Snowman Logistics continues to expand footprint across country
Snowman Logistics is a leading integrated temperature-controlled logistics service provider operating across locations servicing customers on a pan-India basis. The company has set up temperature-controlled warehouses on the outskirts of cities with a large potential for sourcing and consumption of temperature-sensitive products, including larger cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata.
During FY17, Snowman recorded sales of Rs. 18,924 lakhs. Temperature-controlled warehousing continued to be the core strength of the company and the focus area of its business due to its huge potential. The second vertical of the company, transportation, functioned as an enabler to provide a one-stop solution to the temperature-controlled logistics requirement of its clients.
The outlook for the company for the coming years continues to be positive. Most of the customers have indicated robust growth plans which augur well for the growth of Snowman. The introduction of GST by the Government will also work in the company’s favour as customers will now see more value in utilising the services of organised players like Snowman.
“Our company’s vision is to continue our expansion plans to increase footprint across India by expanding into new locations. An additional capacity of 5,100 pallets was added at Kochi during FY17, taking our total installed capacity to 103,600 pallets. The construction work for building new facilities is under way at Krishnapatnam and Sricity, and these facilities are expected to become operational in 2017-18”, says Mr. Prem Kishan Dass Gupta, Chairman, Snowman Logistics.
The temperature-controlled logistics industry continues to be heavily fragmented with a large part of the requirement being addressed by unorganised players. Increased industry awareness has brought in several new players in the recent times. However, Snowman, with its one lakh plus pallets of warehousing capacity spread across the country and a fleet of 293 trucks traversing the length and breadth of the country, is in an unique leadership position. The company will strengthen its position by offering customised logistics solutions to its large base of customers.
While Snowman was established in 1993, Gateway Distriparks Ltd., one of India’s largest logistic solutions providers, acquired majority shareholding of the firm in 2006. Today, Snowman’s investors include Mitsubishi Group, International Finance Corporation and Norwest Venture Partners.
Gateway Distriparks Ltd. (GDL) is a leading integrated logistics facilitator in India with three synergetic verticals – Container Freight Stations (CFS), Inland Container Depots (ICD) with rail transportation, and Cold Chain Logistics. Gateway Rail Freight Ltd., a subsidiary of GDL, provides inter-modal logistics and operates rail-linked Inland Container Depots.
Snowman has its corporate office in Bengaluru and 33 temperature-controlled warehouses in 15 cities across India. These warehouses have multi-facility use of environment-friendly refrigerants. The state-of-the-art chambers are designed to accommodate products in the temperature range of +20 to -25°C. There is 100% power back-up with multi-generator and a blast freezer with a refrigerant temperature of -40°C.
The company’s clientele comprises prominent brands from diverse industries like pharmaceuticals, meat and poultry, seafood, fruits and vegetables, ice cream, confectionery, dairy products, quick service restaurants, ready-to-eat, processed foods and industrial products, among others.
