CemAir
Standing out from the cloud Cemair has been placed in a strong position to cement their standing as one of Africa's top aviation leasing specialists Writer Matt Bone Project Manager Stuart Shirra Based in South Africa, CemAir are a specialist aircraft leasing company who operate a large fleet of Beech 1900 airliners 3 Bombardier CRJ's. The company offers the leasing of turboprop and regional jets on flexible short, medium or long-term contracts to a variety of clients including oil and gas companies, humanitarian charities and businesses. The service provided can be tailored to a customer's requirements, which can include a full maintenance team, operational support and pilots. Miles van der Molen, CEO of Cemair, is very pleased with how far the company has come since its inception in 2005 and is keen to highlight the vast experience they have amassed since that time: "we have gained considerable experience in operating and supporting our aircraft in a variety of conditions since we began the company in 2005. we place a strong emphasis on maintaining fi rst world standards in third world environments, striving to achieve high levels of reliability and international operating standards." the company has operating and leasing experience throughout Africa and the Middle East, including Afghanistan, Nigeria, Tunisia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, Ghana, Mozambique and South Africa. The Fleet CemAir grew from a partnership which began in 2002 with the acquisition of a Cessna Grand Caravan. The partnership developed further with the purchase of several piston powered aircrafts and following the procurement…
MSC Logistics
Innovative shipping & logistics After receiving the prestigious Diamond Arrow Award for being the top shipping line in the KwaZulu Natal province in 2011, MSC are in a position of strong growth Writer Emily Jarvis Project manager Nick Norris Mediterranean Shipping Company South Africa /MSC), through its innovative, flexible and unique approach to shipping, has continued to grow during and beyond the fi rst decade of the new democratic South Africa. The company which was founded in 1978 with the introduction of the Europe- South Africa service, has grown to become one of the biggest users of the South African ports. MSC are one of the leading shipping companies in the world. With its large fleet of container vessels, the company has grown rapidly to include other major trade routes linking South Africa directly with Europe, UK, USA, Asia, Middle East, Indian Ocean Islands, Madagascar and Mozambique. The success of the MSC is evident in its phenomenal growth over the past decade that can only be attributed to its Quality Management Systems (QMS), which aim to consistently improve upon service levels within the shipping community and its willingness to initiate change to meet the requirements of clients and principals. In 2011, the MSC Chicago made her much anticipated entrance into Durban. With a length of 336 metres and carry capacity of 9178 teus, it was the biggest container ship to ever call at a South African port. MSC has invested significantly in the acquisition of its own characteristic office buildings which have become landmark buildings in…
ADB Airfield Solutions
Ensuring a smooth flight ADB Airfield Solutions ensure that airports around the world maintain a high standard in both construction and technology products Writer Matt Bone & Emily Jarvis Project manager Nick Norris ADB Airfield Solutions (Pty) Ltd is the South African registered entity of the multinational ADB Airfield Solutions, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The parent company manufactures airfield lighting equipment in Belgium, China, and USA. The South African based part of the company is responsible for projects and sales in sub-Saharan Africa, headquartering in Rivonia, Johannesburg. With a team of 50 direct and contract workers and revenue of R180 million, ADB have been providing vital solutions for airports for over 65 years. Nel Kotze, the Chief Operating Officer for ADB Southern Africa, explains what sets them apart from other airfield construction companies: "ADB serve a niche and specialized market with full turnkey solutions that revolve around all the electrical and electronic aspects for a modern runway. Our strength lies in not only providing high quality equipment but also in offering the full project to the client providing end to end, integrated and sustainable solutions for visual guidance; this includes design and advice, project management, installation, commissioning and maintenance." ADB have formed a strong focus on technology, quality, processes and people, powering a series of innovations ranging from individual light control and monitoring systems to advanced surface movement ground control systems; and from the first LED airfield lights to runway incursion systems. "Every aspect of our business is attuned toward innovation from ideation and execution to…
ADB Airfield Solutions
