GMA Logistics by TNT Multimedia Limited

GMA LOGISTICS

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dream IT’S A LOGISTICAL

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GMA Logistics focus supply chain

South Africa Magazine profiles KZN-based end-to-end logistics provider GMA Logistics (Pty) Ltd.

By Ian Armitage

inding the perfect logistics provider is not an easy task. There are many out there. But they aren’t all right for you. And if you choose the wrong one it could wreak havoc on your supply chains, customer service levels and reputation. “At GMA Logistics we’ll tailor-make and integrate global solutions that are powerful and reliable, with leading-edge freight and forwarding expertise across South Africa and around the world,” explains Eugene Arcache, the firm’s managing director. GMA Logistics is a leading provider of shipping, freight forwarding, customs clearing, warehousing, transport and distribution services, with full service centres in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town. It has a global network of agents, partners and associations, and is a name you can trust. “Our directors have more than 100 years of collective experience,” Arcache says, adding, “The key to our success is management’s ability to provide hands-on solutions with quick responses to facilitate speedy freight movement. Our aim is to meet global demands with customer focus, operational excellence and through strong leadership.” The original company was formed in 1951. Mr Arcache’s late father founded it, a man he describes as “a shipping man through and through”. That business was known as GM Arcache Shipping (Pty) Ltd, and it was the freight logistics division that was sold to GMA Logistics (Pty) Ltd on March 1, 2008. “The company was started in 1951 by my late father when he was 41 years of age,” says Mr Arcache, taking up the story. “It started from zero and my father built

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GMA Logistics FOCUS supply chain

the company through dedication and hard work. He had a passion for the business and today it is one of South Africa’s leading freight logistics businesses with a fine reputation for its service levels.” The company has gone through various phases of development, and today operates out of its wholly owned properties and other facilities. “I joined the business virtually out of school at the age of 26 and was made Managing Director. I have been here ever since,” Arcache continues. “It was in 2008 that we brought on a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) partner, Imbewu Capital Partners, selling them a 25.1 percent stake in the new company. The balance of the shares being held by GM Arcache Shipping (Pty) Ltd and management. “We’re very much committed to black empowerment. We are currently a level four compliant company in terms of South African Government legalisation, and we are a value added supplier.” GMA Logistics has many strengths. “Our biggest asset is the tremendous depth of expertise that we have, which is a commodity that is fast evaporating due to the skills shortage in South Africa,” Arcache says. “We have got staff that have been here over 30 years and are regarded as part of the family culture that exists. We’re professional and maintain very high standards in all sectors of our business. We are also very progressive and continue to invest heavily in all areas of our operations, thus ensuring 4

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JVC Freight Carriers Established in 1992, J.V.C Freight are precursors in transportation brokerage, having solid credentials and a dedicated employee compliment that have taken pride in providing quality service standards and from humble beginnings, the enterprise started with a miniscule client base, and has since recorded substantial growth. Primarily, the company’s successes are due to providing every transport need within one organisation in an ever increasing and demanding market. With a growing list of associations and a formidable client base, including GMA Logistics, J.V.C. Freight is a truly a unique company at the forefront of the industry; and one that is evolutionary and its development, thinking and foresight.

Domestic and international transport by road and rail

Your logistics needs managed from A-Z Tel: +27 31 335 6160 Fax: +27 31 337 8527 E-mail: jvc@ispace.co.za Web: www.jvcfreight.co.za

KSN Logistics CC

South Coast Transport 路路路路

General Transport Contractors, Local & Long Distance Hauliers Warehouse & Containerisation Facilities Member of Harbour Carriers Association Member of Durban Chamber of Commerce

Laurel Logistics are proud to be associated with GMA Logistics and wish them every success in the future Head Office: 40 Truro Road, Congella PO Box 12426, Jacobs, 4026 Tel: 0027 31 205 9844/54 Fax: 0027 31 205 9658

Johannesburg: 73 Palmer Street Alrode South, Johannesburg Tel: 0027 11 900 3757 Fax: 0027 11 900 3758

Laurel Logistics 10 Penford Grove Berea, Durban 4001 PO Box 29229, Maydon Wharf

Tel: 031-2099576 Fax: 031-2091429 Cell: 0828813384 Email: laurellog@mweb.co.za

GMA Logistics FOCUS supply chain

our competitiveness in our industry. The company is committed to the highest service levels together with honesty and integrity in all its dealings. GMA Logistics continues to grow yearly and no doubt we are performing ‘better than most’.” Following the financial crunch of 2008, physical volumes declined to the tune of about 30 percent. But “being financially strong and well established” GMA was able to “weather the storm”. “The board of directors took a decision that it would not retrench staff and we would not reduce working hours,” Arcache says. “We held onto our entire infrastructure and human resources, thus ensuring our expertise and readiness for when the economy turned around. That put us in a strong position, as a lot of people had been lost in our industry due to retrenchment. South Africa, like most of the world, went through a tough year in 6

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2009, but we were able to take advantage when business activity started to improve 2010. “From 2010 we continued to grow our business to the tune of about 15 percent per annum. This year we are on target to do the same.” Next up, Africa. “It’s a large emerging market,” Arcache stresses. “By virtue of South Africa being the gateway to Southern Africa, we have placed a lot of focus in the development of this region and therefore positioned our company to take advantage of the increase in freight.” Mr Arcache is just as driven and determined as his father. He has helped build an enterprise, a customer-focused leader. His passion and drive are shared company-wide. Expect to see more of GMA Logistics. END To learn more visit www.gmalogistics.co.za

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