Issue 24
Zambezi River : Harnessing Power
The Zambezi River Authority is planning for a series of significant projects as it continues to lay the foundations for both Zimbabwe and Zambia’s futures.
MA Automotive
Stelly Determination To Grow Internationally With the desire to be recognised as an excellent international provider of products, processes and services relating to sheet metal working for the automotive industry, when it comes to steel, MA Automotive is a reputable name you can trust Project Manager: James Smith MA Automotive is a subsidiary of the CLN Group that specialises in producing and assembling steel automotive structural parts, components, subassemblies and modules. With an international presence in Africa, Asia, Italy, Europe and South America, the company now manages 26 production plants and three R&D centres across these locations. CLN Group has a presence in the processing and marketing of flat laminated steel for various user sectors including the motor industry; from the stamping and assembly of structural parts and vehicle components to steel wheels for all vehicle types and from the world of domestic electrical appliances to earth moving machinery and, to all fields using steel in a more general capacity.Made up of four main divisions, CLN Steel Service Centre (SSC), MW, MFB and MA, the Group aims to be a leader in the development and assembly of high technological content industrial steel products, offering dedicated solutions and services while striving to become a name synonymous with trust and excellence in the steel industry. “Our guiding principles at the base of all our activities generate value for our customers, suppliers and personnel,” says the company.Backed by CLN’s extensive experience, and knowledge of raw materials and semi-finished products combined with the tendency to push experimentation to the limit, MA Automotive is…
Spectrum Utility Management
Locally Developed Products for Truly Smart African Cities By optimising energy, water and even broadband efficiencies, SUM strives to define the future of smart cities in Africa Writer: Emily JarvisProject Manager: Tom Cullum South Africa is a country where rapid urbanisation and the merging of first and third world lifestyles meet, which places significant pressure on the supply of utilities such as power, water and other growing infrastructural needs such as broadband, which are increasingly important components in everyday life. Subsequently, this places emphasis on finding the most intelligent ways to manage and distribute these utilities to the public and private sectors.This is where the concept of smart cities comes in.Companies such as DMB Holdings’ subsidiary SUM (Spectrum Utility Management) seek to create an economically viable and sustainable environment in not just South Africa, but with the eventual plan of aiding the entire continent in smart city solutions that will reduce energy and water wastage.Today, SUM adds a string to DMB Holdings’ bow as it manufactures devices that make infrastructure behave in a smarter way. With roots back to 1989, DMB Holdings has progressed from a software development house with an extensive background in ICT infrastructure, expanding into consulting and then into a fully fledged utility management via its subsidiary SUM, which was created in 2010.“The provision of technology has evolved so much since the 1980s and the SUM business reflects this change via the creation of dynamic smart cities, which bring together all the technological societal changes from the past three and a half decades; we created the company…
Ceramic Industries
South Africa’s Innovators in Ceramics Sub-Saharan Africa continues to provide growth potential for Ceramic Industries, with a continued strong demand for tiling, sanitaryware and other bathroom itemsWriter: Emily JarvisProject Manager: James Mitchell In 2012, Ceramic Industries proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary since listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, benefiting from raising capital and increased awareness of the company and its reputation. By trading publically, the Group was able to attract a selection of potential companies when in its early stages. Two decades on and with a strong presence in the market, Ceramic Industries drew interest from Italtile Limited, who has now acquired a strategic stake in the company, along with its probable delisting. This has allowed Ceramic Industries to focus on its long term vision to serve the customer as one of the leading low-cost manufacturers and suppliers of ceramic tiles and sanitaryware in South Africa.“I am confident that the business will retain the best of its characteristics and benefit from the revised structure,” said Giovanni Ravazzotti, Non-Executive Chairman of Ceramic Industries in a company statement.SA’s manufacturing trendsSouth Africa’s manufacturing sector was the third largest contributor to the nation’s economy in 2013, accounting for 15.2 percent of the GDP. The industry has a diversified offering and has shown its resilience and potential to compete in the global economy. Ceramic Industries plays a key role in this, as the company prides itself on being an internationally competitive manufacturer of ceramics that ensures customer expectations are exceeded in all facets including quality, timely delivery and friendly staff.“The trading environment has…
Metorex : Base Metal Mining at its Best
The growth strategy of Metorex is being realised through the construction and development of the Kinsenda Project and the future development of the Musonoi and Lubembe deposits in the DRC.
