PT GAC Samudera Logistics (GSL), a 50:50 joint venture between GAC and Samudera Indonesia Group, has officially opened Phase IV of its warehouse and distribution centre in Lippo Cikarang, Indonesia. With the 15,000-square-metre (sqm) Phase IV extension, the facility now has an area of 36,000 sqm and 60,500 pallet positions, making the company one of the largest third-party logistics (3PL) providers in the country. The facility is also the largest single-unit distribution facility in the whole GAC group.

Based in West Java's largest industrial area 45km away from Jakarta Airport, the distribution centre has been designed to provide cost-effective warehousing solutions on a 'pay by use' basis, where customers pay for the space used month-to-month, with no fixed costs, providing flexible storage solutions based on seasonal demand or market fluctuation. The custom-built facility is equipped with a docking area, canopy, finger dock, generator set, dock leveler and parking, avoiding the bottlenecks and delays common at leased facilities in the area. An average of over 100 trucks are dispatched from the distribution centre to more than 120 destinations every day.

Bj'rn Engblom, Group Co-Chairman of global shipping, logistics and marine services provider, GAC Group, commented: 'Our growth here in Cikarang has been built on the needs of our customers. We have listened to them and then taken action to fulfil their wishes. Their faith in our services has allowed us to grow so we can continue to serve their needs as the markets here expand. With our partners, our customers and our people working together, we have a bright and profitable future to share.'

Masli Mulia, President Director of PT. Samudera Indonesia Tbk said: 'I had this dream in the 90s - to own a big, modern and state-of-the-art distribution facility in Indonesia. When we had the groundbreaking in 2002, I knew it was no longer just a dream. And here I am today, standing beside this magnificent building, and I can proudly declare, my dream has come true!'

'For this, I have many people to thank, but I would like to specially mention two of them - two visionary leaders. Without them, there would be no GSL, and this distribution facility would not have been built. I would like to pay my tribute to the late Lennart H'glund of GAC, and David Musgrave of Tibert and Briton. I still have photos of the three of us in my office, and I fondly remember ourselves as the three musketeers of GSL,' he added.

Hari Krishnan, Managing Director of GAC Samudera Logistics, commented: 'The Phase IV extension will enable us to cater for the organic growth of our existing long term customers, providing them with end to end logistics solutions in the most cost effective way.'

'Phase IV has brought the developments in Cikarang to a close, but I have no doubt that GSL will continue to grow beyond its strategic locations in Cikarang, Medan and Surabaya. We look forward to seeking like-minded customers whom we can work with to achieve synergistic growth,' he added.

The Phase IV extension was officially opened at a VIP ceremony at Cikarang, with Bj'rn Engblom, Masli Mulia and Hari Krishnan unveiling a plaque and leading guests on a tour of the facility.