Turnkey solution provides full project management

Nucleus Africa Logistics has embarked on an expansion and diversification drive to replicate the success it has achieved in the DRC mining industry in new industries and new markets. The company’s core business has traditionally been in the DRC. “For the past eight to nine years we have developed a broad understanding of the complex regulations involved in importing into the DRC, ensuring that paperwork is customs-compliant and helping our customers to avoid paying penalties,” director Iain Clark told FTW. “Off the back of this business growth, we set up a consolidation warehouse in Johannesburg which acts as the central hub for consolidations and full loads into the DRC and other southern African states by road and air. We now offer a full turnkey solution that includes procurement, warehousing, customs clearance, roadfreight, scheduled airfreight, chartered airfreight and ocean transport, including full project management.” However, in order to maintain supply chain control it’s been necessary for the company to entrench its presence in the key markets in which it operates – and it’s gone on a strategic infrastructure development drive. “In the past we relied on partners and joint ventures, but have taken a decision to develop those into partly or wholly owned subsidiaries which all have some measure of local ownership,” Clark told FTW. Nucleus has invested in companies in Zambia and Mozambique and is currently finalising negotiations in East Africa. “We’re trying to create more of an in-country presence and to replicate what we offer out of South Africa and establish warehousing and consolidation hubs in key regions. The Kitwe operation serves the Zambian Copperbelt and the DRC while its Mozambique office is well placed to service the oil and gas industries in northern Mozambique as well as established mining regions. “We will be creating a similar scenario in East Africa that will serve Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan Uganda and northeastern DRC,” he said. “For Nucleus it’s all about managing the process from start to finish – one point of engagement for our clients,” said Clark. And that’s the value proposition that it has to sell. “We have the experience and expertise to offer a full turnkey solution,” Clark told FTW. Last year saw significant growth for the company in different sectors and different geographical areas. “While we cut out teeth in mining we have grown in the oil and gas sectors, construction projects, remote camp and security, and humanitarian aid in Africa. It’s all part of our diversification which is creating new opportunities and a positive outlook for the year ahead.” INSERT & CAPTION For Nucleus it’s all about managing the process from start to finish — one point of engagement for our clients. – Iain Clark