A major new 3PL (Third Part Logistics) deal to handle ghee exports to India has boosted GAC Sri Lanka’s expanding logistics operation. Adopting the best practices of GAC’s US$40 million state-of-the-art flagship distribution center in Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, GAC Sri Lanka hopes to consolidate its position in the regional market with this deal, which was recently signed in Colombo.
Under a newly-signed contract with Bhasker Global Pvt. Ltd., GAC will handle the warehouse management of approximately 2,500 metric tonnes of ghee (clarified butter) exports to India, from its 60,000 square ft warehouse in Galle Free Trade Zone in the south of the country.
Indian-based Bhasker Global produces ‘Vanaspathy Ghee’ for the massive Indian market. Before securing the 3PL deal GAC Sri Lanka proved its worth by handling the freight forwarding of Bhaskar Global’s 150-200 container movements of Vanaspathy Ghee to Navashiva and depots at Nagpur, Pitampur, Ahmedabad and Jaipur in northern India.
Preethilal Fernando, GAC Sri Lanka’s CEO, says GAC provides Bhasker Global with a ‘total solution’, as the entire operation – from the import of raw materials, through warehouse management, container stuffing operation, transportation, export documentation and freight forwarding - is entrusted to GAC. And at the receiving end, GAC India delivers the containers to the consignee.
“Of course, our proven track record in efficiently handling Sri Lanka’s largest FMG (Fast Moving Goods) warehouse and distribution operation – Unilever Sri Lanka – also played an important part,” adds Preethilal.
An additional 128 dedicated staff have been appointed to handle the Bhaskar Global operation. New methods have been introduced by GAC Sri Lanka to improve productivity, which currently handles approximately 200 MT and 11-12 containers of export cargo per day.
