Investec Property to develop Makro's distribution centre

Makro, operating within Massmart's Masswarehouse division, required an expanded facility for its central distribution centre, ideally without having to relocate, as well as the ability to keep the current facility fully operational during the construction period. Construction has started on the facility, which is expected to be delivered by the end of July 2012.

The new distribution centre will be a modern facility, including an additional 11 000m² of warehousing space. Improvements to the site will include an expanded yard area and a new perimeter ring road to facilitate more efficient vehicle movement. The fire control systems and sprinklers will also be upgraded during this process, maintaining a strong focus on safety. Having been able to provide Makro with a long-term warehousing solution, "we are proud of our contribution to this important development for one of South Africa's major retail groups," Investec Property's David Rosmarin told Engineering News.

Masswarehouse commercial director Doug Jones said that he is pleased to have been able to secure the company's future in the existing facility in a cost-effective manner, and that he was looking forward to the redeveloped facility becoming operational. "It was particularly important for us that our current operating capacity was not compromised during the building phase, so that we can continue to ensure that our customers' needs are met without interruption or unnecessary cost," Jones said.

Read the full article on www.engineeringnews.co.za.