Ensuring a smooth flight ADB Airfield Solutions ensure that airports around the world maintain a high standard in both construction and technology products Writer Matt Bone & Emily Jarvis Project manager Nick Norris ADB Airfield Solutions (Pty) Ltd is the South African registered entity of the multinational ADB Airfield Solutions, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The parent company manufactures airfield lighting equipment in Belgium, China, and USA. The South African based part of the company is responsible for projects and sales in sub-Saharan Africa, headquartering in Rivonia, Johannesburg. With a team of 50 direct and contract workers and revenue of R180 million, ADB have been providing vital solutions for airports for over 65 years. Nel Kotze, the Chief Operating Officer for ADB Southern Africa, explains what sets them apart from other airfield construction companies: "ADB serve a niche and specialized market with full turnkey solutions that revolve around all the electrical and electronic aspects for a modern runway. Our strength lies in not only providing high quality equipment but also in offering the full project to the client providing end to end, integrated and sustainable solutions for visual guidance; this includes design and advice, project management, installation, commissioning and maintenance." ADB have formed a strong focus on technology, quality, processes and people, powering a series of innovations ranging from individual light control and monitoring systems to advanced surface movement ground control systems; and from the first LED airfield lights to runway incursion systems. "Every aspect of our business is attuned toward innovation from ideation and execution to…
Freightworx
Delivering your tomorrow, today Freightworx have risen from one man with a vision, to a multi-national logistics powerhouse Writer Matt Bone Project manager Stuart Shirra Freightworx was established in 1999 in South Africa, when a demand arose for airfreight cargo to the north of Tanzania. Having serviced the majority of other freight markets as well as numerous mines in the area, the company decided to increase its options and began to incorporate alternative means of transporting freight. Since then Freightworx has grown considerably to a stage where they now employ in excess of 100 people. Throughout the organisation, revenue has grown from US$1million to US$12 million. Freightworx specialises in the field of international freight, project freight and logistics on a global scale. Freightworx offers a door to door service into Africa and 450 cities in 130 countries worldwide. Raj Maharaj, the CEO of Freightworx, has seen his company grow from just one man with a vision, into one of the largest logistics companies in Sub Saharan Africa. "We are a leading logistics company that has set the standard as a supply chain and logistical solutions provider to various industries. From our humble beginnings as a one man operation, I have seen the company evolve into a one stop solution by providing export and import services, air, sea and road freight as well as offering handling, storage and packaging services as well." Global Logistics Global Trade is a complex and challenging business where success depends on specialised knowledge and personal contact. Freightworx have implemented key strategies and…
Imperial Logistics
Imperial Targets African Growth Imperial Logistics has been reinvented and is targeting African growth. Chief Integration Office Cobus Rossouw talks to Ian Armitage Writer Ian Armitage Project manager Stuart Shirra Supply chain and logistics group Imperial Logistics has reinvented itself and, says chief integration officer Cobus Rossouw, is now better able to offer clients "customised solutions that boost their competitiveness". "We decided we wanted to take a step forward and that is by focusing on what we can do for our clients," he explains. "Imperial Logistics offers more than just logistics and our capabilities extend into things procurement and brand activation." Rossouw sees Imperial as a growth enabler. "We are an extension of our own customers' business, building their brands alongside our own business. Our own differentiators lie in a combination of an extensive resource base and world class integrative processes and technology. We apply our supply chain management skills to manage operational processes across end-to-end value chains on behalf of our clients." To make sure it delivers on this promise Imperial has been streamlining and simplifying its business, honing in on its capabilities. One such consolidation merged group companies BROCO and Cargo Africa into Imperial Managed Logistics. "We also created Imperial Retail Logistics, previously known as TFD Network Africa, by incorporating contracts from other Imperial businesses," Rossouw adds. These businesses specialise in enhancing customers' logistics and supply chain network capabilities. "We can take your product from manufacturing to the point of purchase – that is what we can do," says Rossouw. "We are the only…
Paccon Logistics
Proudly South African Paccon Logistics is a multi-disciplinary freight management company operating from Durban in South Africa. Writer Rebecca Wigmore Project manager Stuart Shirra It's an exciting time to work at Paccon Logistics. In 2013 the founding directors of this South African freight company - Andrew Wallace and Steve Gillespie - successfully purchased the minority interest that was formerly held by Paccon Logistics Australia. This means that the company is now, in its founders' own words, "100 percent proudly South African". It is by no means the new kid on the block, however. Paccon Logistics, which prides itself on its local knowledge and on-the-ground experience, was established in the early 2000s and next year will celebrate ten years in business. This near-decade of experience means that Paccon has built a rock-solid reputation, with a noted specialty in heavy industrial and project logistics. To this end, the firm doesn't own its own fleet but instead manage and outsource to much-trusted third party sub contractors from cargo surveyors to abnormal transport operators and border agents. Paccon's core activities centre on heavy industry sectors in South Africa and its neighbouring countries Botswana, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Going it alone It seems appropriate that 2014 will herald a new era of independence for Paccon, as the company was built in the spirit of entrepreneurship and regional know-how. However it wasn't always so easy as Andrew Wallace explains: "After around 20 years of working for corporates I became disenchanted with office politics and decided to open my…
