Sunday, August 16, 2009 [ sunstar.com.ph ]
By Debra Magallon-Estero
BANKING on bright prospects in Cebu, a logistics marketing service company opened its regional hub in Mandaue City last Friday, even though it suffered setbacks in sales performance due to the global economic crisis.
Since some of Vintel Logistics Inc.’s clients took on “different strategies and positioning plans” in terms of logistic needs due to the crisis, a company executive said the firm suffered a 45-percent decline in sales in the first semester of the year.
“Logistics is dependent on the production of companies and if there is no consumer demand, then there is no production,” Vintel Logistics president Paulo Tibig told Sun.Star Cebu in an interview on the sidelines of the launching of the company’s regional hub at the Cebu Parklane International Hotel last Friday.
Earlier that day, Vintel Logistics also inaugurated its office in Mandaue City, where its pilot retail outlet is located.
Since the Vintel’s core business is in the business to business (B2B) market, Tibig said going into retailing and being able to serve the general public is an added channel to create more revenues for the company.
The 10-year old company, with roots in Manila, decided to open a branch in Cebu to be able to tap small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the province, especially the exporters.
“As SMEs make up 96 percent of the business in the country, then it is a big market,” he said.
While the company has clients all over the country, Tibig said the move to Cebu is meant to strengthen its expansion plans.
Aside from opening an office in Cebu, Tibig said the company also wants to participate in activities of the local chambers.
He said that the company will also bring to Cebu its VCargo seminar series that provides industry-based knowledge to its clients.
The first seminar series, Tibig said, is set between September and October.
Vintel Logistic’s VCargo worldwide focuses on “guaranteed shipping, delivery and distribution for all kinds of shipments.” The company facilitates shipment of parcels and heavy cargoes via sea, airfreight and land-based delivery.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 17, 2009.
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