The Jebel Ali Free Zone, created as part of the Dubai government’s commitment to the commercial development of the region, is the leading re-distribution point in the Gulf, with unparalleled access to excellent local, regional and international communication links.
This is an important consideration for foreign companies looking at opportunities in the region. Unfortunately the Middle East is often perceived as being unsophisticated and lacking the technology readily available in the West. These perceptions are now outdated. Jebel Ali Free Zone is one of the few ports around the globe with ISO 9002 accreditation. Offering world class warehousing and distribution facilities and information systems Jebel Ali Free Zone is today one of the most successful Free Zones in the world.
There is an ever increasing demand from multi national companies around the world to source third party supply chain management providers for servicing this region therefore the perceptions of the Middle East operations being ‘second best’ must be addressed.
Potential companies wanting to enter the Middle East should not only be made aware of the advantages of using Dubai as a distribution hub, they should also be aware of the high standards offered.
In addition to the supply-chain competencies in Dubai, Jebel Ali Free Zone was ranked number 10 in the world in the container-handling league in 1998 thus giving customers total peace of mind.
There is regular ongoing development to meet global market requirements, and with its strategic location Dubai today has become an important hub for many multi national companies servicing the surrounding countries, including the Indian sub-continent and East African markets.
Value added services are a necessity due to the huge consumer demand and this is one area where multi national companies need to gain a competitive edge. Supply chain management services which add real time value are available to fulfill the markets needs.
These services are offered enabling a company to exploit a market opportunity or enable a product supply to match very closely with specific market requirements around the Gulf region. Such services are offered to assist in the increase of market share.
Local customs and excise regulations are issues also faced by foreign companies prior to the importation of goods. However, services arranging for certification with the least disruption and minimum of administrative inconvenience are available, guaranteeing a fast and effective clearance of goods. These services are based on an in-depth local knowledge and understanding of government requirements.
MMI Logistics distribution centre based in Jebel Ali Free Zone, is one of the largest and most up-to-date facilities in the UAE. With a floor area of 18,000 square meters and up to 28,000 pallet locations, it is able to handle a wide range of products and facilitate world-class service standards through around the clock operating schedules.
The entire facility is temperature controlled at specified temperatures and humidity is managed by pressurized air ejection. Ideal storage conditions can be provided for climate sensitive goods, even when the external temperatures exceed 45°C and the humidity reaches 90%.
Being located in Jebel Ali, at the heart of the leading re-distribution point in the Gulf, MMI Logistics has unparalleled access to excellent local, regional and international communication links.
Their vehicle fleet, which ranges from 40ft tractor trailer units to integral delivery vans are insulated and temperature controlled, to ensure that the highest standards of product care are maintained throughout the supply chain.
A well-established agent network is in place to manage regional distribution overland or by sea, whilst air transport is handled through Dubai, or nearby Sharjah.
MMI Logistics is ISO 9002 certified. Their Quality System forms an integral part of the way they operate and is fundamental to their drive toward continuous business process improvement.
Information management is critical to efficient supply chain operations. MMI Logistics has invested heavily in Information Systems and has designed its strategy around a combination of leading edge warehouse management applications and maximum flexibility of the remote connectivity solutions that are available to their clients. The website, mmilogistics.com also offers the advantage of real time information flow creating a competitive edge for its business partners worldwide.
MMI Logistics is one of seven distinct divisions of Maritime and Mercantile International LLC, one of the oldest and most established companies in the region that can be traced back to 1891 as Grey-Paul which changed to Grey Mackenzie in the 1960’s, which then transformed into MMI in 1982.
MMI has its roots in the shipping and trading business that forms so much of Dubai’s heritage and operating through seven distinct businesses MMI’s long history ensures it is ideally placed to maximize opportunities.
MMI Logistics is the backbone, providing world-class unparalleled service solutions to MMI Consumer and MMI Liquor who represent top FMCG groups. MMI Corporate Services and MMI Technology Solutions, two diverse industries offering innovative professional services and quality solutions to multinational companies, and two divisions within the service sector MMI Travel and MMI’s Leisure Retail, representing United Kingdoms leading coffee house, COSTA gulf wide.
Symbolizing controlled, planned development, MMI continues to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to the surrounding community and environment through the ISO14001 accreditation, maintaining the stability and ingenuity required to uphold its contribution to regional growth.
To this end, companies looking at entering the Middle East should be aware that Dubai has entered the new millennium along with the West and Far East, and has efficient services and technology that match and in some areas surpass them.
