Modern warehouse complex to open in Beira

Modern warehouse storage and handling facilities in Beira are in such strong demand that they are being taken up as soon as they open, says Christian Roeder, managing director of Beira Logistics Terminals (BLT). In March the company – which is part of the J&J group of companies – opened its first 5 400 sqm warehouse surrounded by approximately 20000 sqm of yard space for other logistical operations, such as bagging of bulk cargo, stripping and stuffing of containers, and fumigation. A second 9 720 sqm warehouse with 30 000 sqm of surrounding logistics space is being built adjacent to the first warehouse at Munhava. It is planned to open this month (November). “We are also planning a third one of 9720 sqm to open in the third quarter of 2013,” he says. “We operate independently of the other companies in the J&J group. Our objective is to assist with improving the efficiencies of the Beira Corridor,” says Roeder. A second facility, an inland container depot, is being developed in the Manga industrial suburb. It is due to “go live” in the second quarter of 2013. Value-added services being provided by BLT include a bagging facility capable of handling 1 500 tons every 24 hours. The open logistics area in front of the warehouse provides space for about 600TEUs of full container storage at all times. The facility has one 45t container handler on site (2011, Kalmar) and several smaller machines enabling us to handle empty and full containers, 1mt IBCs, bags, pallets, drums, etc, he says. Out of gauge goods can be accommodated within the facility. All trucks are weighed as they enter the gate and before they leave on a 22-metre heavy-duty weighbridge and a group axle scale. The weighbridge is fully integrated into BLT’s warehouse management system, says Roeder. “We have a full track and trace system in place, and our system can be customised for EDI solutions to meet clients’ requirements,” he says. Full CCTV coverage and 24- hour security allow the facility to handle high-value cargo such as copper cathodes and blisters. The facility is also able to handle certain dangerous goods on request. BLT’s second new warehouse will offer the same range of services, while the container park is designed to handle 2 000 TEUs a month. CAPTION Christian Roeder … strong demand.