Aramex, previously Fastway Couriers, are a leading parcel delivery provider, part of Aramex a global provider of comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  Their network includes 29 regional franchises and over 800 franchise partners across the country from Cairns to Perth and almost everywhere in between.

Challenge: Following record growth throughout the ‘covid period’, Aramex had substantially outgrown their Brisbane headquarters of over 25 years, based at Hendra.  They faced both capacity and worker safety challenges, as well as future growth forecast challenges.  Anthony canvassed this business following other successful projects for similar transport businesses, identifying an industry that was suffering from capacity challenges following unforeseen growth.  It was immediately identified that a whole of project solution was required, an hence Anthony engaged with other service providers including tenant representation, building design and configuration specialists and ultimately project management specialists to deliver a tailored solution for Aramex.

Solution: Aramex ran an extensive brief with a target expansion size of 26,000sqm, with a geographical reach of approximately 20 radial kilometres from their existing Hendra location.  The brief focussed upon a tailored building solution with a specific column grid layout to maximise internal efficiencies which required manouvring spaces for vans, as well as addressing the significant hardstand issues at their current site which constrained truck loading and unloading.

 Here’s the process we undertook to help Aramex address their challenges:

1. Needs Assessment: As part of a wider team, an in-depth analysis of Aramex’s current and future logistics requirements was undertaken. Leading building consultant Tim Edwards from Bolster Property was engaged to assist with design and specifications, ensuring like for like proposals could be obtained from the market which met with the requirements of Aramex. 
2. Market Research: The team researched the core geographic market thoroughly to identify available properties that met Aramex’s specifications. This led to twelve potential options being identified within a 20 kilometre radius from their existing site and seven proposals being received that were worthy of futher consideration.
3. Property Selection: After careful consideration of the available options, four identified properties were shortlisted, further refined to two shortlisted opportunities.  The team providing detailed reports on each property’s features, advantages, and potential drawbacks.
4. Negotiation and Due Diligence: Anthony took the lead in negotiations and leveraged a long term 20 year plus relationship with Brisbane Airport Corporation, ensuring Aramex secured favourable terms, but more importantly, secured the property amidst exceptionally difficult development conditions, highlighted by record inflationary pressures in the construction sector.

Results: Thanks to the comprehensive brokerage services provided, Aramex were able to secure a high quality purpose built facility which is being tailored to suit their requirements.  This facility includes full drivearound access, a super awning loading area (30 metres wide undercover), specific column grid layouts to maximise internal efficiency and a high focus on sustainable building guidelines.  The location is highly relevant to a parcel distribution business and was only 3 kilometres from their existing site, ensuring continuity for their 300+ courier providers.

The key outcomes and benefits of this collaboration included:

• Strategic Location: Aramex’s new warehousing and paint facility is only 2.9km by road from their existing site, enabling the business to enhance its supply chain efficiency, reducing transportation costs and delivery times.  Importantly there are multiple ingress and egress points to the Brisbane Airport, protecting the business from any unforeseen road incidents which may affect their business operations.
• Timing: By moving through a design and construct process, delivery timing of a new deal was able to be tailored to ensure best timing fit for Aramex.
• Operational Efficiency: The new facility has been tailored to provide maximum efficiency for Aramex, with specific attention to maximising internal efficiency and external loading areas, along with ensuring full weather protection.  Systems including building management and security systems were a key focus.

Conclusion: Anthony’s long term relationship with Brisbane Airport Corporation proved instrumental in securing Aramex a purpose built facility which met their strategic objectives.  Likewise engaging with other leading market experts helped to harness the power of a strategic delivery team for Aramex, ensuring a best in class result for their business.