Al Madina invests in national distribution network

   Logistics services provider Al Madina Logistics Services, based in Oman, has announced plans to establish a network of distribution centers in cities across Oman, which the company believes will solidify it as one of the biggest supply chain management firms in the Persian Gulf country.
   Local media reports that DCs are planned for Sohar, Nizwa, Salalah and Duqm, but the company has not officially confirmed any locations. It’s expected the facilities will be similar to the company’s flagship DC in Barka, which supports more than 30,000 pallet positions in its 18,000 square-meter space.
   Al Madina said it will build itself out to resemble a third-party logistics company (3PL), with these new operational centers going live between now and the end of 2013. The company sees the current climate in Oman as one of growth and is expanding to meet an expected demand for warehousing space. It noted that retail spending, construction, and real estate investments are all on the rise, and expects these to be its new customers.
   Around Barka, the company noted in previous statements that the city is growing beyond the airport which has opened land to be used for DCs and warehouses. – Geoff Whiting