Vector Thekwini is geared for GOING BEYOND

Vector Thekwini is geared for GOING BEYOND

Leveraging our established coastal infrastructure and enhanced multi-temperature storage capacity, we recently expanded our Vector Thekwini facility by 70% to stay ahead of evolving customer needs. The R95 million expansion project saw the facility becoming significantly larger and more flexible, with advanced technological support.

“Vector Thekwini has a highly developed coastal infrastructure which enables us to offer national retailers and wholesalers, as well as the quick-service restaurant industry, prime service in respect of their markets on the eastern seaboard. For instance we are able to provide customers with bulk cold storage close to their regional secondary distribution hubs – which facilitates more flexibility in their supply chain and allows for increased service levels,” says Pieter Paul Van Den Heever, Supply Chain Executive: Optimisation at Vector Thekwini.

Key components of the expansion project included a 90% increase in ambient storage space; a 60% increase in cold storage area, yielding 35% more frozen pallet positions; minus 25-degree freezer capability; a new workshop and washbay; a new circular vehicle flow to facilitate inbound and outbound receiving and dispatch; a sally port for the ambient warehouse; and a new admin block, entrance and guard house.  In addition to a 70% overall increase in floor area, the project provided for static racking to facilitate high-volume pick locations; IT improvements in inbound scanning; system-driven warehouse activities; remote monitoring of refrigeration; new forklifts and reach trucks with onboard RFID devices; as well as operational upgrades such as a state-of-the-art battery bay for forklifts and enhanced CCTV coverage for maximum security.

“The expansion will further enhance our existing and new customer relationships by providing space for us to meet their evolving needs. Along with expansions in our depots in other parts of the country, it’s an important milestone in Going Beyond,” says Vector MD Chris Creed.

Vector’s expanded Thekwini depot in Durban North