Owens ups Australian presence - Freight Forwarding - Owens Global Logistics opens cold storage facility at Melboune's Tullamarine Airport - Brief Article

Business Asia, March, 2002

OWENS GLOBAL Logistics has opened a new terminal at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport -- a move which deepens the New Zealand-based company's penetration across the Tasman.

CEO of the Owens Group David Ritchie said while customers could be assured of cool temperatures at the new building, it was also tangible evidence that Owens continues to be fully committed to the Australian marketplace.

"The Tullamarine terminal joins the Owens `cool chain', which stretches around the globe through our association with the Global Perishable Logistics Group," Ritchie said.

"Specifically, in terms of the Pacific Rim, the Owens `cool chain' network includes operations in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Los Angeles, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch."

The Tullamarine facility is comprised of three components -- a freezer, chiller and temperature controlled warehouse -- ensuring products are not exposed to heat while in transit.

The unique feature that separates this facility from the rest is the Environmental Loading Area (ELA), which allows products to be loaded or unloaded directly between transport and the temperature controlled area.

Any kind of foodstuffs are expected to pass through the terminal, and there is also a specially designed area for flowers.

Owens sees Australia as the launch pad to expanding operations in South East Asia and the far east.

Newly appointed Australia group general manager of logistics Clive Barrett said because the company already dominated the New Zealand market, opportunities for growth there were fast reducing.

In order to keep the momentum going, the focus has shifted across the Tasman.

"Owens see Australia as a great vehicle for achieving the company's growth objectives," Barrett says.

Owens Global Logistics provides international logistics services all around the world, and although it does not have its own operation in every country, an extensive world wide network of agents gives Owens its global reach.

The company covers all components of the supply chain, including shipping, container services, land-based transport and distribution, distribution centre management and warehousing, international logistics services (freight forwarding), and industrial equipment hire.

"Our involvement in these six key supply chain areas enables Owens to effectively manage our customers' global supply chain needs," Barrett said.

In relation to Australia, Barret says over the years Owens has slowly increased its involvement in the country to the point where it now has considerable critical mass.

"Much of the growth has come through acquisitions, but also through organic growth (increasing market share) and through the introduction of new products and services," he said.