GAC Dubai, a leading provider of shipping, logistics and marine services, has broken ground on the site of its newest contract logistics facility in Dubai South, UAE.

The facility will bring its total capacity to more than 200,000 pallet positions serving customers active in the local and regional markets.

Construction of the three-chamber warehouse and executive office complex in the Logistics District of Dubai South is due to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017, with operations expected to go live in January 2018. It will add to GAC’s existing contract logistics capacity and complements established facilities in the Jebel Ali and Dubai Airport Free Zones.

The ground-breaking ceremony was held in the presence of Ahmed Al Ansari, acting CEO of Dubai South, Joe Labaky from Amana Contracting & Steel Buildings, GAC group president Bengt Ekstrand and GAC Dubai managing director Stuart Bowie.

The new 72,900 pallet facility is designed to handle a diverse range of product categories including, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), food and beverage, plus healthcare and beauty products classed as dangerous goods (DG). It will offer an extensive range of Value Added Services to meet a wide range of customer requirements and international quality standards.

GAC has invested in the latest technology to equip the warehouse and supporting facilities with an environmentally-friendly district cooling plant, advanced building management systems, 100 per cent recycled water, LED lighting and solar power.

The facility is strategically located to take advantage of the modern transport infrastructure, with easy access to both Jebel Ali port and Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International airport.

“We welcome the GAC Group to the Dubai South family,” said Al Ansari. “Dubai South’s Logistics District is designed to optimise speed and efficiency for businesses and companies and has attracted the best-in-class global brands from the industry.”

“A multi-modal futuristic platform, the Logistics District, provides the ideal platform and integrated ecosystem for companies such as GAC to grow their networks of clients and prospective business partners, as well as connect with key global markets.

 “A strategic offering designed to consolidate the Emirate’s position as a leading global logistical hub, our unique location offers seamless connectivity, opening a world of commercial opportunities for businesses. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with the GAC Group,” he added.

GAC group president Bengt Ekstrand said: “As the pioneers of Contract Logistics in this region, it is natural that we expand our existing footprint to include Dubai South. We are very confident in the future of both Dubai and Dubai South, and excited that our new high spec facility will allow us to meet the growth projections of our loyal customers and attract new ones.”

GAC opened the Middle East’s first distribution centre in Dubai in 1993. The 103,000-sq-m GAC Logistics Park is still one of the region’s largest and most advanced facilities. – TradeArabia News Service