G Shankerdas & Sons
Third Generation Success Promotes Future Sustainability The Sierra Leonean family-run business is expanding and improving despite the ongoing power challenges in the country Writer: Matthew StaffProject Manager: James Smith G Shankerdas & Sons (S.L.) Ltd has grown and expanded within the manufacturing sector in Sierra Leone since the early 1900s, but the entrepreneurial family business is still looking to diversify and improve 76 years on.Developing and organically growing since 1939, the company began as a small trading company before transforming gradually, through acquisition and market migration, into a manufacturing organisation comprising numerous divisions.Kishore is the current Shankerdas family member holding the Managing Director (MD) position, inheriting a role that had been held by his father previously and his grandfather initially.With the executive board still comprising just him, his father, his mother and his own wife and children, Kishore is proud of how big the G Shankerdas & Sons (S.L.) Ltd business has become and is excited for the opportunities that still lie ahead.“I joined the business in 1976 when I left college, when the business had about 20 members of staff. Today, we have more than a thousand,” he says. “Initially, we were filling wine in glass bottles and selling them, before we moved into plastics.“Today, we have an alcohol division and our own distillery, as well as a plastic factory which manufactures plastic bags, agricultural bags and household items like buckets, basins and hangers.”The company also comprises a filling unit where it fills its own plastic bottles of mineral water to compliment its soft drink brands, and it even…
Khoemacau Copper Mining
Botswana’s Hills of the People Johannes Tsimako, Regional Manager of Khoemacau Copper Mining (Pty) Ltd is confident that the company’s work in Botswana will enhance infrastructures in the northwest of the country Writer: Emily JarvisProject Manager: Arron Rampling Khoemacau Copper Mining (Pty) Ltd (Khoemacau) has successfully completed 70,000 metres of infill drilling at its northeast Fold and Zone 5 early in 2014. Drilling continued at Zone 5 for the remainder of the year. Khoemacau then completed a feasibility study in July and subsequently applied for a mining licence in September 2014. With the hope to receive its mining licence any day now, the company is excited to begin the construction phase of its ventures in Botswana. Known for its conducive work environment and huge deposits of copper along the Kalahari Copperbelt, Botswana is the highest-ranked jurisdiction on the African continent when it comes to mining and exploration projects. Ranking 17th in a global survey in 2014, the country was commended for its attitude to work, reasonable approvals process and firm grasp of regulations.Johannes Tsimako, Regional Manager of Khoemacau believes Botswana operates a pro-mining culture that recognises the infrastructural benefits that the industry can bring to the country’s economy. “There aren’t a lot of mines in the northwest region of Botswana, which makes Khoemacau a crucial component in the development of the region. The benefits to the local communities stretch from power and communications infrastructure to skills development. This is part of our parent company’s philosophy,” he says. Cupric Canyon subsidiaryPreviously known as Hana Ghanzi Copper Pty Ltd, Khoemacau is a subsidiary…
Good Time Steel
Spreading the Good Times Across Sub-Saharan Africa The construction material manufacturing specialist looks set to maintain its steely grip on the sector across the region as it looks to Botswana, Namibia and Angola for future international growth Writer: Matthew StaffProject Manager: James Smith Good Time Steel has progressed quickly and effectively over the past decade to become a regional construction company of note, and is now pressing forward to form the same reputable presence across the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa.Established in 2005, as a private company with an initial investment of US$700,000, the business commenced production of just a small portion of its current range in 2008, and comprised just 65 people in its workforce at the time.A decade on, and the Zambian market specialist now consists of around 500 employees, carrying out a range of processes to produce deformed bars, round bars, angle irons, square and round tubes, galvanised iron pipes, IPE channels, and now corrugated roofing sheets as well.The capacity has inevitably increased alongside this continuous improvement over the years to now achieve 160 tonnes of production a day; allowing not only for a greater influence on the Zambian market, but to also enable the company to bridge out further internationally.Deputy General Manager, Durban Kambaki explains: “Initially, in 2008, our markets were only in Zambia and Zimbabwe, but by 2010 and going into 2011, we started exporting to the Great Lakes region; so into Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).“Over the past five years, we have also gone on to cover Malawi and South…
