Logistics solutions provider Barloworld Transport Solutions’ (BWTS’s) latest acquisition, Manline Mega, has oper- ated well in its first month of trading, during which four new trucks and four 85 t low-bed trailers were commissioned as part of Manline Mega’s fleet growth strategy, says BWTS CEO Neil Henderson.
Manline Mega was officially established in June, after BWTS had concluded the acquis-ition of transport company TCS Logistics, which specialises in moving abnormal loads for clients in and around sub-Saharan Africa.
TCS was rebranded as Manline Mega to build on the strong cross-border footprint, expertise and brand presence that diversified logistics brand Manline already has in the market.
The new division falls under BWTS’s Specialised Business Unit, led by company MD Andrew Nicholson. He will be supported by Manline Mega MD Rogan Brent and Manline Mega operations manager Jason Christie, who, as former TCS Logistics directors, will con-tinue to manage the business division.
Henderson tells Engineering News that TCS Logistics stands out as a good strategic fit for BWTS, as it meets the company’s aim of offering smart, reputable and reliable transport solutions to the Southern African market.
“TCS Logistics’ high-level governance, operational excellence and commitment to service fully align with BWTS’s operating principles. Further, the integration of the TCS team [into BWTS] has been seamless.”
Henderson adds that the acquisition has expanded BWTS’s service offering in this specialised area. “There are many synergies within our business, such as combined cross-border networks, infrastructure and experi-ence, and we look forward to leveraging these to enhance our services to clients in Africa,” he says.
Brent says the acquisition creates a “competi- tive space with growth opportunities” for the former TCS Logistics, which comprises a team experienced in planning, loading and deliv-ering specialised equipment, project cargo and machinery.
“Joining the BWTS group is an exciting development for our business and our client base. We look forward to working with and sharing best practices with our new colleagues to create more flexible and sustainable trans-port solutions for a variety of customers and sectors,” he says.
Together with Manline Mega, BWTS now incorporates the Manline, Manline Energy and Timber24 brands and is part of the greater Barloworld Logistics, which currently has a fleet of more than 800 vehicles, 1 700 employees and more than 30 depots across Southern Africa.
With depots in Durban and Johannesburg, in South Africa; in Harare, Zimbabwe; and in Lusaka, Zambia; TCS Logistics adds value through its 16 years of skill and experience and a large fleet configuration, with the capacity to move a maximum payload of 100 t.