PX IS to launch four new divisions next year as part of its restructuring strategy to return the loss-making consignment and container shipment division to the black.
Unions have backed PX's restructuring strategy which should see it breaking even within the next two years.
Last year PX lost R438m and is expected to lose another R295m over the coming financial year.
The recovery strategy is based on plans to increase market share from 18% to 30% by 1998. A special distribution service is to be set up to guarantee express delivery of special consignments. A parcels division, a minicontainer division and an interAfrica export unit are to be set up.
The new divisions will be launched in March next year.
PX's distribution network is to be rationalised and a number of its 95 depots are to be closed, saving up to R33-million a year. Some of these will be converted to agencies.
Union support for this part of the process was crucial as job losses are inevitable. At least 500 workers will be affected by the closure of the depots, but PX plans to offset job losses by opening more agencies.
Large rail based depots like Kaserne would also be scaled down, as most of PX's goods move by road.