Atlas Copco Zambia
Efficient Solutions in a Challenging Market Atlas Copco has differentiated itself in a saturated market in Zambia through its ability to maintain an entrepreneurial flair and establishing efficient solutions amid sector slowdowns Writer: Matthew StaffProject Manager: Eddie Clinton Atlas Copco is an internationally-renowned industrial and mining equipment producer, but is staying true to its Group ethos of acting in a locally sustainable and responsible manner.Having been active in Zambia for more than 60 years, offering its vast range of drilling consumables, mining & rock excavation equipment, compressors and related after market support & services to an array of long-standing customers, the company’s influence in the country is a deep-rooted one.However, with economic, industry and regional challenges always a consideration, the need to remain entrepreneurial and quick to react is as pivotal as ever, as Atlas Copco Zambia’s Regional General Manager (GM), Daniel Banister explains: “Back in 2014 we had to address our internal inefficiencies to adapt to the current levels of business in the region.“There was a significant drop over the past two years in Zambia in regards to customers purchasing equipment, but a strong focus on the aftermarket services side. We therefore looked at our organisation and how it needed to adapt to fit this level of business.”By the end of 2014, Banister and his team had achieved this diversification, and the same flexible emphasis is now being placed on further business progression in 2015.“There are similar challenges in 2015 to those we saw last year, but we are continuing to strive to be a more efficient organisation…
SJM Flex
Growing its Presence on the World Stage SJM Flex supply flexible couplings to the automotive industry across 32 destinations around the world and is a well respected name in the industryknown for its high productivity levels Writer: Emily JarvisProject Manager: James Smith With facilities in South Africa, Asia, North and South America, SJM Flex combines cutting edge technology competency with a comprehensive manufacturing experience.Headquartered in Korea, the company is one of only two remaining flexible couplings manufacturers in Africa. Consequently, SJM Flex’s Africa operations have seen significant expansion in recent years with the aim to achieve 26 percent growth this year and to launch four new products by the fourth quarter of 2015.Deon Joubert, Managing Director of SJM Flex South Africa says that although the company is internationally known, the various country branches look to South Africa for the most efficient ways of developing the business. “Our overseas branches like the way we do things in South Africa; the team is more like a family here, with a high work ethic and pleasant working environment.“Some of our managers were flown out to China to provide support to our operations there with great results. They really look up to South Africa’s operations when it comes to manufacturing capabilities and efficiencies,” he adds.Established in 1975, SJM Flex Malaysia has been providing tier one suppliers with flexible exhaust couplings for forty years, building longstanding relationships with key industry players along the way. Tier one companies are direct suppliers to OEMs, making the company a vital contributor in the automotive industry with…
Atlas Copco Eastern Africa
