NEWS
Grainovation’s new Managing Director Johan Peens (centre), with Japie Hattingh – Contract Manager External (left)
and Johann Roux – Operations Manager (right).
Military precision bug
bites Grainovation
Grainovation’s new general manager, Johan Peens was bitten by the logistics bug when
he joined the army and spent 7 years learning the intricacies of managing supply chains,
logistics and warehousing on a large scale.
By Marlon Abrahams
Senwes Scenario Editor-in-Chief
“A
fter school I did my basic
training in the military and
thereafter I was posted
to the logistics division. It
was also during this time that I completed
my B.Com in Logistics through Unisa.”
He joined the Grainovation team in
December 2018 after a 5-year stint as
general manager of the Agri-division at
Barloworld Transport. “And before that I
was at Unitrans, for about six years, also
involved in the logistics and transporting
of animal feed and poultry,” says Johan.
Johan admits that a move from
Johannesburg to Klerksdorp could be
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SENWES SCENARIO | AUTUMN 2019
considered a big step. “But the challenge
of managing a business that is its own
entity was irresistible. Grainovation is
owned by Senwes and Imperial Logistics
in a 50/50 partnership and logistics are
what we do. Essentially it was this chal-
lenge that tipped the balance in terms of
my decision to accept the position, and
of course being on the other side of the
supply chain.”
Grainovation is head-quartered in
Klerksdorp and has a fleet of 41 vehicles
transporting 30% of the 170 000 tons they
move on a monthly basis. The remainder
is done by their brokerage department by
road (sub-contractors) and rail deliveries.
“Our short-term goal is the optimal allo-
cation of our fleet, while in the long term,
the plan is to grow the business and the
Grainovation brand with more external vo-
lumes,” says Johan
“The logistics market is very price sensi-
tive, but I believe we have an edge with
regards to efficiency and being able to
deliver what we’ve promised and making
deliveries on time. Our vehicles are of a
very high standard and are impeccably
maintained. In addition, the vehicle ser-
vice centres have a national footprint,
which makes repairs and maintenance
turnaround times very efficient.”
For more information about Grainovation’s
logistics solutions call 018 464 7154
now!