By Sue Segar
M24 Logistics – experts in the warehousing and distribution of products for B2B and B2C merchants serving the African market – will, this month (October) open a state-of-the-art new warehouse in Montague Gardens.
The warehouse with capacity for 30 000 square meters, is geared to serve a range of big players in the e-commerce market –as well as cater for SMEs.
“We are ready! and welcome all e-commerce businesses that wish to capitalise on the opportunity to grow their e-commerce with faster and lower cost deliveries in Cape Town and surrounds,” said Rika Swart, general manager of M24 Logistics.
This brings to three the number of M24 Logistics warehouses in South Africa. Currently there is one in Olifantsfontein in Tshwane; one in the Eastport Logistics Park in Johannesburg, and now, in Cape Town. Clients include Woolworths, MrP, Puma and Clicks, among others.
M24 Logistics, a division of Media24, has a distribution network extending to more than 30 countries across Africa, and offers an array of services, including technical innovations which enable front-end processes and end-to-end e-commerce fulfilment.
Swart said that, as online spending trends continue to soar over the next ten years, there will be an exponential growth in the need for warehouses. Consumers are expecting fast delivery and having same-day delivery as an option is a great differentiator for brands. It goes without saying that stock proximity to market is key to enabling more affordable delivery options, including same-day delivery.
“What sets M24 Logistics apart is our full-service offering. We say that ‘between our warehouse and last mile scope of services, we take the pain from the process,”. We have an array of couriers which we manage on behalf of our clients collaborated with an efficient call centre therefore the e-commerce owner does not need to deal with that.
“M24 Logistics is a leading one-stop solution provider for e-commerce clients in SA. As a full e-commerce logistics service, we handle your e-commerce from the moment you import it, including providing clearing and forwarding solutions, to where it comes into our warehouse. We store that product for you. Your online store order comes into the warehouse, and we send it to the end consumer.”
Our promise is that our clients “focus on growing their e-commerce, and we’ll worry about the rest!”
Swart said with technology as one of our key differentiators and backbone of our operation, M24 Logistics has a dedicated in house development and BI team to support their strategy.
“Our warehouses management system provides real-time visibility on every item at any stage of the operational process. Intelligent picking sequencing and mobile devices maximises picking efficiencies reducing costs and increasing picking speed, while our extensive Wi-Fi network and back-ups ensure uninterrupted operations. In addition to this, our operations also include intelligent conveyor infrastructure, pick-to-light solutions, and state of the art security systems.
“All of these are underpinned by real time reporting and advanced analytical capability. Our team continue to explore opportunities for AI applications – from analysis to coding.”
Swart said as e-commerce continues to grow, efficient logistics infrastructure is key. “The future is all about the last mile, or the final leg of the delivery process, from our warehouse to the consumer’s doorstep.
She said cross-border e-commerce presents a significant opportunity for South Africa’s e-commerce logistics industry, adding that M24 Logistics will leverage its extensive geographical footprint to help businesses grow.
M24 Logistics has installed 380 roof-mounted solar panels at their Olifantsfontein warehouse in Gauteng, and Swart said plans are in the pipeline to do the same in Cape Town. The company is also committed to contributing to a “greener future”, Swart said, adding that there is a strong focus on sustainability which includes reusing materials for packaging and other initiatives.