Global Resourses Brought Closer to Local CustomersAtlas Copco’s global influence has been complemented successfully by a strong local emphasis that incorporates activities in all 14 East African nations Writer: Matthew StaffProject Manager: Arron Rampling Atlas Copco’s influence in Africa’s mining and construction industry is deeply rooted across all four corners of the continent, and none more so than in the eastern region as it continues to adapt, innovate and expand its offering to 14 countries.Having opened its doors to the region in 1936 in Kenya, the subsidiary of the internationally renowned Atlas Copco Group has built a strong presence through its ability to diversify its products and services in line with different market and national requirements, to ensure that it remains as relevant and customer-focussed as possible.The company’s longevity is now a major differentiator and selling point in garnering new business streams and attracting the best skills in the sector as it now looks to the next stage of its ongoing development and a concerted focus on optimising areas of human resources.“We don’t have big problems retaining people, because of our age and our reputation as being part of the Atlas Copco Group,” says Country Manager, Lina Jorheden. “We may not be able to pay the highest salaries but we thrive in areas of safety and stability, while providing the opportunity for people to grow within the company thanks to the training and investment into people that we provide.” International company, acting locallyThis ongoing dedication to internal sustainability and personnel development is replicated across its 14 countries of operation…
Holtan EA
Quality Construction for a Developing Infrastructure Boasting two decades of experience and a longstanding reputation among key East African clients, Holtan E.A. Limited persists with its commitment to build world class structures Writer: Emily JarvisProject Manager: James Smith From a small business with one just carpenter to a fully fledged high profile construction company in Tanzania with a turnover of 20 million, Holtan E.A has built its reputation from the ground up. Boasting two decades of experience and a longstanding reputation among key East African clients, the company persists in its commitment to build world class structures. “The majority of our projects are negotiated with skilled architects before the construction phase, which ensures that a client is satisfied before a project commences,” states Robert Scheltens, Managing Director of Holtan E.A. Limited since beginning its journey to success in 1996. Holtan’s exclusive list of clientele includes the likes of embassies, banks and insurance companies, law firms, hotels and private housing. Taking a project from concept to completion, the company work on professional contracts for corporate entities. “As a developing country, Tanzania is a great place for our business to grow. We strive to be the best in Tanzania, it is about quality and not quantity,” says Scheltens.Moreover, the company owns the largest woodwork facility in Tanzania which Scheltens says is a significant advantage: “No one else in the country has the large scale capacity that we have. Having control over the quality of woodwork that goes into our builds is a huge benefit; clients can trust in our craftsmanship from…
Eaton Towers
Towering Above the Competition Eaton Towers is a leading, independent, telecom tower company in Africa with one of the most diversified geographical tower portfolios in AfricaWriter: Emily JarvisProject Manager: Ben Weaver African telecoms infrastructure firm, Eaton Towers is continuing to expand its mobile operations and is one of a number of specialist players to launch services in Africa in recent years. Since 2010 the company has gone from strength to strength, signing tower management contracts with the likes of Airtel, Vodafone, Telkom, MTN and Orange to name a few. When we last spoke to Eaton Towers, they had plans to build 250 transmitter towers in 2013, increasing their African portfolio by a sixth. They put this growth down to the rapid increase in users of the internet.“The internet boom is one of the key drivers - more people are getting online as smartphone prices fall and telecom operators improve their networks. Mobile operators are building new base stations for two reasons; one is obviously coverage, and there is still some coverage expansion going on, but increasingly it is for adding capacity to the networks,” said Alan Harper, Eaton Towers’ Co-founder and CEO.Founded in 2008 by Sanjiv Ahuja (ex CEO Orange), Alan Harper (ex Vodafone UK MD) and Terry Rhodes (ex Celtel co-founder), Eaton Towers acquires, builds and manages shared telecom infrastructure, leasing it to mobile operators. The company is focussed exclusively on Africa with thousands of towers in seven countries.In November 2014, Mr Ahuja stepped down as Chairman and was succeeded by Jimmy Eisenstein, the Co-Founder of American…
Murray & Dickson Construction : ‘Khula Nathi’
The new motto of Murray & Dickson Construction, ‘Grow with Us’, is garnering fresh impetus into an already successful expansion drive which has incorporated not only improvements to its offering, but a larger, more skilled workforce.
