Al Shaya: move good for growth

Logistica (Al Rai Logistica Company), a leading niche market logistics provider based out of Kuwait, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Enkay Express, a regional freight forwarder with 26 years of operational expertise in the GCC region and the Levant.

The acquisition brings all freight forwarding activities of Naqeeb & Khattar in Kuwait and those of Enkay Express in Dubai, Bahrain and Syria under Logistica. The companies will now combine their core competencies under the ‘Enkay Express’ brand to provide customised and comprehensive supply chain management solutions in the expanding markets of the Gulf, Levant and North Africa.
Haitham Hamad Al Shaya, chairman, Logistica, indicated the move was part of his company’s long-term vision to specialise and grow across the emerging Mena region.
“Since our launch in 2004 it’s been our goal to serve clients’ intra-regional needs in the GCC, Levant and North Africa.  We know the market well and we aim to be regional leaders,” he said.
Commenting on the announcement, Wajih Baroudi, CEO Logistica, said: “The new company offers total solutions in supply chain management and provides focused regional services, including freight forwarding under the Enkay Express brand name.  Our role is to let clients concentrate on their core business while we personally take care of all logistics and supply chain needs.”
The company has already aggressively expanded in the region’s busiest hubs including Kuwait, Dubai and Bahrain where a highly competent team of specialists and trained staff offer innovative supply chain solutions, backed by the latest technology and heavy goods transport.  Logistica/Enkay Express will also launch this year in Oman and Qatar, where economic diversification is driving demand for supply chain management.
“From our extensive experience in working with almost all sectors of business and goods movement, we know that there is a huge demand for competent and cost-effective tier to logistics solutions in the region. Our resources, first-hand knowledge of the market and synergies with other service providers, put us in a good position to meet this demand and serve clients across this region,” Baroudi noted, adding that the company will continue to evaluate opportunities in other emerging markets.
The Logistica operations teams handle every phase of imports, exports and re-exports including customs brokerage, inventory management, packing and re-distribution, consolidation and breakbulk, and door-to-door service. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) capable systems and online links with all ports and airports also enable Logistica to assist customers with last-minute deliveries and provide round-the-clock shipment information.