Against a background of tough economic conditions, logistics major Micor has recorded a positive trend in terms of revenue growth, with a stable outlook for the year ahead. “The last financial year was better than the year before and the current financial year is an improvement on the previous one,” CEO Henk Theron told FTW. “The industry is tough and revenue growth is not easy, but we have been very successful at cutting costs.” In an industry that continues to be driven by rates, under-cutting is endemic. “Good service levels are a given – and customers continue to be lured away by a better rate which is often a last-minute spot rate that cannot be offered consistently,” says Theron, and this is a point that he believes must be driven home. With the backing of global partner Agility, which is one of the top ten agents in the world, Micor’s strongest trade lanes continue to be Germany and the Far East with a significant push into Africa. And Africa has been a strong focus for Theron who holds the dual role as CEO of Micor and divisional executive for African businesses – incorporating Sherwood International, which offers customised in-bound supply chain services and solutions across many geographical borders, especially in the African continent. Micor is currently involved in the logistics for an electrification project in Ghana, in which Sherwood is involved, and will continue to look for growth wherever there is a mining or construction boom, he said. A new trade finance facility is opening further new opportunities, Theron said, “as this enhances the total supply chain solution offering. “On the trucking side we run from the Congo to Durban, touching Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa and then we also run the corridor from Beira to Zambia and Zimbabwe. “We are also exploring opportunities in Kenya, Tanzania and South Sudan,” said Theron who hinted at possible acquisitions in East Africa in the long-term future. CAPTION Henk Theron … ‘Trade finance enhances total supply chain solution offering.’