Eltek
Saving Energy on a Broadening Scale Eltek has branched out even further in 2014 as it leverages key business partnerships and widening regional knowledge to unveil its hybrid solutions in new markets Writer: Matthew StaffProject Manager: Donovan Smith Eltek’s influence across Africa has grown significantly over the past 12 months as it continues to introduce its high efficiency and hybrid telecom solution products to a wider continental audience.At the beginning of 2014 the company had set its sights on taking its hybrid systems, especially, into a wider array of mainstream markets, and the results over the subsequent 12 months have certainly supported the company’s EMEA Vice President, Bob Hurley’s prediction that they would become common place for mobile operators in the sector.“The biggest opportunity we saw this time last year was for hybrid solutions for mobile network operators,” he says. “The telecom and mobile network operators were looking to reduce diesel consumption, and so as a part of that, we have been very successful in introducing our hybrid solution and selling that product further into Africa.“As a result, we have won a lot of large projects in Africa supplying either our hybrid or CDC (charge/discharge) solutions.” This notable increase in the uptake of high efficiency products has been epitomised by two such modules which are identical other than their rating efficiencies.Hurley continues: “We sell two modules which are identical in size and fitting, but they differ in the efficiencies they provide. In 2013, there was an 80-20 percent ratio of sales in favour of the standard module, and that…
Unilever Food Solutions : Catering for Changing Tastes
Backed by a team of dedicated staff, Unilever Food Solutions aim to deliver high quality products and service excellence to remain a market leader in the food industry.
The Copy Cat Ltd
The Most Connected IT Experts in East and Central AfricaThe Copy Cat has been an instrumental part of the African IT sector over the last 30 years thanks to its fully qualified staff upholding the company reputation and through its delivery of a functional and quality productWriter: Emily JarvisProject Manager: Nick Norris In narrowing its focus to cater specifically for IT system integration, The Copy Cat Limited has been able to gain a competitive advantage in East Africa’s tech industry. Through partnerships with the likes of Oracle, Cisco, HP, IBM, Hitachi and Symantec, the company has become known as one of the leading information technology system integration companies in East and Central Africa.Celebrating its 30th year of incorporation this year, The Copy Cat has been an instrumental part of the IT sector thanks to its exemplary skill set, client focus and determination in delivering a functional and quality product to the customer. A particularly proud moment for the company was attaining an ISO 9001:2008 certification in 2014, owing to the successful adherence to quality management systems.The Copy Cat has had a presence in the region since 1985, when the initial focus of the business was to sell office equipment. The company quickly branched out and increased its offering into further IT and office automation services, expanding across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Burundi, and now enjoys an annual group turnover of more than US$100 million and has more than 700 employees regionally. Gaining a competitive edgeCustomers recognise The Copy Cat as a reputable name in the IT sector, however…
Coast Millers
Bigger Leads to Better Following Tanzanian Expansion One year on and with a vast increase in capacity in place, Coast Millers has turned its attentions towards adding value to its products Writer: Matthew StaffProject Manager: Callum Philp Coast Millers enjoyed one of its most proactive years to date in 2014 as it laid the groundwork for a more prosperous future. Now, in 2015, the company is already reaping the rewards of its efforts.Increasing capacity was the main aim one year ago, enhancing not only storage space from 12,000 to 28,000 metric tonnes, but also its milling capabilities from 160 metric tonnes a day, to almost 300 metric tonnes.“The increase in capacity and investments were made as a result of our success in increasing turnover, and wanting to build this extra capacity to meet current demands and to further enhance future sales,” recalls the company’s Director and General Manager, Rahul Aggarwal.The investments not only made Coast Millers’ operations bigger, but also better, through an aligning upgrade of all machinery and technologies; playing a pivotal role in the company’s strategic expansion plan as it moves into 2015. Increased distributionWith the internal infrastructure now in place, the platform is there for Coast Millers to provide more of its wheat flour based products than ever before, so to compliment that, the company has invested much of its efforts in recent months into expanding its distribution channels.Previously operating across isolated, more urbanised areas of Tanzania, the business has now branched out to more ruralised and peripheral areas of the country.“With the increased capacity we have…
Vodafone Ghana
