Construction has started on
a new Interlogix Namibia
Freight Station in Walvis
Bay.
Designed to modern and
highly efficient handling
standards, it is certain to “turn
a few heads,” says group
director Tim Driman, with the
container pack/unpack rate
estimated at less than half an
hour.
Heading up the new operation
is Jason Fourie who has worked
as a shipping manager for a
large Durban-based Japanese
motor manufacturer for the past
seven years.
There he gained experience
in the fast distribution of goods,
which is the company focus
with its high-speed transit
turnaround freight station
concept “rather than just
building a simple warehouse,”
says Driman.
Interlogix is already operating
in Walvis Bay out of a rented
warehouse, and is offering a
full logistics service, including
clearing and forwarding,
according to Fourie.
He is positive about prospects
for the new company. “We
are here to employ locals and
grow the local trade. Interlogix
believes it can attract new
customers to the port of Walvis
Bay.
“Walvis Bay can offer clients
a shorter lead time into/out of
Zambia, Democratic Republic
of Congo, Botswana and
Zimbabwe than through ports
like Durban. The Walvis Bay
corridors are safe and efficient,
and there is one less border
crossing.
“It is a pleasure working with
the port authorities of Walvis
Bay who are keen to assist
clients in a sincere effort to
boost trade.
“The Walvis Bay customs
officials are also keen and
willing to help, rather than try
to trip you up,” he says.
According to Driman, the
company bought the land for
the new warehouse in Walvis
Bay in 2012.
Loading and unloading
will be speeded up through
the construction of a bank
of modern dock levellers,
enabling vehicles to reverse
into position for direct loading/
offloading, as well as a vehicle
loading/offloading ramp for
mobile cargo, together with
internal cargo handling facilities
and outside crane access.
The 3 000-sqm (under one
single wide-span roof) facility
has also been geared for
high-value goods from the
start. It will be fully covered
internally and externally by
CCTV, have an electronic
weigh station and incorporate
bar-coding using the latest
cargo-tracking software.
It is due to be
operational
in the fourth
quarter of 2013.
CAPTION
Jason Fourie, who is heading
up the Interlogix office in Walvis
Bay on site where the new
freight station is being built.
