Logistics company invests in new warehouse
FIJI needs to entice more investment, improve customer service delivery and raise its skill sets to align itself with the growing global business industry.
This was highlighted by Bill Gibson, founder of Australian family-owned logistics company Gibson Freight at the opening of its new warehouse in Nadi on Wednesday.
“There is a need for great investment and a greater need for skill sets in Fiji, especially in business and how people, clients and suppliers deal with their investment and products,” Mr Gibson said.
“We are all part of the global market and Fiji is no longer an island.
“It’s part of the global economy and as such, we must all rise to that occasion.
“And for us, we are putting our family money towards achieving that skill sets.”
The company relocated its Nadi International Airport and Lautoka sea port operations to a new 2000 square metre facility at the recently completed Voivoi Industrial Estate adjacent to Nadi International Airport.
It comprises 250sqm of office, 750sqm of warehouse and 1000sqm of hardstand area.
“This building represents a physical capability to do that without having to subcontract, however, there are many more freight companies both local and global and I am prepared to make an investment.
“If everything is subcontracted, there is no investment so that is what makes this building different from the others.
“We do have global networking all over the world and this gives us the ability to cut through all the bureaucracies that are built in other companies.”
The family-owned business’ enormous contribution to the Fijian economy began 30 years ago in the garment industry.
Mr Gibson added that Fiji had developed extensively in the past 30 years and his organisation was well ahead after maintaining a well-structured business from the onset.