Ghana undergoes a Vodafone Transformation Vodafone Ghana has only been operational for six years but is already making an impact as it continues to innovate, expand and advance the telecoms industry within the countryWriter: Matthew StaffProject Manager: Donovan Smith Vodafone is replicating its globally-renowned, industry leading telecommunication services in Ghana as it looks to capitalise on a nationwide market ready to embrace the latest technological advancements.After acquiring a 70 percent stake six years ago in Ghana Telecom, the previous fixed and mobile incumbent in the country, Vodafone Ghana put into motion a long term strategy to revolutionise the infrastructure of both telecom facets; a development plan which is now seeing the fruits of the company’s hard work and investments.“Since the acquisition, Vodafone Ghana has invested around $1 billion in improving the infrastructure in the country,” says the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Haris Broumidis. “This takes our total investments up to $1.9 billion, including the $900 million acquisition price of Ghana Telecom.”Back in 2008, at the time of Vodafone Ghana’s inception, there were only 400 sites across the country, a figure which needed dramatically increasing if the business was to implement its acclaimed array of network services.Six years on and that increase has culminated in more than 2,000 sites being developed – and counting – signifying the success of a transformation period which has already dramatically improved the levels of coverage and quality within the country. Four pillars of expansionThe target of Vodafone Ghana’s investments have not just been on mobile adoption, but also on more traditional fixed networks,…
Uchumi Supermarkets
Uchumi: Your Home of Value Kenya’s oldest supermarket chain celebrates almost four decades in East Africa Writer: Emily JarvisProject Manager: Callum Philp With a total of 37 branches spread across the East African region, Uchumi Supermarkets bring close to 40 years of experience to the retail sector in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Proud of the company’s commitment to excellence and value, CEO Jonathon Ciano says that through the company’s strong branding and qualified staff complement, Uchumi provide the best customer service in the business: “Uchumi is a treasure hunt for its consumers and we take pride in keeping the in-store experience fresh and unique. Originality is our middle-name - we take creativity and innovation to another level.“For example, our stores are designed to be modular so that we can quickly adapt to industry trends in terms of products and how to best stack them on the shelves. These are just a few of the ways Uchumi stands out from the crowd.”Established in December 1975, Uchumi Supermarkets Limited has witnessed substantial growth over the years, recording 4,500 employees in 2014. Furthermore, Uchumi is the only supermarket that is listed on the three East African stock exchanges’ Nairobi, Uganda and Tanzania, which means that all operations reach a reputable industry standard. Revenue has steadily grown to reach highs of KSh 17 billion in the financial year-end July 2014.In the past 12 months, the East African retail giant has witnessed exceptional growth and has widened its business scope by opening nine additional branches across the three countries of operation as a result.Testament…
Hillcrest Private & Gateway Private Hospital
A Gateway to Enhanced Healthcare Ross Healthcare has added Gateway Private Hospital to its existing Hillcrest Private Hospital facility to provide much needed surgical support to the KwaZulu-Natal region Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Eddie Clinton The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) region of South Africa has been graced by the comforting presence of Hillcrest Private Hospital for nearly four years and is now being complimented by the first tailored, purpose-built surgical hospital in the area; Gateway Private Hospital.The two healthcare facilities are now working in tandem to produce a turnkey offering for patients within the region, improving not only the scope and capacity emanating from the parent Ross Healthcare Group, but also the quality and standards of healthcare being offered across both.As a division of J.T. Ross, Ross Healthcare specialises in facilitating the development and management of private healthcare facilities, leveraging the history and reputation of the wider organisation to incorporate its own business philosophies.This was first brought to the fore in 2011 through the inception of Hillcrest Private Hospital, overcoming skills shortages to establish a core medical facility within the area for as many as 200 patients at a time. Priding itself on the speed of admission as well as the management and investments being made to the hospital, the Group has now replicated the initial successes of Hillcrest to unveil Gateway Private Hospital; a facility which is sure to adhere to Ross Healthcare’s ethos of quality workmanship, integrity and reliability. Gateway Private HospitalHousing 160 beds and consisting of two ICU units, six state-of-the-art operating theatres and a cardiac catheterization lab, Gateway…
Edendale Hospital : Celebrating 60 Years in Healthcare
Edendale Hospital has made a name for itself as a regionally significant hospital by treating some of the country’s most serious diseases.
