Case study / Warehousing
10 minute read
The partnership between Unitrans and bp Southern Africa (bpSA) is a testament to the power of long-term collaboration, where a shared commitment to growth and innovation has driven remarkable success. For over two decades, Unitrans has worked closely with bpSA, offering tailored logistics solutions through Castrol, that align with the unique challenges of the African market. By deeply understanding the client’s needs and continuously evolving to meet them, Unitrans has been able to create a flexible and dynamic logistics model that supports bpSA ongoing growth. This partnership has not only delivered operational excellence but has also empowered bpSA to thrive in an ever-changing landscape, showcasing the strength of partnering for progress.
The journey began with a thorough “route to market” study, which led to the centralisation of BP’s logistics network. Unitrans facilitated the opening of a new warehouse in Durban, closing several others across the country to streamline operations. This centralisation enhanced stock availability and service levels, setting a strong foundation for future growth. A key focus of this phase was a cultural shift, driven by the deployment of upgraded health and safety management systems. Health and safety became central to the transformation, ensuring both the workforce and operational environment were poised for success in a dynamic and evolving market.
With a strong foundation in place, Unitrans shifted focus to refining operations and improving cost efficiency. By optimising utilisation across national and shuttle transport (up to 34t per link), deploying targeted improvements in inventory management, and embracing a robust incident review process, Unitrans helped BPSA improve service delivery while managing spend.
Weekly toolbox talks and safety learnings became standard, fuelling a
“never to happen again” mindset. The results speak for themselves: stock accuracy now surpasses 99%, and delivery efficiency continues to improve.
A pivotal shift in the partnership occurred with the transition from a single-party warehousing model to a more flexible, multi-party system. This change allowed BP to enhance cost efficiency by sharing warehouse space with multiple clients, providing greater scalability and agility. By tailoring this solution to BP’s needs, Unitrans enabled the client to capitalise on the increased flexibility, adapting quickly to market demands and operational requirements.
After 15 years, the partnership saw the introduction of significant upgrades to BPSA facilities. Unitrans took proactive steps to refurbish the warehouse, ensuring that it remained state-of-the-art and fully capable of supporting BPSA evolving logistics needs. This included extensive improvements to both internal and external areas, as well as the introduction of sustainable energy initiatives. Unitrans implemented solar energy solutions, installed polycarbonate sheeting to maximise natural light, and upgraded the lighting system to energy-efficient LED technology, leading to a 30% reduction in electricity usage generating annual savings of over R5 million. These upgrades not only improved operational efficiency but also demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to sustainability.
To complement this, new forklift batteries were added to align with peak solar generation times, further reducing grid reliance. Waste management also evolved: with a limited waste stream, Unitrans still achieved 67.5% recycling year-to-date, and a total of over 2 tons of material recycled in 12 months.
Unitrans continues to lead in SHERQ (Safety, Health, Environment, Risk and Quality) performance at the BP HUB. Our positive outcomes are reinforced by:
Unitrans has embedded global best practices into BP’s daily operations with a suite of certifications. Each certification is more than a badge – it’s a signal of Unitrans’ ongoing commitment to BP’s compliance, governance, and ESG goals.
The partnership between Unitrans and bpSA is a powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration, tailored solutions, and a shared commitment to long-term success. Over two decades, Unitrans has consistently supported bpSA growth by adapting to the evolving needs of the business and delivering customised logistics solutions that drive efficiency and value. As the partnership continues to thrive, Unitrans remains dedicated to empowering BP’s future growth, with a steadfast commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability.
What ties these solutions together is Unitrans’ commitment to scalable, data-driven transformation in agriculture. Whether applying fertiliser or cutting cane, real-time insights and smart automation are empowering producers to grow more with precision.
This is innovation that unlocks the potential of the land. This is growth, reimagined.