Mesquita companies unite to offer one-stop logistics

A number of Beira logistics companies offering complementary logistics services have joined forces to offer a one-stop service under the Grupo Mesquita banner. According to Celso Mesquita, one of the directors and owners of the group, the move was prompted by the growth in the Mozambican and neighbouring markets. Shippers and cargo owners are looking for companies that can provide a full logistics service, which includes clearing and forwarding, transport and warehousing. “Clients are looking for companies that can offer a complete package. They only want to deal with one person from end to end,” he says. Grupo Mesquita brings together a number of support and spin-off companies that were formed after the establishment of Transportes Carlos Mesquita. With a staff of around 260, it employs some 39% of the group’s regional workforce. Transport Carlos Mesquita has been one of the leading transportation companies in Mozambique since 1991, and is listed by KPMG as one of the top 100 companies in the country, says Mesquita. It operates along the whole length of Mozambique as well as into Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Also falling under the new Grupo Mesquita brand is Danmo Service System, which was established in 1993 as the second company in what is now the Mesquita group. It provides maintenance and repair services for specialised port handling equipment. It has a staff of 92 in the ports of Nacala, Quelimane and Beira. Multiservicos was established as the third company in the group in 2007. It provides administrative, financial, human resources and procurement support to the whole group. The company has a workforce of around 55. A year later Indico Logistics opened for business. It provides a range of cargo handling and shipping and logistics services. Its highly specialised team of 15 provides ships’ agency, freight forwarding and clearing services. Sermoz was established in 2008 to provide maintenance and repair services for heavy vehicles as well as equipment rental. It has since moved into providing earthworks services and handling bulk cargo, and has a staff of 173. Also established in 2008 is Agriverde, which is the sixth company in the Mesquita group. It provides meat products to the domestic market. Starting with a herd of 1 436 cattle and 516 goats on seven thousand hectares, the farm now has more than two thousand cattle and 1000 goats. Facilities for tourists have been added. Agriverde is adding value to its output with the establishment of a butchery in Beira. Some 80 people are employed by Agriverde. INSERT & CAPTION Shippers and cargo owners are looking for companies that can provide a full logistics service, which includes clearing and forwarding, transport and warehousing. – Celso Mesquita