Logistics major diversifies Western Cape operations

Sasfin Premier Logistics has moved its Western Cape operations into a new league with the appointment of Donovan Mears as its regional manager for the province. The company, which has seen some major changes in the past two years including a new sole shareholder, a new CEO and a company name change in 2012, plans to grow its Western Cape footprint extensively in the coming months. Mears, who has more than 20 years’ international experience in the logistics industry, will spearhead this growth strategy. “Top priority is the diversification of our business, which has traditionally been focused on the book business,” said Mears. “We believe there are major opportunities in the perishables sector and this is one area where we see growth for the business in the coming months,” he said. Mears, who took up his new position on September 1, is also joined by several other key industry specialists to guide the company on its new course, which will also be a lot more export focused. “Traditionally we have had an import focus and it has made up the core of our business,” said Mears. “We hope to address that imbalance through our growth strategy as we grow our export market extensively.” According to Peter H Ehrenreich, chief executive officer of Sasfin Premier Logistics, the decision to bring Mears on board followed the resignation of their Cape Town regional manager. “This has allowed us the opportunity to find a successor ideal for our strategy of growing our Western Cape operations. Donovan is a perfect match for the company with his operational background and commercial focus, especially adding value to where the business is heading.” Ehrenreich said the decision to invest heavily in sales assets in the Western Cape – along with the appointment of Mears – was all geared at expanding the business and establishing the product brand even further. He said the same initiatives were taking place in Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth. The company is also building a state-of-the-art office and warehouse on Pomona Road next to OR Tambo International Airport. Sasfin Premier Logistics grew 25% in the financial year ending in June and has set a growth target of another 25% in the next financial year. “Additional growth through acquisitions is also very feasible,” Ehrenreich said and he invites companies to approach him if they are interested. “Our entire business has been restructured in the past two years. We have also implemented a new IT system and centralised several core functions to our Johannesburg office,” he told FTW. CAPTION Donovan Mears, regional manager Western Cape, and Peter H Ehrenreich, chief executive officer of Sasfin Premier Logistics.