Imperial Logistics
Imperial Targets African Growth Imperial Logistics has been reinvented and is targeting African growth. Chief Integration Office Cobus Rossouw talks to Ian Armitage Writer Ian Armitage Project manager Stuart Shirra Supply chain and logistics group Imperial Logistics has reinvented itself and, says chief integration officer Cobus Rossouw, is now better able to offer clients "customised solutions that boost their competitiveness". "We decided we wanted to take a step forward and that is by focusing on what we can do for our clients," he explains. "Imperial Logistics offers more than just logistics and our capabilities extend into things procurement and brand activation." Rossouw sees Imperial as a growth enabler. "We are an extension of our own customers' business, building their brands alongside our own business. Our own differentiators lie in a combination of an extensive resource base and world class integrative processes and technology. We apply our supply chain management skills to manage operational processes across end-to-end value chains on behalf of our clients." To make sure it delivers on this promise Imperial has been streamlining and simplifying its business, honing in on its capabilities. One such consolidation merged group companies BROCO and Cargo Africa into Imperial Managed Logistics. "We also created Imperial Retail Logistics, previously known as TFD Network Africa, by incorporating contracts from other Imperial businesses," Rossouw adds. These businesses specialise in enhancing customers' logistics and supply chain network capabilities. "We can take your product from manufacturing to the point of purchase – that is what we can do," says Rossouw. "We are the only…
Berry & Donaldson
Half A Century Of Logistics Berry & Donaldson is one of South Africa's largest private forwarding and clearing agents. Writer Chris Farnell Project manager Stuart Shirra This is a year of 50th anniversaries. It's the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who, of the assassination of JFK, the Beatles debut album and, according to the poet Philip Larkin, sex. One of the auspicious 50th anniversaries being celebrated in 2013 is that of global supply chain and logistics company Berry & Donaldson. Berry & Donaldson is one of the largest forwarding and clearing firms in the whole of South Africa and it's not surprising the company is using this as an excuse for both celebration and reflection. "We've had a bit of a media splash," explains Stuart Friedmann, Berry & Donaldson's Managing Director. "We had an internal party and a conference for some of our clients. The industry has changed dramatically over the last 50 years, becoming more technologically integrated. We've acquired a new software system called CargoWise and we have a huge forwarding network we've forged over the last 50 years. Our overseas agents are owner managed, picked for their size and ability to work within their own regions. We have our own fleet of vehicles and air freight warehouses, and with our office in Hong Kong our international presence is opening up." While Friedmann is firmly focused on the future of the company he's also extremely proud of how well established the company is already. "We're a family company that started off as a clearing house and…
Air Uganda
The wings of East Africa Meridiana Africa Airlines Limited, trading as Air Uganda, is a privately owned airline founded in 2007 in Uganda. Writer Hannah Eisman-Reynard Project manager James Mitchell Air Uganda was established in 2007 as a quality regional airline after more than 20 years without a national carrier in Uganda. In the six years since, the airline has grown from serving approximately 80,000 passengers a year to 170,000 passengers per year and runs on the basis of three pillars of high service and operating standards, reliability and punctuality. "How has the past year been for business for Air Uganda?" asks Cornwell Muleya, CEO of Air Uganda. "We have been growing steadily over the past year and have consolidated our routes across East Africa. The Ugandan air transportation market has been growing at approximately 15 percent every year now for six years in a row. Incidentally, we turned six years old today." Air Uganda, otherwise known as "the wings of East Africa", runs a two class product on board: Crane Class, which is its premium products, and an economy class. The airline also runs a frequent flyer programme called the Celestair Club. "We maintain a small, homogenous fleet," continues Mr Muleya. "This allows us to standardise our product on board and minimise operating costs. We were founded in 2007 in response to the need of Uganda to have an airline operating out of Entebbe airport. From here we connect passengers to all major cities in East Africa and in particular to Nairobi, Bujumbura, Mombasa, Juba,…
