Global logistics service provider the Rhenus Group has strengthened its presence in Gauteng by relocating operations to a new facility in Meadowview, Johannesburg.

This R440-million investment spans 28 000 m², including 24 500 m² of warehouse space and 3 000 m² of office space, effectively doubling the company’s operational footprint.

Rhenus Warehousing Solutions Middle East and Africa CEO Cornell van Rooyen says the move was driven by growth and the need for increased efficiencies.

“Our former facility in Longmeadow had high warehouse utilisation and we operated across three separate buildings, limiting future expansion. The decision to consolidate our operations in Johannesburg under one roof has already introduced greater operational efficiency, streamlining workflows and enhancing our ability to scale as we continue to grow in the region.”

The new facility is located close to the OR Tambo International Airport and the City Deep Container Terminal, while remaining within range of current customers and not disrupting staff travel.

By consolidating operations under one roof, Rhenus says it expects to see efficiency improve significantly with optimised resource utilisation.

The company notes that capacity has been increased by over 100%, adding that the introduction of advanced technology and upgraded equipment will further streamline operations and reduce processing times.

Rhenus Air & Ocean South Africa MD Dirk Goedhart says the integrated facility enhances productivity, allowing seamless cargo flow across the different divisions of the Rhenus Group.

“We have customised the entire facility to meet our exact needs which in turn allows us to deliver tailormade solutions that meet the specific needs of our customers,” says Goedhart.

Additionally, the company has installed more than 600 closed-circuit television cameras, robust access control systems, a 2.4 m clear-view electric fence, 5 m perimeter walls and a dedicated security tower monitoring the facility around the clock, which Rhenus says make the warehouse “one of the most secure in South Africa”.

The facility also features a 500 kW solar PV system with 1 600 solar panels, an 800 W lithium-ion battery plant and a 500 kW diesel generator, ensuring energy efficiency and reliable backup for up to eight hours.

LED lighting and motion sensors throughout the facility contribute to further energy savings.

Meanwhile, water management systems support sustainable operations and include a borehole, a 120 000 l rainwater harvesting setup and a 40 000 l fire sprinkler reservoir.

An additional 1.1-million-litre stormwater tank adds to the facility’s eco-friendly features.

“These premises not only meet our current needs but have been designed for growth,” says Goedhart, adding that it includes 4 700 m² for future expansion.

Other key features in the warehouse include a 1 300 m² refrigeration area with one section at -20 °C and 100 deep-freeze units situated within the ground floor racking.

The company expresses that this unique feature, not commonly found worldwide, is another first in the South African warehousing space.

The warehouse, with a total capacity of 25 000 industrial-standard pallets, is also the only one in the country fully compliant with storing lithium-ion batteries, says Rhenus, noting that it has 1 600 battery-compatible pallet positions.

In addition, the warehouse is designed to cater to high-value cargo and has a 250 m² secure vault.

According to Van Rooyen, moving to the new premises will result in some immediate workforce expansion.

Several new positions will be created, including a new warehouse manager. Training programmes are being implemented to upskill employees with the latest technology and equipment introduced at the facility.

“This investment underscores our confidence in the local market and supports our 2030 growth targets. Over the past five years, we have consistently invested in South Africa and this new facility will be a relevant part of our expansion strategy going forward,” concludes Goedhart.