AVI launches 
specialist logistics...
 company

Drivers Suresh Sukraj and A.P.Govender with one of the 200 vehicles in the fleet. The company claims an industry-first for some of the vehicles which are designed as multi-temperature rolling fridges.

In a R30-million investment, Anglovaal Industries (AVI) has re-launched its distribution business - known as the Customer Division (a division of I&J) - as an entirely separate company within the AVI stable. The new company, Vector Logistics, focuses solely on third party logistic services (3PL) for the food and food-related industries within southern Africa across the retail, wholesale and food service sectors. MD David Hood says the move places the company's distribution business in a prime position to increase its current market performance significantly.

Ready to rock and roll to the tune of 3PL are from left: Shelly Moore, business development manager, David Hood, MD and Keith Sobey, commercial manager

"The launch of Vector represents a strategic decision to ensure the future growth and sustainability of a business that supports over 1 600 employees and a current active customer network of 10 000."

Vector Logistics' claims its distribution network is one of the most extensive and sophisticated in the country, covering over 16 depots. In addition, Vector's 200 strong vehicle fleet includes an industry first in 'multi- temperature' vehicles enabling the company to service business across frozen, chilled and ambient temperature zones on a single delivery.

A key factor influencing the growth and sophistication of 3PL service providers is the preference by customers to use one provider for all their supply-chain needs.

"This trend will significantly impact on Vector's future service scope and potentially double the size of the business," says Hood who adds that the company has already implemented plans to fulfil its vision to provide fully fledged contract distribution within the next three to five years.

"We aim to provide our customers with central distribution centres whereby we will be able to pull all the stock requirements within their food processing disciplines and distribute from one central point in a single delivery. The service will provide a one-stop, everything-you-need 3PL through strategic partnerships," he concludes.