NEWS
7
KZN gets its distribution centre
By Rory Macnamara
Gary Chandler , CEO .
Plumblink
Plumblink KZN DC .
Distribution Centres ( DCs ) do not come cheap . The new DC serving KZN is the second new major DC ( following Brackengate in the Western Cape ) to be commissioned and built by Plumblink .
Plumbing Africa spoke to Gary Chandler , CEO , and Craig Greenland , Regional Manager for KZN about this new addition .
Why another DC and what is the area it would serve ? Gary pointed out that 12 to 15 years ago , the Plumblink KZN Region only had four branches , distribution to the KZN branches could easily and cost effectively be performed from the old Riverside DC in Riverside Road , Umgeni Park . A minimal amount of product could also be shipped to KZN from the Midrand DC facility in Gauteng . Now , with over 15 branches in KZN , the volumes have grown , and we have quite simply outgrown the Riverside branch , which really doubled as the KZN DC for all this time .
Craig agreed and stated further that the focus is to get product / stock to the broader KZN Region more efficiently . We are busy implementing a two-shift system which allows vehicles to be loaded at night resulting in branches and customers receiving stock earlier the next day . The local branches will receive deliveries twice a week and outlying once a week . The goal is that we will improve on this turnaround time as we move forward .
Gary continued and explained that the new DC was built from scratch and is a Bidvest Property development which houses other Bidvest tenants , G Fox and Matus , with a further estimated 2500 square meters of warehouse space still available at the shared DC facility in Glen Anil , Durban .
Briefly explain the function of such a centre . “ very simply , we buy in bulk and breakdown into smaller manageable quantities for sub-distribution to both our customers and our branches alike . We can negotiate better prices from suppliers which works for both parties whilst passing these savings on to customers . Yes , it is expensive to do but in the long run , I believe this strategy will prove to be less expensive than buying as and when required . Obviously as the volumes increased in KZN we reached the breaking point which contributed to the decision for the project and relocation of the DC . From a purchasing point of view , we operate on a decentralised buying model with a regional buyer in each centre , they then purchase product from the approved suppliers list – this controls the quality of product that we purchase as well as offering standardisation of brands across all our stores nationally , we believe this adds value to our suppliers and customers alike .”
Gary continued regarding customers , “ we really do appreciate that our customers have got used to the Riverside branch , but change is always , in this case , for the better and we trust you will agree , no more bottlenecks and traffic issue – a good wide-open
Craig Greenland Regional Manager KZN .
“ We are thrilled to have been able to promote 15 employees all from within our own organisation .”
March 2021 Volume 27 I Number 1 www . plumbingafrica . co . za