32 | Direct Logistics T T Karen Phelps Customer focus drives expansion Direct Logistics boasts an impressive portfolio of five warehouses - four in Christchurch and one in Auckland - employs 88 staff, and operates a fleet of 14 metro trucks. “We’ve been lucky to have a lot of industry knowledge and relationships with essential customers that has allowed us to grow rapidly.” Direct Logistics continues to grow, but immediate plans are for consolidation. “It’s been a major last couple of years so it’s a good time to refine processes and prepare for the next expansion,” says managing director Nathan Scott. The Christchurch-based third-party logistics (3PL) provider has experienced rapid growth since its inception just two and a half years ago. Founded by Nathan and two co-directors, Direct Logistics has quickly become a significant player in the logistics industry, particularly in the South Island. Direct Logistics offers a range of services, including transport, storage and warehousing, whiteware logistics, crane trucks and container transport. The company’s journey began with a single warehouse on Shands Road, four staff members, and one metro truck. Today, Direct Logistics boasts an impressive portfolio of five warehouses - four in Christchurch and one in Auckland - employs 88 staff, and operates a fleet of 14 metro trucks. Nathan attributes this swift expansion to the company’s industry knowledge and strong customer relationships. “We’ve been lucky to have a lot of industry knowledge and relationships with essential customers that has allowed us to grow rapidly,” he explains. The company’s growth strategy has been marked by diversification and adaptation to market demands. Initially focusing on the construction and packaging sectors, Direct Logistics has expanded its services to include the food, beverage, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industries. This expansion was facilitated by the addition of their fourth Christchurch warehouse last year, a purpose-designed facility in the Ngai Tahu’s Mania industrial development. This new warehouse, spanning 10,000sqm, represents a significant leap forward for the company. “Our three existing warehouses in Christchurch encompass about 12,500 square metres and most of our current customers include the building and packaging industry,” Nathan says. “We didn’t have an offering for FMCG, which is standard palletised product placed on high-rise racking. So that is the customer base we’re targeting.” The state-of-the-art facility boasts impressive specifications, including a 12-metre knee height, 15-metre apex, and 11-metre-tall racking. When fully utilised, it can accommodate 17,000 pallet positions. The warehouse was built to meet stringent hygiene requirements for food-grade customers and manufacturers of FMCG products, E-Commerce, and retail goods. Security and efficiency are paramount in the new facility, with 62 security cameras and 26 electric forklifts ensuring a secure and productive environment. Operating around the clock, seven days a week, the warehouse is strategically located between Foodstuffs’ REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT and Countdown’s South Island distribution centres, offering clients a reliable and efficient service at competitive rates. Direct Logistics’ expansion hasn’t been limited to Christchurch. The company recently ventured into the Auckland market, a move that wasn’t initially on their short-term radar. “We had an existing customer in Christchurch, who wanted us to provide our service to them in Auckland as well so we took the opportunity.” This expansion has allowed Direct Logistics to diversify further, entering the whiteware appliance logistics market. “It’s not a standard product to be handling for the logistics industry; it’s a niche area and requires specialised equipment. There are only a few logistics providers that do this type of work,” explains Nathan. The company’s success can be attributed to its customer-focused approach and ability to provide comprehensive logistics solutions. “We are a service industry, and if you can’t provide that service it’s hard to keep customers. We pride ourselves on going that extra mile.” In a competitive and tight labour market, Nathan recognises the importance of fostering a positive workplace culture. “We are driving a great workplace culture where people are happy to come to work, which in turn leads to great service. Our employees are our major assets.” nexia.co.nz We’re here to take your business further. NexiaChristchurch are proud to support Direct Logisticswith their accounting and business advisory needs. Eleccom Design Ltd represents a team of specialist electrical engineers and designers that offer professional consul�ng services for the building services industry. c 021 555 570 | p 03 423 9266 | e design@eleccom.co.nz | w www.eleccom.co INNOVATIVE | SUSTAINABLE | DESIGN
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