Aramex, the global logistics and transportation solutions provider, announced today a joint venture agreement with the Zubair Corporation (Z-Corp), a prominent regional business conglomerate headquartered in Oman. The new venture will offer businesses in Oman integrated services such as warehousing and distribution, sea, air and ground transportation, freight forwarding and customs brokerage.
Consequently, the Zubair Corporation will outsource significant warehousing and logistics portfolio needs to Aramex. The new company will cater to a wide range of industries, including telecommunications, FMCG, military, retail and IT. As part of the agreement, Aramex and Z-Corp announced plans to build a state-of-the-art logistics centre in Oman, with the first phase scheduled for completion in early 2011.
The new facility situated in the Nasseem Gardens area of Barka is strategically located, connecting important ports and regional logistic hubs. The total land that will host the companies’ combined logistics infrastructure spans an area of nearly 160,000 square metres. As part of both companies’ commitments to sustainability, the new centre will be a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building.
“Our global experience as a third-party logistics provider (3PL) allows us to provide integrated services that can be scaled and customized to fulfil Z-Corp’s demanding needs” said Fadi Ghandour, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Aramex. “This agreement with the Zubair Corporation marks an important step towards expanding the range and depth of our services in Oman while expanding our supply-chain solutions network across the MENA.”
Ghandour continued: “We were both determined that our new logistics facilities in Oman be environmentally sustainable, in line with the commitments we made to our communities and the environment.” “As one of the leading diversified business groups in Oman, the Zubair Corporation has complex and demanding logistics and supply chain requirements” said Rashad bin Mohammed Al Zubair -Vice Chairman of The Zubair Corporation. “It was vital for us to partner with a flexible and adaptable service provider with a global foot print capable of delivering customized supply chain solutions yet compliant with best practices. We have found a partner in Aramex.”
The joint venture synergizes Aramex’s global experience and infrastructure with Z-Corp’s strategic business assets in Oman. The move is part of Aramex’s strategy of partnering with prominent local companies, such as Zubair, to jointly expand its supply-chain solutions network across the GCC. It is also a reflection of Muscat’s growing prominence as a regional logistics and supply chain hub.
