Cool operator

Global Shipping & Logistics (GSL) leads the way for temperature controlled storage in the United Arab Emirates.

The current slowdown in the logistics market is the first that Global Shipping & Logistics (GSL) has encountered since its launch in 2006. Until now, the sector has remained a lucrative playground for 3PL companies, with growing demand for warehousing and transportation services throughout the Middle East.

However, these glory days have been painfully jeopardised by the global recession and while the market has not crashed, the majority of logistics companies have adopted a cautious approach towards development plans.

In complete contrast, the recent expansion of GSL’s warehousing complex in Dubai Investment Park has proved that it’s business as usual for the relative newcomer, which has captured a sizeable share of the market for temperature controlled and cold storage in the United Arab Emirates.

This confidence can probably be attributed to the vast experience of GSL’s parent company, the Al Shirawi Group, which owns more than 20 different businesses from a diverse collection of industries and has secured partnerships with over 100 multinational companies for technical licensing, distribution, servicing and trade representation.

“Before launching itself as a logistics service provider for the general market, GSL managed the inhouse supply chain operations for the Al Shirawi Group,” explains Khalid Al Shirawi, executive director of GSL. “This helped us to gain a strong understanding of the local logistics market and we wanted to capitalise on this expertise by providing similar 3PL services to external companies, with a specific focus on Dubai.”

Approximately US$40.8 million has already been invested in GSL’s 100,000m² warehousing complex at Dubai Investment Park, which is situated in close proximity to Jebel Ali Port and the forthcoming Al Maktoum International Airport.

During its first phase of development in June 2006, the project included 10,000m² of temperature controlled storage (maintained between +18^oC to +24^oC) and 7500m² of cold storage (maintained between 0^oC and -25^oC), while a second phase was completed earlier this year, providing an additional 10,000m² in temperature controlled storage and 7300m² in cold storage.

“The expansion was necessary because our initial facilities were operating to full capacity and demand was continuing to increase. We have captured around 90% of the ice cream market and 75% of the chocolate market in Dubai within a relatively short period of time, with customers including brands such as Baskin-Robbins, Kraft, Federal Foods and Coldstone Creamery,” states Al Shirawi. “In response, we decided to double our warehousing size in phase two and the space has almost been booked already. The response is truly overwhelming and our thoughts are quickly turning to a third phase of development, which will commence next year and should be completed in 2011.”

The entire team at GSL has worked tirelessly to support this growth over the past few years, according to Al Shirawi, who believes these efforts have constantly been recognised by customers.

“Our style of management is different and everyone is involved at each stage of a contract to guarantee that GSL delivers on promises and meets expectations,” he says. “A lot of companies in the Middle East have been disappointed by their logistics partners, but they have noticed a difference with our company because we have a solid track record and will do everything within our power to develop a successful relationship with them.”

The company’s warehouse complex, which is controlled by CCTV and 24-hour security personnel, has been equipped with a range of different racking systems, including mobile, high-rise very narrow aisle (VNA) and selective racking.

In addition, a warehouse management system from Manhattan Associates was implemented to provide alerts on inbound and outbound shipments, barcoding and customised label creation, fleet management and inventory control.

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