Page 54 - Logistics News - September October 2023

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Retailability’s riot-hit Durban DC back in operation

SOUTH AFRICAN retail group Retailability has described the Logistics as those who made it possible to complete and deliver
reconstruction of its 13,000m² apparel distribution centre (DC) at the new premises ahead of schedule.
the Cornubia Ridge Logistics Park north of Durban as a “massive
collaboration” and a “good news story” for the regional economy. Brian Venter, MD at City Logistics, says the goal from the
The retail brand, which includes Edgars, Legit, Swagga Style and start was to make sure that Retailability could continue trading

Keedo, was just one of the hundreds of businesses that suffered through a very difficult time. “We made sure we had the required

considerable losses during the July 2021 violent unrest where resources available to move equipment and stock over to the
an estimated R50-billion was wiped from the economy and two temporary facility. We view our clients as our business partners,
million people lost their jobs. which means we see it as our responsibility to pull out all the
stops when it is needed the most,” Venter says.
Steve Pearson, Retailability’s Head of Supply Chain, says the
opening of the reconstructed DC this month was not only ahead Conveyall was commissioned in 2021 to design,
of schedule, but was key to allowing the business to prepare for manufacture, install and commission the material handling
peak season trading. “In May 2021, we moved into our newly system for the new DC. However, during the riots, many of the
built DC at the Cornubia Ridge Logistics Park. On 12 July, 2021, new conveyors, electrical supply and control systems were
the DC was compromised due to the fires that took place in destroyed. Bruce Jamieson, owner of Conveyall, says they

the area, resulting in another unforeseen relocation outside managed to get the temporary DC up and running within weeks
of the Cornubia area. And now, almost two years later, we are with some of the salvaged equipment and receiving conveyors.
back and geared for growth. That speaks to our resilience and “Retailability was at least getting product in and out to its stores,”
extraordinary teamwork by our landlord and the stakeholders.” he comments. “Within a record-breaking three months, we
were able to hand over another completed turnkey distribution
Pearson likens business operations since the disaster to warehouse facility to Retailability, so it could continue its

“open heart surgery while keeping the blood supply flowing. distribution operations from the temporary premises,” Jamieson
We managed to supply our 600 stores across southern Africa adds.
during the unexpected relocation to temporary premises that
we occupied for the two years since the unrest. For a retailer “All these companies would have signed contracts for the
of our size to move and set up a DC while at the same time work, but their teams went way above and beyond what was on

guaranteeing stock flows without disruption takes a significant a piece of paper. They worked long hours and over weekends

team effort and a relentless commitment.” and were so proactive to make sure that we could move in
ahead of schedule. We now have a fully automated, state-of-
Pearson lists landlords Fortress Real Estate Investments Ltd the art apparel distribution facility that will serve our needs and
and contractors such as construction firm Abbydale, conveyor more for the next 10 years. We are very grateful to our team and

and racking provider Conveyall and logistics provider City partners,” Pearson concludes. •

52 SEP T E MB E R/O CT O B E R 2023 www .l o g ist i csn e w s .c o .z a