DCG (DSM Corridor Group)
Committed to Efficiency in Cargo Handling As a favourable name in Tanzania known for reliability and quality, DCG has extensive experience to streamline the movement of bulk and break-bulk cargo with efficiency in mind Writer: Emily JarvisProject Manager: Tom Cullum In 2004, DCG (DSM Corridor Group) discharged its first vessel from the port of Dar es Salaam, a port known as the most economical corridor for Zambia, Northern Malawi and DRC. More than ten years later the company stands strong, continuing its journey as an unrivalled cargo handler; specialising in non-liquid dry bulk goods including the handling of fertiliser, cereals, bulk sulphur, sugar, coal, clinker and various mined minerals.After a decade of building the capital needed, DCG has invested in its own new port handling equipment supplied by Verstegen Grabs, bulk terminals, clearing department and warehousing. “Our view was that Africa had enough second hand equipment and as a result, we wanted to stand out from any competition by offering the highest quality tech with zero downtime,” says Erik Kok, CEO of DCG.Backed by this belief, DCG introduced Tanzania to the use of small skid steers to significantly minimise trimming and therefore reduce the discharge time. “More than anything, we wanted reliability for efficient vessel discharges – this is the core of our existence,” highlights the CEO. Typically, cargo holds can be as large as a football field, and removing the last 1,000 metric tonne proved time consuming prior to the introduction of the skid steers, taking up to two days of extra time to remove that last cargo.…
WP Transport
Freight Transporting on the Double WP Transport has almost doubled in size as a consequence of the recent acquisition by Imperial Logistics, putting it in a prime position for further regional expansion Writer: Matthew StaffProject Manager: Tom Cullum Despite already being a reputable, well-established and successful market player since the turn of the century, WP Transport is enjoying an even more exciting transition stage at present as it expands both its internal infrastructure and its footprint across Sub-Saharan Africa.The Namibian freight transporting company has grown exponentially over the past 14 years from a small fleet of just 10 trucks in 2000, to its current state which comprises a fleet of more than 100. This is a figure that has doubled as recently as September 2014, however, thanks to an acquisition which promises to take WP Transport to the next frontier of success in the region.“In 2006, Imperial Logistics’ Africa division acquired 60 percent of the business and the company grew steadily up to last year when the Group also acquired the remaining 40 percent,” explains the company’s Managing Director, Markus van der Merwe, who also joined WP Transport in September last year.“As it stands now, WP Transport is wholly owned by Imperial Logistics’ Africa division, but while our operations have remained a continuation of what we were achieving prior to last year, a significant change has come about in that we have acquired 50 more trucks from a sister company under the Imperial Logistics brand, doubling our fleet size as a consequence.”This has laid the groundwork for extensive growth within…
Ethiopian Airlines
Rapid Expansion of Africa’s Largest Airline With further fleet and network expansion plans in 2015, Ethiopian Airlines has been able to jet ahead of the competition Writer: Emily JarvisProject Manager: Tom Cullum Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) has already become the largest airline in Africa based on fleet size and could overtake South African Airlines (SAA) this year as the largest in terms of passengers carried. With plans to further expand both its fleet and network, the flag carrier hopes to widen the gap between itself and the other leading African carriers.Fuelled by 15 percent year on year growth, in 2014 Ethiopian carried six million passengers and is one of only four airlines in Africa with more than five million annual passengers, and one of only four airline groups with a fleet of more than 50 aircraft.Having doubled in size since the beginning of the decade, Ethiopian has aggressive plans to tap the booming Asia-Africa market moving forward, with plans to launch services to Tokyo in April this year, which will become its 11th destination in Asia. The carrier will also add its second US destination in June as a service to Los Angeles is launched.Booming Asia-Africa marketCEO Tewolde Gebremariam told CAPA TV in November 2014 that the airline believes most of its future growth opportunities are in Asia, Africa and Latin America. He pointed out that while “Europe is a strong market for us”, most of the growth over the past decade has been to Asia and China is now Ethiopian’s single largest market.Ethiopian currently serves Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai,…