Grindrod J&J outlines plans for Uniroute properties

TERRY HUTSON GRINDROD J&J Logistics confirmed a forecast made in FTW a fortnight ago (FTW February 4, 2005) by announcing last week that it had taken over approximately 220 000 m2 of former Uniroute Logistics warehouse facilities at Durban, City Deep and Cape Town. “Uniroute was looking to cease their operations which gave us an opportunity to expand our warehouse capabilities overnight,” said Grindrod J&J Logistics’ chief executive Laurence Stuart-Hill. The deal, in which Grindrod snapped up container yards, warehousing and transit facilities at the Durban Bayhead, City Deep and Cape Town sites, does not include liability for the former Uniroute Logistics personnel, creditors and customers’ claims, he said. Grindrod would however look to employ as many of Uniroute’s staff as possible and would also continue providing facilities and services to its current customer base. Sivi Gounden, a director of Grindrod J&J, said the group was looking at expanding not only in the warehousing arena but also in other aspects of logistics. “We look forward to announcing other expansion initiatives shortly,” said Gounden.