Global logistics services provider Maersk has opened a new ‘technology-driven’ warehouse with a footprint of more than 16,000m² in Douala, Cameroon.
Douala was chosen for the site due to its suitability for moving cargo in and out of one of the country’s key ports, which also serves as a gateway to several other markets within Central Africa.
According to Maersk, a rapid expansion of the middle-class population in the region has led to a growing demand for fast moving consumer goods (FMCG).
The Port of Douala handles more than 70% of imports into Cameroon. The logistics company felt there was a gap between the demand and supply for modern warehouse & distribution (W&D) facilities that can provide the additional capacity needed in this market.
Maersk therefore decided to invest in a technology-driven site equipped with a warehouse management system (WMS), which forms part of its logistics expansion in Southern West Africa, to be scaled up according to customer demand.
Providing more than 8,000 pallet positions, the new facility is suited to dry warehousing and distribution with a focus on deconsolidation and fulfilment.
As a bonded facility, the facility will also be used to store cargo in the customs clearance process, in addition to value-added services at this facility, such as palletisation, packing and kitting.
The WMS will provide customers with real-time visibility of their inventory, including full traceability using lot, batch and serial numbering to ensure efficient movement of goods, Maersk has said.
Technology is ultimately hoped to reduce waste and inventory errors for the company’s customers.
Maersk is a finalist for the first-ever Robotics & Automation Awards in the Industry 4.0 and Innovation in the Warehouse categories for its work with Dexory. Interested in attending this unmissable event for the robotics and automation sectors and networking with pioneers of the industry? Book your table now!
