Isando hot spot for warehousing

10 Sep 2010

According to JHI property services group, Isando is an area, which is strategically positioned to capitalise on the increased demand for warehousing accommodation in the Johannesburg area, mainly in regarding to light manufacturing, distribution and storage facilities.

"It is the central point of the industrial east region in Gauteng, being surrounded by other industrial areas such as Jet Park, Spartan, Anderbolt, Pomona and Meadowdale," says Jonathan Klimek, leasing, sales and investment broker for JHI. "It's convenient access and good exposure to these key routes, coupled with its close proximity to OR Tambo International Airport, the Gautrain and rail links, offers significant appeal and value for industrial businesses, particularly from a distribution aspect, and especially in terms of large users. The area is already home to major manufacturers such as Simba, Lion Match, Barloworld, Caterpillar and Supercare Group, among others.

"Not forming part of the tollgate system, and therefore not as affected by increased travel costs as other areas, Isando also stands to benefit from upgrades in micro and macro infrastructure - both currently and in the future."

Easy access

These upgrades include the re-tarring of Isando Road; re-tarring and widening of other roads in the area; improvements to nearby highways, which includes re-tarring and widening of the roads and improvements to on- and off-ramps; and the possibility of the development of feeder routes to industrial areas once the remainder of the Gautrain route is open.

"From a logistics perspective, the area has easy access to major traffic networks linking to Midrand and Pretoria (R21), Mpumalanga (N14) and the N3 leading to Johannesburg's southern suburbs and running through to KwaZulu-Natal. Of importance to employees is the fact that Isando is also in close proximity to Rhodesfield Gautrain Station for those commuting to work.

"The current demand is mainly in the size range from 500-1000m² as well as for larger warehousing space up to approximately 5000m² and above. Enquiries include those from light manufacturing and local and international distribution/logistics companies seeking to consolidate operations in central areas for increased cost effectiveness, as well as storage and distribution operations wanting to be located near major highways and the airport. Another key factor for such manufacturers is the availability of sufficient electricity - which Isando offers."