Outsourced logistics gains ground in Namibia

More and more companies in Namibia are looking at either extending their own warehousing capacity or outsourcing the logistics/ warehousing to a partner, according to Olaf Liebich, warehouse manager for Transworld Cargo. “Warehousing for manufacturing and trading companies means capital in stock, infrastructure and equipment, as well as operational staff costs. Outsourcing logistics services is common practice in developed countries and coming to Namibia as well,” he said. “This gives companies a monthly fixed or activityrelated logistics cost without the need to fix capital.” Warehousing is an essential part of every trading or manufacturing company. The logistics industry must assist these industries to make every company’s logistics more reliable and cost-effective, said Liebich. “The warehouse service provider has the advantage of using resources like warehouse equipment, facilities, personnel, IT infrastructure and the like for multiple clients, which results in cost savings. Investments in new technologies like RFID can be split across multiple heads making progress more affordable.” According to Liebich, Transworld Cargo is currently constructing 6000 sqm of warehouse space with 2000 sqm of office space within short reach of the Windhoek CBD as well as new warehouse facilities at the coast in Walvis Bay. Construction will be completed by July 2012. “In the meantime the implementation of a new warehouse management system in April this year will enable us to cater for all the needs of clients, allowing for web-based order-placing and stock level control.”