Transworld Group of Companies (TGC), an international leader in providing total logistics and shipping solutions, announced today (Thursday, January 31, 2008) the inauguration of its AED 45 million state-of-the-art mega logistics centre within the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza). The completion of the facility marks the company’s aggressive strategy to leverage the booming shipping trade market in the region, which has achieved six to seven per cent average annual growth during the past few years. Present at the inauguration of the new facility were Salma Hareb, Chief Executive Officer, Jebel Ali Free Zone and Economic Zones World; S. Ramakrishnan, Chairman, Transworld Group of Companies; and other top-ranking company officials from the Transworld Group.
Fully equipped to accommodate 23,500 pallets, the facility’s expanded warehouse will also boast of a separate temperature-controlled storage centre, which can hold more up to 800 pallets. With an overall cargo capacity of over 1620 teu (40,500 cubic meters) and a 10.8-meter high double deep racking system, the facility also incorporates 22 loading and unloading bays with hydraulic dock levelers and large staging areas for special cargo handling. Transworld’s 16,000-square meter logistics centre is one of the few in the Middle East to have a complete range of top-of-the-line infrastructure such as an additional 2000-square meter covered dutch barn and a 4500-square meter open yard storage.
Commenting on the expansion, S. Ramakrishnan, Chairman, Transworld Group of Companies, said, “The Middle East is in the midst of an exciting global, regional, and local development in terms of transport and logistics due to the phenomenal growth in trade particularly between Europe and Asia, which is being driven by the region’s strategic geographic location. We intend to address the current surge in demand for outsourced logistics in Dubai through the expansion of our logistics centre in Jebel Ali Free Zone, where we are now better equipped to offer complete supply chain and distribution solutions.”
The demand for third party logistics (3PL) is booming in the Middle East, thereby fuelling the number of companies supplying 3PL services in the region. This has created a competitive marketplace where customers can dictate their terms and companies must differentiate themselves from competitors in order to survive. Recognizing the tremendous surge in sea and air freight activities in Dubai, Transworld’s decision to strengthen its Jafza-based operations follows Dubai’s emergence as a major distribution and transshipment hub for India, Middle East, Africa and Europe.
“Third party logistics operators perceive the Middle East to offer more growth potential for logistics and transport than either North or South America. With global 3PLs revealing that their business expansion strategies include development of their Middle East trade routes and infrastructure, we are expecting tremendous growth potential and expansion in the region. With projections on the growth of global outsourced logistics market reaching USD 590 billion by 2010, we are ready to leverage the tremendous opportunities through our newest logistics facility,” added Ramakrishnan.
Employing its ISO 9001:2000 and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) certified practices, a strengthened trailer fleet and an integrated warehouse management system (WMS), Transworld ensures that its client requirements are met professionally and efficiently. Offering faster cargo turnaround and enhanced accuracy in data and inventory management, the new logistics centre will also utilize bar coding and radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies that promote flexible warehousing solutions, people efficiency and cost effectiveness, and reduced handling of cargo.
“The region is witnessing massive government infrastructure investments being committed to ensure that the Middle East will maintain its position as an essential logistics hub in the foreseeable future. As part of our dedication to provide our customers with world class integrated logistics solutions, we are looking at extending the breadth of our expansion to Dubai Logistics City, where we plan to set up another base on a 106,000 square meter area,” concluded Ramakrishnan.
Specializing in the integration of all functions across the supply chain, from sourcing of raw materials and product warehousing to the distribution of finished goods, the company’s movement towards improving its resources has provided the Transworld Group’s worldwide headquarters in Jafza a strong edge over its competitors. Attracting leading international and regional brands such as Panasonic, Sanyo, Mayflex and Bajaj Electricals, the activities of the Transworld Group include ship owning, feeder operations, shipping agencies, supply chain management, ship management, freight forwarding and non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) operations.
