Logistics major records 100% growth in turnover

IN LINE with economic trends in the region, more and more global companies are using South Africa as a gateway into Africa. Against this backdrop SDV International Logistics in South Africa has recorded exceptional year-onyear trade growth, according to sales manager Antoine Multon. “Turnover is up 100% this year compared to 2006 and in addition our staff complement has increased twofold over the past year.” SDV South Africa provides a range of multimodal solutions – air, sea and road – for a variety of industries ranging from pharmaceutical, mining, high tech and telecoms to perishable, automotive and oil. It’s also active in the project cargo market where the SDV network has secured a number of major projects in Southern Africa, notably Madagascar, South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. This has led to growing brand awareness in the region, says Multon. And he is bullish about the outlook for the year ahead. “We’re expecting to increase our visibility further, with the SAREG and East Africa trade lanes featuring high on our Africa expansion agenda.” While the opportunities are there for the taking, it’s a challenging market. “There are problems of capacity – and that applies to trucks, airlines, vessels as well as airport and port handling facilities – leading to congestion, backlogs and extra charges. Understanding the processes and limitations in the countries in which we operate is crucial to getting the job done. It’s all about knowing the market and involving the stakeholders in your solutions.” With a network based in 43 countries in Africa, the footprint of the Bollore Group, to which SDV and SAGA belong, covers 97% of Africa, says Multon. “For the past 50 years it has provided freight forwarding, clearing, stevedoring and trucking services – and its strategy is to remain a major long-term logistics player in Africa through network intensification. As proof of this commitment Bollore invests approximately €100m on average in Africa.” During 2006/2007 the company opened new offices in Fort Dauphin, Madagascar; Walvis Bay, Namibia; Maputo, Mozambique; Kolwezi, DRC and Martin’s Drift, Botswana. SDV South Africa recently appointed Bernard Guillot as managing director. He brings 30 years of logistics experience in Africa to the position.