SEKO, a global provider of supply chain solutions, including transportation, logistics and IT solutions, announced it has opened two new facilities in South Africa. The SEKO South Africa offices offer customized freight management, supply chain and customs clearance services and serve all of South Africa from Johannesburg and Durban.

The new operations have been launched by three experienced South African logistics professionals: Richard Mallabone, Managing Director, and fellow directors, Chandra Booysen and Samantha Bellaram, who have more than 65 years of experience working in senior management roles for leading multi-national logistics organizations in South Africa. SEKO South Africa offers a full range of logistics services that include air, ocean, brokerage, warehousing and distribution from its two locations, which include a 4,000 square meter warehouse facility close to Johannesburg International Airport.

Commenting on the launch of the new offices, Richard Mallabone said: 'It's one thing to talk about the global economy and a worldwide network, but SEKO in South Africa believes the real differentiator is to offer a global network owned exclusively by local partners. Our new operation is owned and run by South Africans and our key focus is to provide customized solutions for our customers. We are bringing a fresh approach to the market that truly embraces listening to what customers need and then working with them to find the right solution at the right price.

'It's about being flexible yet aggressive in finding the right product offerings and also making sure it's done quickly. Today customers are looking for solutions that suit their needs and, most importantly, give them a competitive advantage. In South Africa, SEKO can offer a global network for seamless supply chain services from upstream order management to freight forwarding and customs clearing through to warehousing and distribution services. Added to that, SEKO South Africa already complies with Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Legislation and has been certified as a Level 4 contributor with our sights set on Level 3 certification during 2009.'

'After rapid and extensive expansion in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas over the past six years, we are excited to begin expansion into Africa,' said William Wascher, President and CEO of SEKO. 'Importers and exporters will now have access to the same award-winning service and solutions that we have been offering to our customers since 1976.'