Rock-it Cargo Middle East has moved to a brand-new, purpose-built facility at Dubai World Central (DWC) Al Maktoum International Airport Free Zone. The company also now operates its own fleet of trucks, adding control, speed, and flexibility to time-critical logistics.
The new 85,000 sq ft premises provides dedicated spaces for each of the Global Critical Logistics (GCL) verticals – DIETL (fine art), Dynamic International (film and TV), CARS (high-value vehicles), as well as Rock-it Cargo.
“The move has been fantastic for us because it gives us all the space we need,” explained Rock-it Cargo Middle East Manager, Bob O’Brien. “It also means that the whole team is together under one roof, which is very helpful when it comes to working on cross-vertical projects.”
With Emirates confirming last year its intention to shift its operations from its current base at Dubai International Airport to the new DWC Al Maktoum Airport within the next decade, the move signals the long-term approach of Rock-it and the wider GCL in the region. “This moves underlines our long-term goals and commitment in the region with all eyes on the future growth of our ME business,” O’Brien stated.
The extra space and prime location mean that Rock-it Cargo now has the ability to receive intact shipments and pallets direct to the facility before sending it across to the airport. “This is a huge benefit, which saves time and ultimately keeps our costs down, meaning we can pass these savings onto our clients,” O’Brien added.
The company has also invested in its own fleet of seven-tonne and three-tonne trucks, giving it more control over local and regional movements. “Owning our trucks makes day-to-day operations smoother, but it also shows our long-term commitment to growing in this market,” O’Brien said. “It gives us flexibility when timing is critical and allows us to keep things moving without delay.”
The move follows hot on the heels of Rock-it Cargo’s UK office growth, and while the Middle East operation doesn’t necessarily have the same requirement for long-term storage currently, the ability to store and process equipment in the short term is hugely beneficial. “Dubai has become a real global hub, and we have a lot of equipment passing through,” he noted.
A year on from formally opening Rock-it Cargo Middle East, GCL continues to roll out its ambitious expansion plans. Middle East Managing Director of GCL, James McSweeney, commented: “One of GCL’s goals over the past year was to have all the companies operating efficiently under the one roof, and moving to this fantastic new space facilitates that perfectly.”
With the footprint now firmly embedded in the Middle East and possible regional expansion to Abu Dhabi as well as exciting plans for Saudi Arabia through Rock-it Cargo’s partnership with SAL, it seems that Rock-it Cargo and GCL have their sights very much set on long-term success.
Photos: Rock-it Cargo
