MSC announces the opening of a state-of-the-art 15,000m cold storage facility in Durban, South Africa.
The facility is part of MSC MEDLOG’s logistics arm and is designed to promote advancements in perishable cargo handling in South Africa and beyond, and to open up the country’s trade landscape.
On March 7, MSC CEO Soren Toft attended the inauguration ceremony of the cold storage facility, which was also attended by government officials, industry partners, customers and MSC personnel.
Toft said: “This investment marks an exciting new milestone for South Africa’s fresh produce exporters and importers. It reflects our ongoing efforts to provide value-added services to our customers while contributing to local economic development. We want to help South Africa achieve its vision of sustainable development, economic prosperity and self-reliance.”
The cold storage facility has a capacity of 8,000 to 10,000 pallets. MSC noted that strategically located as an import and export hub, the facility represents a paradigm shift in South Africa’s storage and logistics capabilities.
According to a statement from MSC, imports that can now be expanded include items such as chicken from Brazil, the United States and Poland, while exports mainly include citrus destined for European, Middle Eastern and Far East/Asian markets.
Jose Carlos Garcia, Warehousing and Distribution Manager at MEDLOG, said: “The building features convertible rooms that can accommodate refrigerated and frozen goods, as well as moveable racks to optimize space. The warehouse management system is integrated with PPECB (Perishable Produce Export Control Bureau) ) database is fully integrated to ensure regulatory compliance and full traceability.”