‘One-stop’ inland port offers full turnkey operation

Thirty five years since its launch, Storage Solutions is planning further upgrades to its extensive warehousing and handling facility as growing volumes – particularly in the industrial and project cargo sector – create new opportunities. “At Storage Solutions there are no limits to what we can handle,” says MD Byron Nieuwstad, who describes the facility as a one-stop inland port, capable of offering a full turnkey operation – from destuffing/ packing and handling of containers, project and mining cargo to shortmedium- and long-term storage. Based on a 10 hectare stand with 11 000 sqm of storage under crane, the facility is situated on the R23 Benoni Road, 7km off the Durban-Johannesburg highway and in close proximity to the East Rand industrial hub. “The location was carefully chosen away from congested centres, which saves time and ultimately money for our customers,” said Group CEO Bill Nieuwstad. And with a combined 55 years of experience in the field, the Nieuwstads believe they have what it takes to handle the multi-million rand cargo that is regularly entrusted to their care. “Importers, exporters, forwarding agents and truckers are constantly faced with port closures, detention, demurrage, stack dates and down-time,” says Bill. “We provide a one-stop service to them and have the infrastructure and hardware in the form of cranes, forklifts and storage areas to cater for every variety of cargo.” The company deals largely with heavy industrial goods and containerised cargo. “We can accommodate pieces up to 200 tons in the outside yard and 25t under roof,” says Bill. The facility has plugged into the logistics challenges faced by the industry, he added. “If there are delays at the port, for example, which is a frequent occurrence, we offer the client an in-transit facility so that he can continue to manufacture his products while we provide the necessary storage.” And while a trucking service is on offer as a value-added option for its clients, the company’s core focus is on storage and handling, said Byron, who has seen huge growth in the industry in the recent past. “But there’s also a huge lack of facilities and infrastructure to cope with the size and volume of cargo requiring storage and handling.” In terms of security, a 24-hour armed guard ensures the safety of all valuable cargo entrusted to the company’s care. “We have the expertise, the infrastructure and the know-how to deal with any project that comes our way – and we have our own shipping department to follow up with shipping lines and transporters so that the customer has a handle on the entire logistics process at all times.”