Multi-skilled team helps custom-build warehouses

Efficient use of space is vital success factor CONTINUED CONSUMER demand – driven by the buoyant economy and increased spending across most sectors - is one of the factors contributing to a general shortage of suitable warehouse space in Cape Town and surrounds, says Broll industrial director William Wakefield. “With few speculative developments over the past five years there has been take-up of a sizeable amount of vacant space as new developments were based largely on firm orders only. This is not an altogether bad thing for warehouse space as the industry has specific requirements not often found in general industrial space.” According to Wakefield, the physical characteristics of a building are important and specific to, among several factors, the type of handling machinery and racking systems used. In some cases a mere half metre in width can result in the loss of hundreds of cubic metres of storage capacity. “Operators need to maximise their space utilisation. Tenants pay per square metre while they use it on a volumetric basis; clearly more efficient use of space becomes vital to the success of the business.” Rapidly rising building costs have widened the gap between new and second-hand space by as much as 50% in some instances," says Wakefield. "It becomes paramount that new developments are implemented correctly." The increasing dominance of road freight – and with it the interlink trailer combination - has also had an impact on the physical layout of warehouse premises, he points out. "Secure perimeters, often with concrete yards, secure fencing and 24-hour guardhouses are almost mandatory. Many older properties, particularly those with rail spur facilities, were never built with road freight in mind. The resulting inadequate yard and marshalling areas and congestion on access roads can lead to logistical headaches for the node." Broll has developed a multi-skilled team-based approach for those looking to custom-build warehouse space, says Wakefield. “Worldnet Logistics recently took advantage of this when they purchased three properties totalling 8 500m² in Airport Industria and built efficient new premises on one of them. “Clients obviously know exactly what they need to maximise their business and then we bring in the property skills to effect the mandate,” says Wakefield. “Correct site selection based on a host of factors and liaison with various professionals through to delivery of a perfect customer solution has become part of the property practitioner’s scope of work.” Recently Broll announced the acquisition of CB Richard Ellis SA, a valuation firm in the SADC region. “This also opens ties with CBRE globally,” says Wakefield, “the largest property network in the world.” Broll recently moved into West Africa where they opened offices in Lagos and have been appointed facility managers for the ambitious US$280-million free-trade business resort at Tinapa, close to the port of Calabar.