Kingston Wharves Limited diversifying operations

KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – The operations of shipping firm, Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL), are being further diversified to among other things, facilitate the management’s support of the Government’s ongoing mission to improve the ease of doing business in Jamaica.

Chief Executive Officer Grantley Stephenson, said this is being done under the latest phase of the entity’s transformation and expansion programme which commenced in 2015/16 and targets, among things, the delivery of maritime logistics services.

He pointed out that as a logistics service provider, KWL offers a full range of integrated warehousing, office and production solutions for businesses and consumers, “with a view to attaining a leading position in this market segment.”

The extent of services, Stephenson outlined, includes warehousing and inventory management; product re-packaging, labelling and assembly; warehouse rental arrangements; and picking-packing inventory control and distribution for local and international clients.

He advised that KWL’s total logistics facility, comprising 160,000 sq ft of space, is expected to be fully built out within the next two months, adding that “we have embraced the national initiatives to improve the ease of doing business by creating a portfolio of new or re-modelled high quality (services) that can allow businesses to immediately benefit from (provisions under) the Special Economic Zone legislation and thereby bring business to Jamaica.”

Meanwhile, Stephenson said plans are underway for KWL’s establishment of operations within an area of Tinson Pen in Kingston, that has been designated a special economic zone.

This, he said, will facilitate the supply of motor vehicles to the domestic market and later expanded to include a warehouse for spare parts.

He pointed out that as a special economic zone operator, KWL will have a “distinct advantage” as a port-centred zone, offering greater levels of efficiency and streamlined one-stop services.

He also highlighted work to expand port facilities utilised by KWL in order to accommodate larger ships, thereby enabling shipment of an increase in the volume of cargo anticipated from “new and diverse” business opportunities.