FORTNA, an automation and software supplier, has been selected by City Logistics, a logistics partner in South Africa, to design and implement a new state-of-the-art material handling and sorting system at its Johannesburg distribution centre. The solution is designed to significantly boost speed, accuracy and productivity.
With a robust distribution network across the Southern African region and strong partnerships with leading retail brands, City Logistics continues to invest in infrastructure to meet increasing customer expectations and market demands. Efficient sorting and shipping operations are central to the City Logistics service model, and the new system will enable them to scale their capabilities with confidence.
The FORTNA solution is designed for high-speed, high-volume environments, empowering City Logistics to optimize its parcel operations. The automation system will not only boost throughput and efficiency but will also ensure accuracy and reliability in every delivery.
Capable of handling both standard parcels and non-conveyables — items traditionally difficult to automate — the system will reduce manual touchpoints while ensuring full item traceability throughout the process.
“We selected FORTNA after a robust review process of several solutions. Factors that we considered were the overall solution design, experience in retail logistics, which is core to City Logistics’ strategy, and global experience successfully implementing large-scale sortation projects. Our team is looking forward to working with FORTNA on this project,” says Ryan Gaines CEO, City Logistics.
“This solution enhances performance and drives operational efficiency, supporting City Logistics’ position as a trusted logistics partner for leading brands across the region,” says Thomas van Workum, President, International at FORTNA. “In a competitive and evolving landscape, adopting robust and future-proof technology is essential to staying ahead.”
Leveraging global expertise and deep regional insight, FORTNA will also provide comprehensive after-sales support to ensure continuous system uptime and sustained long-term performance. With a strong local presence, the company aims to be a trusted partner, bringing the capacity, expertise, and end-to-end solutions that help customers.
A multilingual professional experienced in Europe, Canada, and China, Herbert has developed invaluable networks in the automotive and energy industries. He has led high-profile projects involving ENBW, Mercedes-Benz Group, Siemens Group, and the Fraunhofer Institute.