As a major player in the South African global supply chain market, the company has been in business for nearly 100 years and employs 1 100 people with branches in all the major ports of the country. It specialises in certain industry verticals, namely Telecommunications, Hi-tech, Automotive, Pharmaceuticals, Oil and Gas, FMCG and Mining. With a blue chip base of multinational clients, Safcor Panalpina works closely with global partner, Panalpina World Transport Group, with whom it has been in partnership for over 34 years. The Panalpina Group operates a close-knit network with over 500 branches in 90 countries. In a further 60 countries, it operates closely with partner companies.

With speed and security being two critical success factors in the demanding and highly competitive supply chain management environment, Safcor Panalpina’s 15,500 square metres, state-of-the-art logistics facility is situated adjacent to OR Tambo International Airport. This saves substantial supply chain costs through a faster flow of traffic than conventional warehouses and incorporates the highest security measures. Benefiting both large and smaller clients, the logistics facility is designed to meet the demands of the current operating environment and those well into the future.     

Safcor Panalpina is Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) “A” accredited which is the highest level of security. As a member of TAPA’s European, Africa and Middle East regions, it receives instant updates as incidents occur around the world. Its membership also gives the company the ability to measure its facilities against international best practice.

Supply chain management includes the management of information, business processes and logistic activities involved in the movement of goods. Importantly it also includes the co-ordination of communication between suppliers, the principal and the final customers. In applying its expertise, the company concentrates on designing differentiated solutions whilst focusing on quality, cost and delivery. From 0.4 of a kilo to 20 tons, flexibility is the key.

But it is not all about systems and processes. Rated among South Africa’s top 38 “Best Employers”, Safcor Panalpina views its employees as investors in the company. Recognising that employees are investing part of their lives, the company tasks itself with maximising its return and developing all its employees to their full potential. To be the top player in the supply chain industry means attracting and retaining the best people in the industry. Safcor Panalpina’s brand promise is “A global supply chain of seamless motion”. The company believes a good brand is a promise kept and it strives to keep the promise embedded in its brand.