Rand Transport makes solid contribution to parent company AHG as it prepares to open new facilities
By Rob McKay | August 23, 2010
Rand Transport was a solid contributor to parent Automotive Holdings Group, which record net profit after tax (NPAT) of $60.3 million for the financial year past.
Revenue for AHG’s logistics division, of which Rand is part, rose $400,000 or 0.1 percent to $382.3 million.
Managing Director Bronte Howson says it is an exciting time for Rand, which will open a new Melbourne distribution and cold storage facility on September 20, while its new Brisbane facility is due to open in December.
“The new Melbourne facility will have an immediate impact, relieving pressure on our Sydney operation which is experiencing sustained high customer demand and running at near capacity,” Howson says.
“The new Melbourne facility will also be fully operational for Rand’s peak pre-Christmas period while the construction of the Brisbane facility continues and will be opened later in the financial year.
“Together the two operations will increase Rand’s storage capacity by more than 50 percent to 66,000 pallets from 42,000 pallets currently.”
Howson says the other parts of AHG’s business, AMCAP and KTM delivered consistent revenue and profits in tough market conditions.
Its Genuine Truck Bodies and engineering businesses were “consistent”, while the latter two are “anticipated to improve following ease of supply issues”.
“Logistics will benefit from the contribution from Rand Transport as its new facilities come on stream,” Howson says.
“We will also continue to assess potential acquisitions and pursue those that complement our current portfolio and meet our strict acquisition criteria.”