Additional warehousing, cross-dock and fleet maintenance capacity are set to come on stream in Gauteng after SMSA Africa Logistics Group broke ground on a logistics expansion project in Benoni.
The development includes a 10 000 sqm high-rise multi-tenant warehouse, new fleet workshops and an extension to the company's existing cross-dock facility, which is used to consolidate and redistribute cargo through its regional network.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, SMSA project lead Dirk Uys said the development formed part of an 80 000 sqm site in Benoni and would comprise four main elements: a new headquarters building, a third-party logistics warehouse, fleet workshops and an extension to the existing cross-dock operation.
The warehouse will be integrated with the company's warehouse management systems and forms part of its contract logistics and distribution offering. Uys said the cross-dock expansion would bring operations under one roof, improving cargo flow and supporting future automation initiatives.
Designed around cargo and vehicle flow
The facility had been planned around operational efficiency, with receiving and dispatch functions positioned on opposite sides of the warehouse to streamline the movement of goods, said Johann van Heerden, owner and director of Cube Architects. "The receiving and dispatch functions are located on opposite sides of the building and it creates a logical and efficient flow of goods through the facility," he said. "This minimises congestion on the site, reduces handling time, and improves overall operational productivity."
He said the warehouse would incorporate both on-grade loading facilities and dock levellers, allowing it to accommodate different vehicle types and future operational requirements. The workshop has been positioned away from primary office and customer activity areas and designed around a drive-through system intended to improve vehicle flow and servicing efficiency.
The design will reduce unnecessary manoeuvring, improve safety and minimise vehicle servicing turnaround times. Dedicated areas are also planned for activities such as painting, washing, tyre fitment and parts storage.
Generous circulation areas had been incorporated to accommodate modern commercial vehicles, specialised maintenance equipment and future changes in servicing technologies, said Van Heerden.
The project is expected to be completed towards the end of next year.
