IBHAYI CLEARANCE and Logistics, an Eastern Cape black economic empowerment company, has signed a three-year contract worth R20 million with Bridgestone Firestone. With an office on site at the Port Elizabeth plant, Ibhayi works closely with Firestone’s procurement department. “Our two main clients are the local factory and the Brits factory,” says owner Bruce Julie. “Brits are currently the most modern tyre manufacturing plant in Africa.” One of the value added services that Ibhayi offer Bridgestone is the re-palletting of the raw rubber compounds before delivery. Wood contamination can cause a loss in the structural integrity of the rubber, so the raw material is placed onto plastic pallets and re-wrapped before redistribution. They are also responsible for the local transport, warehousing and distribution of re-tread material for Bridestone’s Maxiprest outlets countrywide. Leftover plastic from the original packaging is recycled and this income is placed in a disaster fund which was established for the employees of Ibhayi. The company currently employs 20 permanent staff, as well as a number of casual labourers. Ibhayi also have a section of their warehouse set aside as a customs bond store. This enables them to temporarily store goods in transit without having to pay import duties on them. From their humble beginnings, Ibhayi has grown to own a private fleet of 8 trucks and 15 trailers. They also do import/export clearing or transport for other companies including Stucken, Samil, Continental Tyre and Carst & Walker. They have also recently gained the transport accounts of Algorax and Engen. With over 25 years experience in the clearing and forwarding industry, Ibhayi also specialises in MIDP Claims. Looking to the future, Ibhayi are taking over the lease of a larger 8000m2 premises as of the 1st of November. This is in anticipation of an increase in production from the Brits plant, which is currently stepping up to a seven-day manufacturing week, as well as to accommodate potential new clients. They also plan to acquire their ISO accreditation once in their new premises.