The logistics forwarder Uni-Forwarding International contacted March at the end of July 2022 with a search for a new logistics warehouse.

At that time, UFI outsourced most of their logistics activities in Antwerp to a general service provider. This model was bursting at the seams due to strong growth and regularly caused a lack of flexibility. In order to facilitate further growth and to provide their customers with optimal services, a logical next step was to take control of the logistics activities themselves.

As an essential link for African mining, UFI manages global logistics flows and complex supply chain solutions for customers across the African continent from Antwerp. Good accessibility to the Antwerp port area was therefore essential.

Thanks to strong local knowledge combined with a data-driven approach, March was able to propose a number of on- and off-market logistics properties in a market plagued by scarcity within 24 hours of the first contact. In consultation with UFI, March Companion Raphael Veratti was able to compile a short list and organize the first visits.

After internal consultation, the site on the Steentijdstraat in Beveren appeared to come out on top. The building has an ideal layout with a small office and mezzanine, 10.5m clear height, 7 loading docks and a piece of outdoor storage for the heavy equipment that UFI stores and exports. The advantages of a sustainable building that meets today's standards and an optimal location in relation to the relevant port terminals for UFI's main shipping routes were the deciding factors.

Taking the plunge for UFI, March supervised further negotiations to reach a balanced agreement. Ultimately, the parties were able to reach a final agreement, after which UFI was able to be fully operational at their new site in Beveren within six months of the first contact with March.

Thanks to the smooth negotiation process and transparent communication with March, UFI was able to quickly decide to take up the additional storage space and further develop their activities.