Schmidt ME Logistics, a firm that specialises in packaging, product handling and intermodal transportation of dry bulk products, is set to build a dry bulk logistics centre at Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, at a capital investment of Dh20 million ($5.4 million).

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new 21,000-sq-m facility was held today (May 27) and was attended by Dr Wolfgang Hoppmann, the firm’s chief executive officer, along with senior representatives from both companies.

The firm, which also provides value-added service to include patent technologies exclusive to Schmidt Logistics, will cater to the dry petrochemical and mineral industries across the region and internationally, said a statement from the company.

The new dry bulk logistics centre is the company’s second branch in the UAE, it said.

The construction will be conducted in two phases - the first will include 2,000 sq m of warehousing which will be used to store dry material and to provide a range of product handling services; and second will include the construction of additional silos, truck parking facilities and full road transport services.

The finished site will include quality management services, cleaning services, a repair shop and a service station.  

Schmidt ME Logistics will also provide transport services for dry bulk products, will pack dry bulk goods into maritime containers, and will manage overseas long haul and short sea transport to end-user locations.  

It will offer warehousing, silo bunker storage, container storage and palletised warehousing, bagging and de-bagging services.

Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO - Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “Today, Schmidt ME Logistics is one step closer to securing the business advantages that benefit investors locating in Khalifa Port’s trade and logistics zone.  

“Logistics connectivity and greater trade facilitation are, in essence, tools to further increase the nation’s prosperity. The supply chain connections available through Khalifa Port and the exceptional transport infrastructure allow investors to receive materials and reach customers and markets quickly, easily and cost effectively securing the competitive advantage.  

“Kizad now has more than 70 investors who benefit from its outstanding access to markets, and at least ten of them will be fully operational by the end of this year.”

Dr Hoppmann said: “Established transportation infrastructure is necessary to support the growth and success of Schmidt ME Logistics in serving the distinctive needs of our existing and prospective customers.

“The proximity to Khalifa Port and the supply chain connections readily available will increase the speed with which we deliver our services, expand our reach and ease the complexity that is usually faced with distribution networks, allowing us to continue providing quality services as well as delivering on-time and safe transportation as well as cost-effective strategic logistics solutions.” - TradeArabia News Service