Schmidt ME Logistics, specialist in packaging, product handling and intermodal transportation of dry bulk products, is expanding in the UAE by establishing a dry bulk logistics centre at Khalifa Port’s industrial, trade and logistics zone - Kizad.

Groundbreaking for the new 21,000 sq m facility was officiated by Dr Wolfgang Hoppmann, the firm’s chief executive officer, along with senior representatives from both Schmidt and Kizad.

The firm, which also provides value-added services to include patent technologies exclusive to Schmidt Logistics, will cater to the dry petrochemical and mineral industries across the region and internationally, said a statement.

The new dry bulk logistics centre will be the company’s second branch in the UAE, it said.

The construction will be conducted in two phases, the first encompassing 2,000 sq m of warehousing which will be used to store dry material and provide product-handling services. The second phase entails construction of additional silos, truck parking facilities and full road transport services.

The finished site will include quality management services, cleaning services, a repair shop and a service station. 

Schmidt ME Logistics will also provide transport services for dry bulk products, pack dry bulk goods into maritime containers and manage overseas long haul and short sea transport to end-user locations. 

It will offer warehousing, silo bunker storage, container storage and palletised warehousing, bagging and de-bagging services.

Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “Today, Schmidt ME Logistics is one step closer to securing the business advantages that benefit investors locating in Khalifa Port’s trade and logistics zone. 

“Logistics connectivity and greater trade facilitation are, in essence, tools to further increase the nation’s prosperity. The supply chain connections available through Khalifa Port and the exceptional transport infrastructure allow investors to receive materials and reach customers and markets quickly, easily and cost effectively securing the competitive advantage. 

“Kizad now has more than 70 investors who benefit from its outstanding access to markets, and at least 10 of them will be fully operational by the end of this year.”

Dr Hoppmann said: “Established transportation infrastructure is necessary to support the growth and success of Schmidt ME Logistics in serving the distinctive needs of our existing and prospective customers.

“The proximity to Khalifa Port and ready availability of supply chain connections will increase the speed in which we deliver our services, expand our reach and ease the complexity that is usually faced with distribution networks, allowing us to continue providing quality services as well as delivering on-time and safe transportation and cost effective strategic logistics solutions.”

Schmidt opened its first subsidiary in the Arab region in January 2013 in Dubai.

In addition to extensive consulting services for the local chemical industry, Schmidt is now in a position to directly provide its extensive know-how in the construction of logistics centres and designing of outsourcing contracts, the company says.

“Furthermore, transport services for bulk goods including decanting from maritime containers into bulk goods equipment are being realised.”