South Africa, known for its vibrant maritime industry, has witnessed a significant milestone with the inauguration of the MEDLOG Cold Store Facility by MSC South Africa. Established as a testament to MSC’s longstanding commitment to the region, this state-of-the-art facility marks a pivotal moment in South Africa’s trade landscape.
Since its inception in 1971, MSC Group has been an integral part of South Africa’s maritime domain, steadily expanding its presence across various entities. From the Mediterranean Shipping Company to MSC Logistics (MEDLOG), the group’s footprint spans strategically located offices in Durban, Cape Town, East London, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, and Pretoria.
At the heart of this expansion lies MSC’s unwavering dedication to catalyzing trade dynamics. The inauguration of the 15,000-square-meter cold storage facility in Durban underscores MSC’s commitment to advancing the handling of perishable goods, thereby transforming South Africa’s trade ecosystem.
The inauguration event, graced by MSC CEO Soren Toft, witnessed the presence of esteemed government officials, industry partners, clients, and MSC personnel. In his keynote address, Mr. Toft emphasized the profound impact of the facility on South Africa’s economic trajectory, heralding a new era of prosperity for exporters and importers of fresh produce.
“This investment signifies a monumental leap forward for South Africa’s trade community,” stated Mr. Toft. “It embodies our steadfast commitment to enhancing customer value while fostering local economic development. We envision a South Africa that is sustainable, economically prosperous, and self-reliant, and this facility is a testament to that vision.”
Captain Salvatore Sarno, Chairman of MSC South Africa, echoed Mr. Toft’s sentiments, expressing pride in the facility’s inauguration. “We take great pride in unveiling this state-of-the-art cold storage facility,” remarked Captain Sarno. “Not only does it reinforce our support for the South African economy, but it also underscores our dedication to job creation and economic growth.”
The MEDLOG Cold Store Facility, boasting a capacity of 8,000 to 10,000 pallets, epitomizes excellence in infrastructure. Positioned strategically as a hub for both imports and exports, the facility represents a paradigm shift in storage and logistics capabilities for South Africa.
Import commodities, including chicken from Brazil, the USA, and Poland, stand to benefit from expanded storage capabilities. Additionally, exports, primarily comprising citrus destined for markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Far East/Asia, are poised to leverage the facility’s strategic location and advanced infrastructure.
Jose Carlos Garcia, MEDLOG Warehousing & Distribution Manager, provided insights into the facility’s construction, highlighting its cutting-edge features. “The building incorporates convertible rooms to accommodate both chilled and frozen cargo, alongside mobile racks for optimal space utilization,” stated Mr. Garcia. “Furthermore, our warehouse management system is seamlessly integrated with the PPECB database, ensuring regulatory compliance and full traceability.”
The inauguration of the MEDLOG Cold Store Facility signifies MSC’s enduring partnership and commitment to South Africa’s growth trajectory. With a vision for further expansion and development, MSC reaffirms its dedication to supporting South Africa’s journey towards sustainability, self-reliance, and a prosperous future.
