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Monday, 5 February 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Hemas Integrated Logistics, known across the industry for its service excellence, proven track record and corporate backing, turned a new chapter in its journey when the company rebranded itself as Spectra Integrated Logistics. The rebranding was carried out as a result of Hemas going into partnership with GAC Sri Lanka, which itself is a partnership between GAC Global and McLarens Holdings.
“Spectra Integrated Logistics is the union of two local giants of the shipping industry backed by a global logistics player,” commented Spectra Integrated Logistics CEO Niranjan Nallaratnam. He further added that launching a common brand was “a strategic move to position ourselves as one of the biggest integrated logistics providers.”
From left: Spectra Logistics CEO Niranjan Nallaratnam, Hemas Transportation Sector Chairman & Group Director Imitiaz Esufally, GAC Group Vice President (Asia Pacific & Indian subcontinent) Lars Bergstrom, McLarens Group Chairman Rohan De Silva, Hemas Pharmaceuticals / Maritime & Logistics Managing Director Kasturi Wilson, and McLarens Group Joint Managing Director Shehara De Silva
The company is taking several giant steps towards expansive growth under the new brand, including the establishment of a state-of-the-art container yard which will be followed by an ultramodern warehouse.
The new container yard is located in a 15 acre land within the designated logistics city in the Western Region Megapolis Masterplan Project – a locality promoted by the Government as a logistics park between the Port of Colombo and Bandaranaike International Airport. Strategically situated in the Muthurajawela Industrial Zone in Wattala, away from residential spaces, the new container yard will help the company double its existing capacity to serve the gamut of shipping lines operating in Sri Lanka.
With an investment of nearly $ 20 million by Spectra Integrated Logistics, the new container terminal, which commenced operations following a soft opening on 22 January, is equipped with top-notch modern equipment related to container handling, container repairing, container washing and container rigging to name a few.
This venture is a stepping stone for the company to create a centre of excellence in Sri Lanka in order to go out to the region, focusing mainly on Bangladesh and Myanmar in the Indian subcontinent. The new brand and container yard which targets most of the major shipping lines also seamlessly aligns with the prevailing expansion plans of Hemas Holdings. Along with the backing of its shareholders, the company is confident that the yard will be one of the most active of its kind in the country.
Scheduled to be in the second phase of Spectra’s operations, the company has already commenced building one of the largest distribution centres in Sri Lanka targeting pharmaceuticals, white goods and retail trade.
“With this facility and the gamut of freight and logistics services in our portfolio, Spectra Logistics is set to meet the growing demand for third party logistics services in Sri Lanka, brought about by the increase in global trade, as well as the increasingly important role that the country plays as a sourcing base in South Asia for international buyers, and to introduce the true benefits of supply chain solutions of global standards to Sri Lankan customers,” said GAC Group Vice President (Asia Pacific & Indian Subcontinent) Lars Bergstrom.
To be commissioned in mid-June, the warehouse will have a future-focused set-up with a capacity of nearly 25,000 palette positions. The distribution centre will be designed in accordance with global industry standards with five chambers and seven high racking, in addition to electric material handling. The entire operation is further backed by proprietary software developed by GAC Global and supported by global IT centres in Singapore and Dubai.
With its existing clientele, shareholder backing and group synergies, the new warehouse is a justified and timely investment. The support of McLarens Holdings is also guaranteed with its associate businesses.
After the establishment of its warehouse facility, Spectra Integrated Logistics will further expand its portfolio with the addition of a distribution arm. Distribution services will be executed through a best in class transport management system with route and load optimisation. In addition, the company’s offerings will also extend to the digital domain where Spectra Integrated Logistics will take the helm to revolutionise the way logistics services are delivered using IoT.
Spectra Integrated Logistics is a Joint venture between Hemas Transportation Ltd and GAC Logistics Limited Sri Lanka. Hemas Transportation is a subsidiary of Hemas Holdings PLC which is a listed conglomerate in the Colombo Stock Exchange, with a focus on fast-moving consumer goods, healthcare, transportation, and leisure. GAC Logistics Sri Lanka is part of GAC Group, a global provider of integrated shipping, logistics and marine services, working in partnership with McLarens Group.
