MMI Logistics is going from strength to strength following its restructuring of last year and anticipates increasing market share as well as environmental ISO 14000 certification by 2001.

Over the last two years, MMI has implemented an ambitious human resource development initiative to enhance specialist skills. The company has developed a client-driven corporate culture, investing heavily in IT systems, which serve its current client base with enhancement features for future market needs. Its facilities are state of the art with a staff of 150, 65 of whom are permanently servicing clients in their respective markets.

MMI Logistics is considered to be one of the best supply chain providers in the Middle East, supplying supply chain solutions for leading brand owners in a host of market industries. It is also connected with Emirates Air Cargo for freight forwarding and regional services. As manager Mike Lee explained, "Our significant double-digit growth this year and increased market share are based on scalability, proven core competencies and serious investment in state-of-the-art networking facilities."

MMI Logistics delivers international supply chain management for market-leading clients. From its base in Jebel Ali it is one of the largest retail fulfillment operations in the Emirates with over 180 market deliveries per day. Software systems 'Sage' and 'EXE Technologies' have been deployed recently to further enhance shipment, delivery times, inventory control and online tracking. MMI Logistics has an ambitious vision and has invested in the necessary tools and human resources to meet and exceed its client expectations.

It might be surprising that a logistics company has involved itself in environmental assurance. However, the state-of-the-art facilities with air changes every 20 minutes, mobile phones, electric forklift trucks and modern commercial vehicles are indicative of a corporate culture where the greatest care is taken of all aspects of the business. To be the premier distribution machine in any market requires complex systems, expert management and a highly motivated workforce and this is something that MMI Logistics is achieving to the highest level.

A division of Maritime & Mercantile International (MMI), one of the oldest companies in Dubai, MMI Logistics has an international team of management and staff that is drawn from leading organisations around the world. Operations are supported by a process-oriented quality system that has been formally recognised with ISO 9002 certification.

MMI Logistics' new distribution centre, opened in 1997. It is one of the largest and most up-to-date facilities in the region. It has a round-the-clock operating schedule, handling a wide range of products across its 28,000-pallet-location facility in Jebel Ali.

"Gone are the days when consumers would make allowances for the rigours of the Middle Eastern climate. Product care throughout the entire supply chain is critical and MMI Logistics provides the highest standards of product-care security," the company says. The facility is temperature-controlled between 15 degrees C and 25 degrees C and humidity is managed by pressurised air ejection. Ideal storage conditions are provided for climate-sensitive goods even when the external temperatures exceed 45 degrees C and humidity reaches 90 per cent.

As a Jebel Ali facility, and being located in the heart of the re-distribution point in the Gulf, MMI Logistics has unparalleled access to excellent local, regional and international communication links.

"Our vehicle fleet, which ranges from 40-ft tractor trailer units to one-tonne delivery vans, offers an extensive network across Dubai and the Northern Emirates, enabling MMI Logistics to manage product movement from the factory gate anywhere in the world directly to the supermarket shelf.

"Our vehicles are insulated and temperature-controlled to meet the most demanding of product care requirements. Drivers are in constant contact with the Distribution Centre in order to facilitate highly efficient vehicle scheduling and to reduce delivery lead times to a minimum," the company says.

The company has put in place a well-established agent network to manage regional distribution overland or by sea, whilst air transport is handled through Dubai or nearby Sharjah. In addition to managing the supply-chain process and providing product care, the company carries out several other activities. It has the capability to reprogramme user displays for English or Arabic usage. It also undertakes co-packing, shrink-wrapping, labelling and insertion of items, all in high volumes and at short notice.

MMI Logistics responds to countries in the region that require inspection and testing to be carried out on specific items prior to import. It is able to arrange for certification in the minimum time and with a minimum of administrative inconvenience. "With our long history of operating in the UAE, MMI's understanding of the local customs and excise regulations and municipality requirements is second to none," says the company.