DSV embarks on expansion drive

Logistics major DSV has launched an aggressive brand awareness drive as it pushes ahead with its plans for growth into Africa. The continent has for some time been a strong focus for the Danish-headquartered company which has been involved in the SA market for several years – initially through an agency agreement and more recently through the acquisition of a local forwarder. Its Africa strategy took a quantum leap last year following the acquisition of the Swift Freight group of companies with 36 offices spread across 15 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Spearheading the company’s trajectory into Africa is DSV CEO Africa, Warren Erfmann, whose Midas touch has spawned several previous success stories. “DSV was ranked sixth global forwarder in the world in a recent Journal of Commerce report based on 2011 revenue,” Erfmann told FTW. “In road it ranks as number 3 in Europe and in air and sea it is in the top 10 globally. This is the awareness we need to drive home to the industry – and we’ve recruited a strong sales and marketing team to do the job.” Ten new staff will be brought on board this month – 80% of them in sales and marketing. “The company has seen huge growth over the past two years,” says Erfmann. “By beefing up our sales force we expect to make massive new inroads.” DSV currently has two Johannesburg offices, an office in Cape Town and one in Port Elizabeth. A Durban office will open shortly while an expanded and consolidated Johannesburg facility is also on the cards. “When DSV entered the South African market, its strategy was always growth into Africa. The acquisition of Swift, with its strong African footprint, provides the springboard for further growth.” While the automotive sector is a strong focus of DSV’s South African operation, the company sees lucrative opportunities in the oil and gas and agri sectors on the continent. CAPTION Warren Erfmann … strong Africa focus.