Neutral transport company closes the loop

Rennies Consolidated Namibia has established a new transport logistics company in order to “be master of our own destiny,” says Patrick Kohlstaedt, acting managing director of Manica Group Namibia. Based in Walvis Bay, Rennies Consolidated offers container depot storage, bulk and bonded storage, warehousing facilities, and minor container repairs. Transport has been added to the mix as an independent department servicing both the depot and Manica clients, according to Hargu Horn, manager of transport and materials handling. About two years ago Rennies Consolidated realised that its warehouse services were being restricted by having to rely on outside transport contractors, he says. “The Manica Group strives to provide a one-stop service, with one invoice. We were packing, handling and managing the containers in the depot, but relied 100% on outside companies for transporting them,” he says. At the same time Rennies identified an opportunity for a new entrant into the Namibian transport sector. Rennies Transport and Materials Handling has been established as a separate company providing a common user facility. “We will stay neutral while trading on the Rennies brand, which is well known and trusted in the marketplace.” Rennies Transport has its own f leet of trucks and trailers, three of which are equipped to pick up and place containers. Its yard has a reach stacker and 16-ton forklift truck, and has recently acquired another eco-friendly 18-ton forklift truck. “Our objective is to offer a full logistics service within the Bidvest Group,” he says. Although the focus has been on supporting internal clients within the Manica Group, demand is growing from external clients. “Rennies has a good relationship with the bigger transport operators and we do not actively target their clients,” he says. The f leet is being expanded in order to meet demand, particularly for refrigerated transport. Trailers with underslung generators for the haulage of reefer containers are in the pipeline. INSERT & CAPTION Hargu Horn, manager of transport and materials handling (left), and Mario Polster, general manager of Rennies Transport.