JSE-listed logistics solutions provider OneLogix on Thursday launched its R130-million Umlaas logistics hub, near Cato Ridge.

Designed to “substantially” enhance the group’s ability to offer quality and cost-effective logistics services to its customers, the hub integrated the group’s existing facilities in the KwaZulu-Natal region on one 14 ha site.

Speaking at the launch, CEO Ian Lourens said it had been “quite some work in progress”, but that the company seized an opportunity to become an even bigger player in the logistics sector.

The site, which took about five months to develop, was handed over in December by Durban-based property developer Afroprop.

The facility comprised storage facilities, including 4 150 undercover vehicle bays, which covered 7.8 ha, open area truck storage, a loading area and a marshalling area. The facility also offered 450 m² of office space and a 1 200 m² of workshops.

Further, the logistics hub had staff accommodation facilities, an operations centre, a predelivery inspection area, general facilities and a guardhouse.

Located just off the N3 between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, the hub “connects the logistics artery between Durban – Africa’s busiest port – and Gauteng, the economic heartland of South Africa,” Lourens said.

The site was also located adjacent to the proposed rail upgrade link connecting Durban and Johannesburg.

Speaking to Engineering News Online, Lourens explained that OneLogix made provision for a fully functional rail siding. “When this railway is finally built, the siding will essentially act as a ‘station’, where we can load and offload cars. The whole design of this hub was done with this link in mind.

It was expected to help ease congestion at the Durban harbour, as vehicles being imported from the port could be transported to the hub by train.

“This area, over the medium term, will transform into an industrial area.”

Lourens compared it to Rotterdam’s inland port, stating that it would become a multinodal hub. “No doubt what would come here in due course is container depots and other logistics companies.”

Although he could not give a timeframe as to when the railway link would be built, he was hopeful that the track would be developed in the next five years.

He added that the company was currently looking into the construction of a second phase of the Umlaas logistics hub. This phase, which would comprise a further 10 ha, would primarily be used as a storage facility.

Also speaking at the launch, OneLogix Vehicle Delivery Services MD Neville Bester said the company realised that it needed to create a presence in the region. “We looked at several sites in and around Durban, but this was the perfect site for us.”

Bester added that there would also be a third and fourth phase of development, which would comprise 70 000 m² and 40 000 m², respectively. He noted that these phases were part of the group’s two-year plan.