AAD Logistics has invested in a new facility in Cape Town as part of its ongoing growth strategy. Previously operating from Blackheath, a long way from the Port of Cape Town, the company recently moved into a renovated facility comprising a 10 000-sqm warehouse racked to accommodate 4100 pallet locations, a cross dock area of 2000 sqm and an outside yard area of 4000 sqm only 3km from the Belcon Rail Terminal and with easy access to the N1, N2 and R300.
The facility also has a bond store with 1600 pallet locations and a floor area of 500 sqm for non-rackable cargo, plus an insulated wine store of 900 sqm.
“There was a definite need for an import/export cargo consolidator, like ourselves, to the north of Bellville,” said CEO John Lachenict.
“Considering that more than 46% of all export product in seafreight containers originates from areas north of Belcon, the investment in this facility and infrastructure is well worth our while.”
According to Lachenicht major savings will be made by turning trucks delivering cargo in Bellville. “It will bring major time and cost savings as trucks will no longer have to endure traffic congestion in and around the port,” he said.
“This facility will ensure better service for clients, while also improving security.” In light of the recent developments with the City of Cape Town trying to reduce traffic flows into the city, the Belcon Rail Terminal has become an extension of the port stacks, meaning that export containers can turn in to Belcon for the port stack.
“Some shipping lines are storing empty containers at Belcon which, in turn, can be picked up and moved to our facility for packing. This prevents trucks from going into Cape Town to collect empty containers, and having to stand in long queues at huge expense,” said Lachenicht.
“The reverse also applies to imports. Transnet has six trains running per day between the port and Belcon, and the rates are very competitive with road transport. An accredited weighing service is also available at Belcon.”
He said close proximity to Belcon benefited both import and export customers. The company also recently appointed Joy Robertson as sales manager. She brings to the position wide experience and exposure in the import/ export market.
