$2.5m distribution centre set up in Rakiraki
A27-year-old businessman says despite his age, he is not scared rubbing shoulders with the big guns of brand distribution.
Amit Raj, son of businessman George Shiu Raj, launched his $2.5 million distribution service in Rakiraki.
The company, George Shiu Raj Investments (GSRI), named in his father’s honour, commenced operations in November.
Popular demand has propelled the expansion of the business, Mr Raj said.
Over the next six months, business expansion plans are expected to roll out to the tune of $15 million.
“We are all about premium quality at reasonable prices,” Mr Raj said.
The enterprise imports confectionery to non-food items from countries such as:
Thailand,
Brazil,
China,
Turkey,
■ Indonesia,
■ Malaysia,
■ Philippines,
■ Australia, and
■ New Zealand.
Retailers that GSRI distributes to include:
■ Hansons in Makoi,
■ Tara’s in Nausori,
■ Max Val-U,
■ Nands Supermarket,
■ and soon, Shop N Save, he said. George Shiu Raj Investments currently imports a 20-foot container each month, which contains a range of goods including diapers, a variety of cooking oil, sauces and dried plum.
Mr Raj said the monthly import was distributed to his retailers in the quickest turn around time to ensure their shelf-life with retailers were maximised.
In that manner, any question of expiry date is eliminated, Mr Raj said.
“For instance, peanuts - it is so rare to get good quality ones,” he said.
“If we ordered a 40ft consignment of canned peanuts, it might take forever to get them off the shelves.
“We ensure retailers are getting
good quality, and that their customers aren’t complaining.
“At the end of the day, they are the ones who put money in the bank.”
Mr Raj was pleased with public response to his business.
The success of his business operations are reflected in the sell-out of certain products, such as Chi Kool diapers which GSRI recently introduced.
The enterprise will introduce other brand items such as Royal C powder beverage, high-end lollies, and sweets from Turkey.
$5million mall
In the meantime, Mr Raj is working on plans to construct Rakiraki’s first fully air-conditioned mall. The construction of the $5 million investment is expected to commence early February as demolition on the proposed site is scheduiled towards the end of this month.
The proposed site for the mall is at Nandans Shop,which burnt down early last year.
The mall will feature:
■ two floors,
■ a supermarket on the ground floor,
■ an escalator to the top floor,
■ a food court, and
■ department store.
Mr Raj said Tulsi Construction has won the tender to construction the mall, with work expected to complete in 14 months.