Bridgewater Logistics’ warehousing operations continue to enjoy ongoing growth as businesses explore an intelligent solution that will provide them with a competitive edge.
“Businesses are turning to us because of the high-levels of efficiencies built into our systems, as well as the extent of our “smart” offering at this operation, which also features state-of-the-art infrastructure and systems. It is definitely a combination of all these critical factors that have made it a highly sought-after distribution centre, or “smart” warehousing solution,” says the warehouse manager, Schalk Brits.
Located on 20 000 square metres (m2) of property within close vicinity of OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, the facility offers 9 000 m2 of warehousing floor space, as well as ample loading doors and parking space for trucks.
The premises and all incoming and outgoing vehicles are monitored on an ongoing basis from the company’s in-house control room, complemented by a completely automated security system that was recently implemented to strengthen security and improve efficiencies for a growing customer base.
Brits and his growing team co-ordinate all activities at the facility, which is used for the staging and storage of retail programmes, including final assembly and packing, as well as “just in time” delivery of inventory.
As is the case with most of the company’s experts, he has extensive experience in transport and logistics, supported by his strong background in high-level security services.
Being warehouse manager for one of South Africa’s leading transport and logistics companies is a high pressure job. However, Brits says that he is driven by the fact that an efficient transport and logistics system are essential to the effective functioning of any successful business, relying on extremely specialised skills that are honed over many years through experience.
“The biggest mistake many new small and medium-sized companies make is overlooking the real extent of capabilities, as well as the extensive capital outlay required to run a sophisticated warehousing operation. Unfortunately, this is so often to their detriment, and could have been avoided from outset had they partnered an expert,” he says.
So, what is the secret behind Bridgewater Logistics’ successful warehousing operation? Brits is understandably reluctant to give away too many company secrets, noting only that he abides by one golden rule in his chosen profession, which is: “everything has a place and everything on its place”!
