Dubai Logistics City (DLC), part of the Dubai World Central (DWC), has licensed its first logistics operator to commence operations this month.

RSA Logistics DWC, a Dubai-based logistics company, has completed the construction of its 25,000 sq m distribution centre in a record time of 12 months.

DWC is a 140 sq km urban land development in South West Dubai.

Strategically located within DLC’s contract logistics area – in close proximity to DWC-Al Maktoum International Airport, and built on a 65,000 sq m plot, RSA Logistics’ facility is equipped with 26,585 pallet positions, said a statement.

The 21.5 sq km Dubai Logistics City is part of Dubai Government’s overall 2015 strategy to enhance the emirate’s transport and logistics services and capitalise on its geographical location to make Dubai a regional hub for logistics.

“The fact that the first company to commence operations at DLC is a home-grown logistics organisation speaks of Dubai’s initiative to take a lead in all business sectors,” said Rashed Bu Qara’a, chief operating officer, Dubai Aviation City Corporation.

“The opening of RSA Logistics’ facility is a first step for DLC in becoming a multi-modal logistics hub, not just for the UAE but for the entire wider region.

“Our success is measured by the substantial number of international logistics companies that have signed up and are constructing their respective facilities at DLC and during this year we will announce their individual openings,” Bu Qara’a added.

RSA Logistics’ Distribution Centre will capitalise on DLC’s multi-modal integrated logistics approach and easy accessibility to the DWC-Al Maktoum International Airport, the Jebel Ali Port – the world’s seventh largest container port, and extensive road networks that serve both the UAE and nearby GCC states.

“RSA Logistics’ DLC facility will maximise the use of all sea, air and land movements as it will ensure minimal cargo movement and result in a reduction of unnecessary transportation costs,” explained Kirit Mehta, director for marketing of RSA Logistics.

“Paramount is its strategic location which will serve our target markets of the upper Gulf and Africa since Dubai is an important gateway to these markets.

“We will be capable of offering a number of value-added services beyond the traditional warehousing and fulfilment services such as packaging, re-packing, assembly, inspection and quality control. All our warehouse facilities will use a warehouse management system with dynamic administration of bin locations. Such advanced application manages all warehousing processes, including receiving, put-away, replenishment, picking, packing, labelling and shipping.”

The design features of the RSA Logistics’ facility include: CFS and Bonded facility, web-enabled inventory management systems, support complete stock management, supply chain visibility,  the latest mechanical handling equipment for advanced logistics and warehousing management systems, capabilities to manage storage and handling of sensitive and other valuable products including project cargos, consolidation, air freight and local distribution.

Mehta said RSA Logistics’ future expansion plan includes the construction of a temperature-controlled facility. – TradeArabia News Service