Project specialist invests in own facilities

A few months since the opening of its own warehousing facility, KwaZulu-Natal based Project Logistics Management (PLM) believes the new facility is already proving its worth. The lack of warehousing facilities servicing the abnormal and project market was the primary motivation for the move, according to managing director, Carl Webb, who established PLM about five years ago specifically to service the project and abnormal cargo market in South Africa. “One of the major challenges has been the lack of warehouse facilities in Durban and surrounding areas for our specific market,” he said. “We have found that many warehouse facilities are just not capable of servicing the abnormal and project requirements because they are either owned by corporates or there is a limitation in the working hours. Restricted facilities also play a major role in our not really being able to access these warehouses.” Webb said limitations on operational hours and facilities were hampering PLM’s ability to provide the service they were envisioning for their customers. “In the project arena efficiency is extremely important and that means having access to a warehouse all the time. And the warehouse must have the necessary equipment and facilities to service just about any abnormal or project cargo. It therefore made sense to start looking for our own facility,” he told FTW. In November 2012 the company managed to secure suitable premises in Mobeni and has since integrated it into the business following some upgrading and work to what many in the industry will remember as the old Thrutainers facility. The facility is headed up by Alec van Rensburg. “Not only are the premises suitable for our requirements and within easy reach of the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) and the Multi-Purpose Terminal (MPT), they are also on the abnormal route. The facility has a solid working surface and allows for safe operations in all weather conditions.” Webb said handling facilities of up to 45 tons were on site with access to mobile cranes for any lifts exceeding 45 tons available. In addition the warehouse is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “This means we’re not dependent on a third party’s timing any more and we can now service our market segment efficiently – as has been the demand for some time.” Webb said he believed through the acquisition of the warehouse PLM was complementing its service package while at the same time improving service delivery. INSERT The facility has a solid working surface and allows for safe operations in all weather conditions.’ CAPTION Carl Webb … ‘improving service delivery.’