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.”