Ten years on, the GAC Group's Distribution Centre in Dubai is allocating to itself a much bigger role in line with the group's recently unveiled business plan, "Vision X - Global Reach."

The Distribution Centre, which experienced a record throughput of 3,000teu for March, 2003 - the highest volume attained since its establishment in 1993 - will have a 20 per cent increase in capacity by the end of this year.

GAC is also looking at introducing more specialised supply chain and value-added solutions, as well as expanding its logistics consultancy services, said the general manager of GAC Dubai's logistics division, Dag Bore.

Bore also said GAC would continue to upgrade its warehouse management system and implement process automation such as bar coding and scanning to remain competitive

Located in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, the GAC Distribution Centre offers end-to-end supply chain management solutions, including inbound logistics, warehousing, retail distribution and value added services. Started out as a 8,000sq m storage space, it has expanded six-fold to a 50,000sq m state-of-the-art facility today, housing inventory of more than 60 major corporations from diverse sectors such as retail, FMCG, automotive, and frozen food.

The Distribution Centre has more than 55,000 pallet positions, 108 loading bays and a 300-strong work force, making it one of the largest and most advanced third-party warehouse facilities in the Middle East.

"The 10th anniversary of our Distribution Centre offers a unique opportunity to reflect on our many past achievements. It also challenges us to look ahead and create a vision for continuing success for the future," said Bore. Bore said one of the significant milestones was the development of the facility's warehouse management system, which was specially designed to meet the region's regulations and customers' requirements. "Its dynamic system allows modification and customisation to suit new and varying business requirements. To help customers better manage their supply chain, customers can now have online, instantaneous access to information and reports about transactions and stock balances at any time, any place," he stressed.

The company also highlighted the development of its pan-Gulf road transport network operating 200 trucks per month and providing a dedicated range of services including the provision of temperature-controlled and dual compartment vehicles operating at varying temperatures.

The past decade has seen a diversification of GAC's target markets from specialising in the FMCG sector to include the handling of perishable food products, high-tech spare parts, and hanging garments. The increasing number of blue-chip accounts across a broad range of industries has contributed significantly to the Distribution Centre's revenue growth.

"The success of our 10-year-old Distribution Centre has required vision, careful business planning and research. Moving forward, a number of strategic initiatives will be implemented, in line with the Group's recently unveiled business plan, Vision X - Global Reach," said Bore. Vision X sets the framework for extending the Group's global presence while integrating and diversifying its range of services.

GAC Logistics is the freight forwarding and distribution division of the GAC Group, specialising in a comprehensive range of supply chain and logistics solutions. These include air and sea freight, warehousing and distribution, door-to-door transportation, project logistics, international moving and courier services.

The GAC Group (GAC) is the world's largest independent shipping and transport services provider, with over 200 offices worldwide.

Established in 1956, GAC's core business covers three core areas - shipping, logistics and marine services.

GAC employs more than 5,500 people worldwide. The GAC Group corporate head office is in Dubai.