Turners maps out 2012 expansion plans

Turners Shipping plans to expand its operations into the United Kingdom, Germany and China in the coming year, Group CEO Conrad Cochrane-Murray told FTW. “We have been planning this for some time and the decision was confirmed after the BDP Global Network Forum at the end of last year when we were able to meet with Network partners and affiliates based in these countries,” said Turners As a partner in BDP International, Turners Shipping is able to share resources in strategic areas. “We will be employing key personnel who will be based in the local BDP offices.” The first such appointment has already been made. Sebastian Nagiah, who has logistics experience in the South African industry, is based at Heathrow Airport. “The United Kingdom is one of South Africa’s busiest freight routes and its potential for growth made it the natural choice as the first of the three new offices for the company” said Cochrane- Murray. “Many of our customers do business in the region and this local representation will enable us to offer a more efficient and costeffective service,” he said. By the end of the first quarter the company will be operating on the same basis in Frankfurt where an employee will be based, providing better reach into Europe. Plans are under way to appoint someone in Shanghai to extend its operations in the Far East, a region that represents massive trade potential for the local market, he added. This expansion follows on from the restructuring of Turners Shipping in 2011. This saw Blain Kondiah being appointed as managing director, responsible for the company’s day-to-day operations, and Cochrane-Murray, who previously held that position, taking on the role of CEO, responsible for setting strategic goals, policies and objectives for the company.