Investec Property set to develop Makro’s major distribution centre

Investec Property set to develop Makro’s major distribution centre

FMCG SUPPLIER NEWS

Investec Property - Nov 29th 2011, 11:45

Makro’s distribution centre in Midrand, north of Johannesburg, is to undergo a massive refurbishment and development that will see the existing premises expand from approximately 16,000m² to 27 000m². Investec Property, a division of Investec Bank Limited and one of South Africa’s leading property operations has secured the development rights for the property.  

Makro, which operates within Massmart’s Masswarehouse division, required an expanded facility for its central distribution centre, ideally without having to relocate as well as being able to keep the facility fully operational during the construction period. Investec Property, through its relationship and engagement with the tenant and the existing owner of the property were able to provide a creative and entrepreneurial solution to meet the client’s exact needs.

The current distribution centre will be transformed into a modern facility and will include an additional 11,000m² of warehousing space. Improvements to the site will include an expanded yard area and a new perimeter ring road to facilitate more efficient vehicular movement. The fire control systems and sprinklers will also be upgraded during this process maintaining a strong focus on safety.

Commenting on the development, Investec Property’s David Rosmarin said: “We were able to provide a long term warehousing solution to accommodate Makro’s requirements. We are proud of our contribution to this important development for one of South Africa’s major retail groups.”

“We are pleased to have been able to secure our future in the existing facility in a cost effective manner, and look forward to the redeveloped facility becoming operational. It was particularly important for us that our current operating capacity was not compromised during the building phase, so that we can continue to ensure that our customers’ needs are met without interruption or unnecessary cost, helping to save them money,” said Doug Jones, Masswarehouse Commercial Director.

The site is strategically located off Allandale Road, with easy access onto the N1 Pretoria, M1 Johannesburg, R21 Kempton Park and N3 Durban Motorways. Construction has commenced on the facility which will be delivered by the end of July 2012.