Discount Retail Chain Boxer Superstores (owned by South African Pick 'n Pay) has opened its fourth distribution centre, based out of Polokwane as it looks to increase the support for the increasing presence the soft discounter in both Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The 15 000 sq metre centre is located in Koppiefontein and is a stone’s throw away from Polokwane International Airport. With 25 Boxer Superstores currently operating in Limpopo and 14 in Mpumalanga, the new distribution centre will play a key role in the direct supply and support of those stores and will welcome the future stores planned in those provinces. Logistics Head of Department for Boxer’s Inland Division Sibusiso Dhladhla said the new centre was a key moment for Limpopo. “The Opening of the Polokwane DC marks a key milestone for the Supply Chain which will enable Boxer to further expand in the Northern region. The opening comes at an interesting time as retail plans for the festive peak season. This means huge volumes, the benefit of having the stores in this region DC supplied will be massive and the frequency and service levels will ultimately benefit our end customer, the Boxer Superstore shopper, which is great,” he said. The new distribution centre has created 225 jobs across a range of roles. In addition to the 10,000 storage locations and 2,200 pick faces, there are 18 outbound doors for loading and 6 inbound doors for receiving. The Polokwane DC will exclusively use Lithium Ion batteries in its machinery. This translates to energy saving and reduced time needed to recharge as machinery requires only one battery for use and can be charged to full in 1.5 hours. Old lead acid batteries on the other hand required machinery to use 2 batteries, took up to 9 hours to charge and had to be taken out and removed from the machine each time. An array of world class safety and security measures feature throughout the centre including roof and in-rack sprinklers, hose reels, canisters, smoke detection systems, fire hydrants, Protection at rack ends and base protectors. “We are proud of our newest addition to the Supply Chain stable and excited about the future of Boxer Superstores in Limpopo and Mpumalanga,” said Supply Chain Executive Justin Galloway at the official opening.
See here for more: https://retailbriefafrica.co.za/boxer-expands-limpopo-reach-with-fourth-distribution-centre-opening-in-polokwane/
