New logistics company launched

There’s a new name on the SA logistics landscape with the launch this month by the Brussels-based Ziegler Group of an SA operation. The logistics major, established more than a century ago in Brussels, has bought local logistics company Logisticor for an undisclosed sum. In South Africa last week for the official launch of the South African Ziegler operation, CEO Alain Ziegler told FTW that he expected to see growth of 15% over the next year. Apart from the name change, there will be no change to the current Logisticor team, apart from the appointment of new managing director Paul Lawrence, a well-known industry personality who brings several decades of experience to the position. Sean Moore retains his executive management position where he will be focusing on sales and future strategic development While the Ziegler Group has always had a strong presence in Europe, it has spread its wings globally and is currently represented in 16 countries – including 11 owned offices in China under the Simba brand. “We have always seen Africa as an important market and previously worked through agents,” overseas group co-ordinator Piet Verdonck told FTW. “We have been exploring opportunities for a stronger presence here for some time and believe that there are significant synergies with Logisticor that will ensure a smooth transition for the company and its staff.” The Ziegler Group has over the years established itself in several niche markets – including aerospace and Pharma and these are areas they will be looking to replicate in their southern African portfolio. “Aerospace, mining, project cargo and pharmaceuticals are key areas of specialisation,” Lawrence told FTW. Ziegler is currently implementing its IT systems locally, which have been developed in-house and which they believe will add significant value. In terms of its immediate southern African growth plans, Verdonck sees Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya as areas of focus. “But we will be looking at partnering with companies that are active in those areas,” he said. “We intend to develop the cross-border business that Logisticor has already built up.” Ziegler’s multi-modal service portfolio includes road, rail and surface transport – and that will be no different in South Africa. It has established airfreight consolidation services operating from a range of European airports. The company currently has offices in Beitbridge, Durban and Johannesburg, with plans to open a Cape Town branch scheduled for this year. “We have reinforced the sales team in South Africa and our short-term objective will be on sales and business development,” Lawrence said.