Ziegler hints at own Durban warehouse

Logistics major Ziegler South Africa has grown its customer base significantly in the past six months, and Durban branch manager Cindy Luyt is confident of achieving more of the same for the year ahead. The Durban team controls and handles all sea imports nationally – and project work is generating significant growth for the company, said Luyt. One of the projects currently coming to fruition for Durban port involves the import of 7 000 cubic metres of ductile iron pipes for water pipelines in Groblersdal and the Eastern Cape. It’s project work in which Luyt has been involved for the past five years. “The challenge is all the more satisfying because it will be benefiting previously disadvantaged communities who will soon have access to fresh running water, ” said Luyt. And while industry in general has seen a slowdown in dayto- day shipments, Ziegler has bucked this trend, recording business growth on the back of an aggressive drive to grow its client base. “We’re not only handling large-volume contracts but have seen an increase in business across the board,” said Luyt. And this growth has translated into expansion on a national basis. “Our Cape Town office is due to open shortly, and we’re looking at expanding facilities to support overborder growth.” This could see own offices being established where the company currently works with partner agents. Ziegler’s Beitbridge office has paid handsome dividends in terms of speedy turnaround and the company is considering replicating this model at other border posts in the future. In Durban, there’s been significant growth in unpacks for the overborder market. “At this stage we’re working very well with partner agents, but the opening of our own warehouse is a long-term objective,” said Luyt. INSERT ‘Significant growth in unpacks for the overborder market.’ CAPTION Cindy Luyt ... 'An increase in business across the board.