32 | Merger a boost for regional growth T Karen Phelps Whanganui - Bartley Group Holdings REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Whanganui-based company Ali Arc Logistics has merged with Direct Connect Container Services Limited (a joint-venture between Wellington port company CentrePort Limited and the Bartley Group). Each has a 50% shareholding in the business. Direct Connect director and Bartley Group managing director Brendon Bartley says the merger will mean significant employment opportunities for the region and further cements Bartley Group’s commitment to Whanganui. CentrePort CEO Derek Nind says that working with Ali Arc Logistics, CentrePort is focused on providing an efficient, competitive logistics service for exporters and importers. “This investment shows the commitment to continuing to grow and improve what we provide customers,” he says. Inland container terminal Direct Connect Container Services Limited was established in Whanganui in 2015 and employs a 40-tonne container lifter provided by CentrePort to move both import and export goods. Starting out with just 12 wagons per day significant growth means it is now at its maximum capacity of 32 wagons each day. Brendon says that all four Ali Arc Logistics warehouses are strategically placed around the Direct Connect Container Services yard to maximise the benefits of the relationship between the two companies. Significant growth saw Direct Connect Container Services expand to a second site in New Plymouth in 2017 to accommodate demand for services. He says that the deal is another example of the Bartley family’s on-going commitment to growing employment opportunities locally and has come on the back of several expan- “Continuity and long-term family ownership of the business, based in Whanganui, is extremely important to us. We are proud to call ourselves locals.” sions of Ali Arc Logistics over recent years, which has seen the 2395qsm storage facility grow hugely to a 24,233qsm facility. Ali Arc Logistics was started in 2001 to provide storage for a local pet food company Mars pet care as well as allow the company to expand its services to include powder mixing and mixing of raw ingredients. When Open Country approached Ali Arc Logistics in 2008 to handle its imports, exports and storage Ali Arc purchased a new warehouse and added additional staff to the team. By ensuring the Open Country operation was continuously improving and running smoothly this saw the scope of work for Open Country grow rapidly and Ali Arc added a second warehouse in early 2015. T to page 34 Bartley Group Holdings PROUD TO SUPPORT PH 06 344 7503 184 Glasgow St Wanganui www.walkerthomas.co.nz RayWhiteWhanganui Locally owned & operated, with a passionate teamof dedicatedprofessionalsworking todoour verybest for you. Let us help you achieve your goals... +64 (6) 347 7777 254 Victoria Ave, Whanganui whanganui@raywhite.com www.rwwhanganui.co.nz
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