Expolanka Freight takes Global Logistics under its wing

Expolanka Freight Private Limited, one of Sri Lanka’s largest freight forwarders and a subsidiary of Expolanka Holdings PLC recently entered into a strategic partnership with Global Logistics. The investment made by Expolanka Freight, now means that the company has a 60% stake in Global Logistics Services Pvt. Ltd.

Expolanka Freight is one of Sri Lanka’s leading freight forwarding companies and has firmly established itself as a premier provider of freight and logistical services for clients across multiple industries. In operation since 1978, the company specialises in being a fashions logistics service provider with 80% of its business being derived from the apparel sector. This new acquisition now gives Expolanka Freight the opportunity to diversify into new arenas in the market. Global Logistics joins the ranks of the dynamic cluster of freight and logistics companies within Expolanka Freight, providing outstanding service excellence and customer support, including Union Cargo Logistics, Logistics Support Services and Pulsar Shipping Agencies.

 “Global Logistics is a welcome addition to the Expolanka Freight cluster. While being a specialist in freight and logistics for the apparel sector, we now have the opportunity to move into new sectors. Like no two people are alike, there is no reason why freight solutions should be the same. We are constantly striving to look at different avenues and increase our service offering - while offering our customers the best possible commodity mix and services,” Expolanka Freight Director/CEO Jagath Pathirane.

The addition of Global Logistics adds a gamut of new services to Expolanka Freight’s offering to its customers. This enhanced mix of services ensures the company a plethora of new vistas and service providers, giving it the opportunity to go beyond their traditional work.

Commenting further, Pathirane stated that with Global Logistics now in their portfolio, the entire cluster would strive towards expanding their operations. While stating that the company’s outlook was positive, he said the company was looking at aiming for bigger revenues, breaking away from the organic growth achieved year-on-year.

 “By intensifying our service offering, we’re also giving our people at Expolanka Freight an opportunity to widen their horizons and learn from the ever-expanding market we currently operate in. With the addition of Global Logistics, this new vertical wing opens up new career paths and opportunities for our people at Expolanka Freight – which is paramount to their professional growth as well,” said Pathirane reiterating the importance they set towards creating value for their employees.

 “Global Logistics Services has been in the freight forwarding market for over 10 years and they are a full service freight forwarder, with specialist expertise in ocean freight, exports to certain niche markets, project cargo and inbound business with an excellent credibility and reputation. With a strong customer base, low cost operational model, a far reaching agency network, knowledgeable leadership and as a fore runner in its service offering, Global Logistics will support Expolanka’s intention to continually push forward with its growth and leadership plans to stabilise and distinguish its market leader. We at Expolanka are very serious and committed to take Global Logistics towards an exciting and a very bright future,” Expolanka Group Managing Director Hanif Yusoof said.

Global Logistics is extremely honoured and proud to become a member of the Expolanka group’s burgeoning forwarding division which is a truly world class company led by highly respected industry veterans such as Hanif Yusoof, Jagath Pathirane, Jan Vanderpporten and Gazzali Arifeen.

This statement was further reiterated by Global Logistics Managing Director Suresh Fernando:  “We will further cement Global Logistics’ strategic position in the market by leveraging on the enormous strengths of the Expolanka Group who has been the undisputed market leader and industry trendsetter in the entire Indian Sub Continent market. Whilst aggressive sales, marketing and business development drive remains our key focus, we believe we will also enjoy numerous benefits such as operational efficiencies, world class logistics infrastructure, huge cost savings on the procurement of our ocean and air products and financial support to expand our operations for the betterment of our customers, service providers, agents and business partners.”

Expolanka has witnessed a lot of activity across the group following the announcement of their IPO, with the likes of the USD 1mn upgrading of Expolanka Commodities’ lentils splitting plant, the recent award won by Expolanka Freight and many more. The IPO commences trading on Monday, 13 June 2011.