Extending its reach in AfricaExtending its reach in Africa

Adding muscle to its Africa business thrust, Grindrod Ships Agencies Africa celebrated its official launch in Johannesburg last week. Headed up by Durbanbased general manager Africa, Robbie Gardner, the company’s vision is to become the ships agency of choice in the region. “Our aim is to roll out the same quality of service that is synonymous with Grindrod through ensuring that our staff are well trained and knowledgeable, embracing leading technology and keeping abreast of developments not only in agency but in the African and world theatre,” Gardner told FTW last week. Kevin Stone heads up the Mozambique office, which covers Maputo, Beira and Nacala, while Dirk Kotze is the branch manager in Namibia. “We’re not only looking at Mozambique and Namibia,” Gardner said, “but we’ve also set our sights on the likes of Ghana and elsewhere in Africa.” The intention, however, is not just to spread footprint but to expand to areas where the company can provide the level of service to which customers have become accustomed.