Since its inception, Takealot Group has created 20,000 direct jobs and over 13,000 indirect job opportunities.
E-commerce giant Takealot has invested in building what it describes as a “state-of-the-art distribution center” at The Brickworks development in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
Takealot Group, South Africa's largest e-commerce provider, said its new distribution center is poised to create thousands of jobs in the province.
Investec Property, a subsidiary of Investec Bank, is redeveloping the old brick manufacturing site into an industrial park called The Brickworks. The development is located between Riverhorse Valley and Umhlanga within the eThekwini metropolitan area, within a 157-hectare business and logistics park.
The first phase of the Takealot distribution center development will cover approximately 43,000 square meters, with a further 20,000 square meters set aside for future expansion.
According to the company, the distribution center was built using environmental and energy-saving technologies, including solar power generation and optical sensors, water-saving sanitary ware, and reflective sheets on the roof to optimally manage warehouse temperatures. It is said that there is
Installing translucent panels on the side of the building allows natural light into the warehouse, reducing the need for artificial lighting. It further states that the construction of underground attenuation tanks provides a long-term solution to reduce the effects of flooding during heavy rains.
At today's Takealot development launch, Mamongae Mahlare, Executive Chairman of Takealot Group, commented: Small and medium-sized enterprises.
“The new facility will also enhance same-day and next-day delivery and collection capabilities for Takealot shoppers in and around the KZN region. I believe that the impact will be significant.”
Brickworks is one of SA's logistics hubs and is expected to be a future growth area. More than 20,000 jobs are expected to be created through Phases 1, 2 and 3 of Brickworks, according to independent development researcher, analyst and facilitator Dr Jeffrey McCarthy.
“Our collaborative partnership through eThekwini's innovative City 'One Stop' Catalyst Projects unit has enabled us to unlock this strategic site,” said David Rosmarin, co-CEO of Investec Property.
“We have made great progress over the past two years and Takealot Group has been with us for much of that journey. This technologically advanced distribution center, designed specifically for major e-commerce providers, , reflects our confidence in our vision to take supply chain efficiency to the next level.”
Also speaking at the Take-A-Lot development presentation, eThekwini Metropolitan Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda emphasized the national impact of the project:
“This is a story of value creation by two of our country's leading companies and their commitment to future value creation. South African brands are proudly choosing to create and operate from this connected space. It gives us a reason to celebrate.
“This business and logistics park has been confirmed as an economic enabler not only for our region but also for the wider South African market.”
With multiple distribution centers in Cape Town and Johannesburg, Takealot Group started with 24 employees in 2011 when it launched its online retail business, Takealot.com. Since then, it has grown to create approximately 20,000 direct jobs and over 13,000 indirect job opportunities.
Construction of the KZN Takealot distribution center is expected to be completed in July and operational by October.
