Following the global success of their predecessors, the Middle East is producing a new generation of 3PL company with ambitions for market domination.

Global Shipping & Logistics (GSL) has…

• Invested over Dhs150 million developing its flagship warehousing complex at Dubai Investments Park, with four facilities now operational another two being planned for the end of the year.
• Been certified in four different categories by the International Standardisation Organisation (ISO).
• Implemented the Manhattan Associates warehouse management system
• Previously handled the inhouse logistics operations of its parent company, the Al Shirawi Group
• A customer base that includes the likes of Baskin-Robbins, Coldstone Creamery, Kraft and Federal Foods

Capitalising on the Middle East logistics industry’s unprecedented growth, companies such as Aramex, Gulf Agency Company (GAC) and Agility have successfully evolved from small-time players into global powerhouses, competing with the biggest names in the world. To realise their dreams, of course, has taken a skilful combination of industry foresight, entrepreneurial spirit and cust-omer understanding, which are factors these companies have proudly displayed in abundance.

In addition to the obvious benefits on their bottom lines, the success of these forefathers has also paved the way for future generations to walk down a similar path and emerge as the region’s latest success story. Although competition is fierce, and becoming fiercer thanks to the global recession, the latest entrants in the Middle East 3PL sector have the unconcealed confidence that is paramount when it comes to thriving under pressure.

Making its own breakthroughs in the logistics industry, Global Shipping & Logistics (GSL) crossed a milestone this year after being certified in four different categories by the International Standardisation Organisation (ISO).

The company, which provides warehousing and transportation services in Dubai, has successfully completed the qualification process for ISO’s environment management system (EMS), quality management system (QMS), occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) and hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP).

“I understand that a very limited number of logistics service providers in this region have received all four of these standards, which makes this a major achievement in our company’s history,” explains Khalid Al Shirawi, executive director of GSL.

The certifications have reinforced a continued period of growth for GSL, which might be considered a newcomer in the logistics fraternity, but benefits from over 35 years of experience in numerous different industries from its parent company Al Shirawi Group. The company has invested over $40.8 million developing its flagship warehousing complex at Dubai Investments Park, with customers already including global brands such as Baskin-Robbins, Coldstone Creamery, Kraft and Federal Foods. A host of other clients will be added this year following the construction of two distribution centres in Dubai Investment Park, doubling the number of GSL’s facilities at the business complex.

“We now have two temperature-controlled and two cold storage units at Dubai Investment Park,” adds Al Shirawi. “Everything has been built and we should be commissioning the two facilities very soon.”

Highlighting the unique characteristics that differentiate Maxx Logistics from GSL, which in turn is providing a completely different service to the likes of Liberty Logistics and Momentum Logistics, it appears each newcomer has opted to tread a different path. However,  by sharing a common goal to rapidly develop their operations and compete for a larger share of the market, this generation is certainly on track to raise standards within the Middle East logistics industry to even greater heights.

Original News Source:
ArabianSupplyChain.com

http://www.arabiansupplychain.com/article-2178-generation_next/

About Global Shipping and Logistics (GSL)
Global Shipping & Logistics (GSL) is a part of the 6000 employee-strong, UAE based, Al Shirawi Group - Oasis Investment Company (OIC) LLC. Since GSL’s inception in 1975, the company has become a leading logistics provider within UAE offering temperature-controlled and ambient storage facilities and a range of freight management and local warehouse & distribution solutions.

The Al Shirawi Group has grown into one of the Middle East region's largest business houses with diverse interests in manufacturing, engineering, trading, marketing, distribution, contracting, and the service industry. Products and services include steel and metal fabrication, contracting for air conditioning, refrigeration and water proofing, interior decoration for commercial complexes and showrooms, printing, plastics, technical services, electronics and computers, trucks and heavy engineering products, and industrial, consumer and food products.

From its origins as a trading and contracting company, OIC's scope has broadened to encompass a cross section of products, services and industries, with the backing of its traditional strengths in trading. This places OIC in a perfect position to bridge the technology gap, bringing the best possible global resources to the doorsteps of regional countries. The Group has the unique distinction of securing partnerships with more than 100 multinational companies for technical licensing, distribution, servicing and/or trade representation.

For more information about GSL, please visit www.gsldubai.com or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .