WorldNet’s SA operation poised for growth

AFTER Several years of positive growth, WorldNet Logistics is looking forward to more of the same for the year ahead. “Last year produced particularly good results on the North West Continent/ UK route, with imports dominating, but we have been focusing strongly on the export market with good success,” director business development, Manfred Fromberg, told FTW. “We are aiming for more of a balance in both directions and expect to see substantial growth on the route.” In addition to its German office in Bremen, WorldNet recently acquired an airfreight company operating out of Frankfurt. “We will continue to expand our footprint in Germany,” he said. And while some logistics operators are shifting focus away from the North West Continent to Eastern Europe, WorldNet will ensure a presence in this emerging market while maintaining its traditional focus. “As a member of the worldwide Waco System we have good partners and infrastructure in the entire region so if our clients relocate to Eastern Europe we are in a position to provide the service.” For the moment imports from Germany remain steady – the likes of precision tools, machinery and manufactured goods which, unlike consumer goods, are not produced in the Far East. To cope with the anticipated growth, the South African operation is poised for major expansion this year. “We will shortly move into an additional facility in Longmeadow Business Estate on the East Rand, retaining our current adjacent premises to offer total warehouse capacity of 12 000m2 in Johannesburg.” Plans are in place to relocate to new facilities in Durban with 6000m2 of warehousing and office space Expanded warehouse capacity in Cape Town is also on the cards, with East London next in line.