SCT Logistics not up for sale, says Smith

<p>The SCT Logistics Transport group has categorically denied that it is up for sale.</p> <p>Managing director Peter Smith said in a statement that SCT was one of the very few larger transport companies in Australia that remained focused in what had become an uncertain and somewhat unstable industry.</p> <p>&#8220We would like to state for the record that the SCT Logistics business is not for sale,&#8221 he said. </p> <p>&#8220Furthermore, it is our view that the roll played by SCT in providing the major general rail competition over the years to differing owners of the rail industry is underestimated by many in the government and the Australian logistics industry.</p> <p>&#8220Providing competition and surviving as a competitor in this industry is a roll and a continuing challenge that we look forward to as we commence into our second decade as the rail competitor, as well as our 36 years as a freight forwarder.&#8221</p> <p>Mr Smith said many participants in the industry had, in SCT’s view, shown a lack of judgment in their forward strategic planning and have failed to invest in infrastructure and innovative solutions in line with the changing landscape of the industry.</p> <p>SCT Logistics has purchased nationally in excess of 680 ha, all connected to the rail network, with over 35 km of rail developed with container parks, terminals, and purpose-designed rail rolling stock, with the most modern locomotive fleet in Australia, which will begin rolling off the production line in October 2007.</p> <p>It has as well invested in excess of $300m in infrastructure.</p> <p>&#8220We are also developing a rail terminal in Parkes, New South Wales,&#8221 Mr Smith said. &#8220This major rail terminal will be completed in the next month and will facilitate train services to Perth, servicing NSW and Queensland and complementing our existing services between Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth.</p> <p>&#8220SCT Logistics has also acquired our rail terminal site at Bromelton in Queensland, which will facilitate our future north&#47south rail services between Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, providing greater competition on this important strategic corridor.&#8221</p> <p>Mr Smith said that while the rest of the industry and the government discussed infrastructure and growth issues, SCT Logistics had already positioned itself for the long haul into the future.</p> <p>&#8220SCT Logistics looks forward to a long and independent future in the Australian logistics industry,&#8221 he said.</p> <br />