Offering a wide spectrum of professional ship’s agency services, multi-disciplined Voigt Shipping operates as one of SA’s key logistics providers. Supply Chain Digital speaks with Tony Schillaci, Chief Divisional Executive, to find out more
Written by Jennifer Denby & Produced by Adiele Nazer
Having moved to Durban in 1981, Italian-born Schillaci has been extensively involved in the shipping industry ever since. He tells us more about the beginnings of Voigt eight years after having arrived in the South African city. “Voigt Shipping was formed when I moved over to the financial side of ship’s agency in December 1989 along with my good friend, the late Paul Voigt, Butch Preston and Robbie Gardner.” Today, the three men remain with the company, acting as senior management, leading a dynamic 94-strong team.
“We started in Durban with a relatively small operation, which has steadily grown over the years to a point where we have six branches covering all the ports on our coast, and an office in Johannesburg, which is the financial heart of the country,” he adds. These six strategically positioned locations, namely Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, Richards Bay, Saldanha Bay and East London, provide a widespread presence in the country, a presence which is only furthered through additional representation in Walvis Bay, Maputo and Beira under sub-agency agreements.
“So from humble beginnings we are now the largest non-liner ship’s agency business in South Africa,” he says proudly. In fact, the ISO 9001:2008 accredited company represents the US, UK, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, France and the Netherlands in this field; impressive accomplishments given its mere 20-year history.
SUPPORTING EXPANSION
In 2001, Voigt had reached a point where further growth was being limited by the financial resources available to its founding members, and so, in a strategic move, it combined forces with the world-class shipping and freight logistics firm, Grindrod Group. “The marriage has been a very successful and productive one. It has enabled us to grow the business substantially, particularly in the clearing and forwarding field, where we are very active major players in the import and export of minerals and agri-products.”
Now, Voigt is able to offer an extensive array of agency services provided to ship owners, operators and cargo principals. These include vessel husbandry, charterers agency, owners supervisory/protective agency, port authority liaison, procurement of provisions and stores, clearing and forwarding, overborder cargo management, heavy lift, break-bulk and bulk cargo operations, cargo and tally supervision, fresh water supplies, bunker supply co-ordination and oil sample testing and analysis, and landside arrangements for members of cruise or foreign navy vessels.
THE "PERSONAL TOUCH"
Voigt Shipping’s employment equity policy is something the firm strictly adheres to and, furthermore, as a member of the Grindrod Group, the company is wholly committed to a policy of equality through education, staff motivation, training and dignity. A commendable approach such as this ensures its people have the right skills to provide a strong base to aid future expansion of the business.
“We attribute our success to the culture we have developed of being entirely ‘hands on’ throughout the organisation and, indeed I, and my senior management, are available at any time for our clients should they need to discuss any problems with their vessels,” he says. “We have found that the personal touch is essential in this business in order to build relationships and trust with our clients.
“This same approach applies to our dealings with our staff in that they are part of the ‘family’ and are invited to give their input to improve our service levels at all times.” It is clear Schillaci recognises that training and development is extremely beneficial, if not vital, in supporting business growth, while simultaneously benefiting staff. He goes on to explain that training allows employees to feel more a part of the business and become better at their job, which in turn allows them to meet customers’ needs more effectively.
He continues, highlighting staff training as a “very important priority” in the firm’s operations and something that is fundamental, given the industry’s challenges. “We have instituted our own training programme,” he says. “It covers all aspects of business both academically and practically, over a three-year period. We have had our first four youngsters complete this programme recently to our immense benefit. We work very closely with schools and the Shipping Institutions. Our staff even lecture on the various subjects.”
By identifying that development is about helping employees grow and expand their opportunities, Voigt’s training processes are paying off, something that will keep the firm in good stead in the future.
LOOKING AHEAD
Although 2009 has been a challenging year for the industry worldwide and Voigt, with international trade and shipping volumes deeply affected, it has not endured the recession unscathed. However, Schillaci remains positive as the situation stabilises. “Gladly, we seem to be getting to the end of the down cycle. As a company, Voigt has weathered the storm pretty well and we will achieve our budgeted targets for the year, which were set at the time of the boom last year. These figures are roughly 10 percent up on 2008,” he says. As a result of staff development and an ability to endure challenging industrial trends, the firm looks set to climb to new heights as it builds on its current base. In terms of the future, Schillaci hopes success will continue, regardless of the current financial situation, as the company endeavours to grow from its strengths going forward.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
COMPANY NAME: Voigt Shipping
CDE: Tony Schillaci
OPERATIONS: Offers a wide spectrum of professional ship’s agency services
ESTABLISHED: 2001
EMPLOYEES: 94
REVENUE: R1.8 billion
www.grindrod.co.za/groupcompany/voigt_shipping
View Digital Corporate Profile of Voight Shipping in SupplyChain Digital January 2010