Expansion of Durban facility caters for expected growth

Developing and upgrading its Durban
operations has been a key strategy for
CHC Container Handling, says the
company’s operations manager, Sayed
Mohamad.
“We have recently completed a
R9-million renovation at our Durban
premises in Prospecton in order to
address the growing needs of the
groupage market in South Africa.”
Now with a Customs depot, some
15 dock levellers and brand new racking
throughout the warehouse premises,
the yard has also been resurfaced. A
new exit driveway was installed with
new dispatch exits from the warehouse
as well as new dispatch offices at the
20 000 sqm facility.
“We drastically expanded the facility
to put up a container yard and also
invested in new equipment like new
forklifts, while our security system is
now state of the art.”
According to Mohamad this has
been a necessary investment as Durban
plays a vital role in CHC’s operations.
“Durban is the hub of our container
depot. It is where we receive the
majority of our groupage containers and
where we unpack them for road haulage
to the other centres. And since it is a
growing market, our Durban facility
needed to meet the demand.”
Mohamad says while there have been
some challenges of late in Durban with
the installation of the new Navis system
at the port, the outlook is extremely
positive.
“Durban is the key hub for containers
and is very well equipped to handle this
market. There is continuous expansion
and investment in the port and the
improvements being made will ensure
that it retains its key role.”
Referring to the Navis-related delays,
he said: “Once the teething problems are
sorted out, it will be all systems go.”