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United Container Depots (UCD), has moved from their depot location in Paarden Eiland to a larger premises in Beaconvale, Parow. The new premises boasts a container stacking area over 20 000m², warehouse space of 4 000m², dedicated controlled atmosphere (CA) gassing area for up to 4 trucks, 3 empty container handling machines, 120 reefer plug points as well as dedicated collection and drop-off truck lanes. With a laydown area double the size of their previous depot, the new depot is able to accommodate a capacity of over 3 600 TEU.

Andrew Sturrock, a member of the Grindrod Freight Services Executive said, “This is the first new site for UCD since we opened the depot in Paarden Eiland in the early 90’s. Over the years we have adjusted our business model from operating as a general purpose depot to now focusing on 60-70% reefer-orientated work. Having doubled our current capacity, we can now offer our customers a more streamlined system of container movement through the yard.”

Marcus Twine, CEO of SGM Technical commented, “The Paarden Eiland depot served us well  but we are excited about being able to offer our clients a more seamless, smooth processing of inbound and outgoing trucks. We have cameras recording all in and out-bound traffic with secure electrified fencing around the premises. There is also a larger workshop area now for container repairs and we will look at increasing our technical staff complement to service our growing depot.”

UCD are accredited warranty service agents for Star Cool, Daikin, Carrier and Thermo King reefer equipment manufacturers as well as agents for 3rd party CA suppliers Liventus and Purfresh in Cape Town and Johannesburg. All technicians are well trained and compliant in order to service the units on behalf of the manufacturers and customers. Bahlmann added, “UCD is proud to have a well-established footprint in added reefer services such as callouts, reefer monitoring, vessel spares deliveries and replenishment kits and reefer part sales, to name a few. Our reefer service in Cape Town is available 24/7/365 and our shift system allows our customers the peace of mind in knowing that someone is always available to attend to their afterhours reefer queries.” 

UCD currently has depots in Johannesburg, Gqeberha and Durban. UCD is also looking at acquiring another site in Durban in the near future. Using the Beaconvale model as a guideline for the new branch, we will adjust the site layout accordingly if required.

UCD is owned by Sturrock Grindrod Maritime (SGM) and, along with its sister companies Hesper Engineering, NovaMarine and SwiftNova Engineering make up the SGM Technical Division within Grindrod Limited. SGM Technical offers solutions ranging from marine safety equipment and servicing to steel/pipe fabrication, mechanical repairs as well as blasting and coating services to all types of vessels.

Issued by Grindrod Limited on behalf of its subsidiary, United Container Depots (UCD)