. “Flat deck
Superlinks are our speciality, and with
our tankers we are able to provide a
world class service to our clients,” says
marketing director Fearne Gilson. In total
the company’s current fleet comprises
300 vehicles.
A regular service to Zimbabwe is also
on the planning boards
While Manline has served the country
on an ad hoc basis, the volatility of the
market remains a challenge, says Gilson.
“The boom in the resources market
has made Zambia a very attractive
option and our results for the past year
have been fantastic.
“We believe that Africa holds huge
potential, and much like the local market,
diversification is key
“Mining has been the biggest growth
area on the Zambia route but we are
moving various products in and out of
Lusaka – there’s a lot of development
there thanks to exponential growth in the
Zambian economy.”
While the current financial crisis
has tempered last year’s very positive
outlook, Gilson remains bullish.
“There’s still a requirement for
copper around the world, although we
have seen a move to finished product
rather than concentrates.”
And when it comes to competitive
edge, Gilson believes technology
plays a big role.
“Manline was one of the first logistics
companies in South Africa to install
real-time satellite tracking in its fleet,”
says Gilson. “At the heart of our
innovation is our enterprise software
platform, MAX (logistics Management
And eXecution) which provides a realtime,
24/7, internet-based operating
platform and database for the company
and its customers.
“It automates our entire operation,
from customer needs analysis and fleet
management through to back office
and reporting.”
Based in Pietermaritzburg, Manline
has a network of nine offices,
including Zambia.