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Somasroy Chakraborty

To invest in logistics space creation, supply chain management

Kolkata June 8 Retail giant Wal-Mart is strengthening its ties with India. The UK-based logistic space (warehousing and others) provider, Gazeley Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wal-Mart, is now planning to set foot in India as early as in July-August this year, industry sources said.

Gazeley holds 12 per cent share of the UK logistic space market and will be the second global logistic player to enter the Indian market after Pro Logis of the US. The latter is a major player in supply chain distribution services.

When contacted, company officials from Gazeley's UK office confirmed the development.

"We are looking at India and have plans to set up office in Delhi," an official told this correspondent. However, the official declined to divulge further details including investment plans in India.

Sources, however, confirmed that the UK major had firm plans to invest in logistics space creation and supply chain management in India.

According to sources, the UK Development Director of Gazeley, Mr James Behrens, may be in charge of the Indian operation. Mr Behrens was not available for comment.

Serve other retailers

The sources said that apart from supporting the Bharti-Wal-Mart retail plans, Gazeley is expected to offer services to other retailers in the country. The company is also expected to take up developmental projects at airports, ports and railway stations in India.

Growth in demand

"Currently, the Indian logistic market is fragmented and consists of local companies and government-owned small distribution units.

"It is obvious that global logistic players like Gazeley will target the Indian market as the entry of global retail giants such as Wal-Mart will eventually increase the demand for modern distribution and logistic facilities in the country," an industry source said.

The proposed entry into India is in line with Gazeley's plans to have a presence in the emerging markets and follows the company's recent foray into China.

Performance

According to information available on the Web, the company has developed more than 50 million sq ft of distribution warehouse and industrial space for international companies and third-party logistic providers since its inception in 1987.

Besides the UK, the company has presence in France, Belgium, Spain, Germany and Italy in Europe.

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