UAE-headquartered Truebell, a leading GCC importer of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), has opened a new state-of-the-art distribution centre in Dubai Industrial Park (DIP), with full operations set to begin in October.
Strategically located with easy connectivity to Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport and the Expo 2020 site, the 25,000 sqm purpose-built, fulfilment centre, featuring over 700 sqm of green space, is the first of its kind in the Middle East.
The facility boasts cutting-edge technology in warehouse and fleet management systems including more than 20 specialised material-handling equipment, 21 multi-purpose loading bays and has the capacity to receive over 7,000 containers annually.
It also houses a test kitchen and bakery stocked with equipment suitable for creating new products.
Commenting on the opening of the new warehousing facility, Director Jitendra Gandhi, explained: “This state-of-the-art facility has been custom-designed and incorporates design and technology which will enable us to provide exceptional service and to deliver the freshest, top quality products to our customers.”
Comprising multi-temperature storage, the fulfilment centre can accommodate up to 21,000 storage locations, comprising of frozen, chilled and dry food as well as non-food retail items. The centre also boasts a dedicated area for third-party logistics (3PL) – with this service expected to be fully operational by May 2019.
In addition to being Truebell’s largest fulfilment centre, the facility is also environmentally-friendly, helping the company to reduce its overall carbon footprint.
Fitted with LED lighting to conserve energy and bailer and compacters to recycle and reduce waste, the warehouse also uses a 50% more-efficient ammonia-based refrigerant which can condense 6,000 litres of water a-day during peak operations. This water is then used for irrigation and for the maintenance of the facility.
Director Jitendra Gandhi said the new fulfilment centre will also significantly expand operational capabilities throughout the region. “The substantial investment that Truebell made in this outstanding facility emphasises our confidence in both the Middle East and North Africa as key growth regions – and regions that we will continue to invest in over the coming years,” he said.
Truebell’s expertise can be found across all five of the company’s business divisions, which include food, beverage, hospitality, supplies and retail duty free.
The company is a leading importer of over 10,000 speciality products from around the globe including Blue Dragon, San Miguel Foods, Nissin, Müller, Yakult, Kikkoman, Highland Spring, Riedel Glassware and 3M, as well as the world’s best-selling soft drinks and licensed beverage brands.