OQ focuses on supply chain at PlastIndia show

In the past few years, the company has increased the volume of containers shipped per month from 900 to around 4,500 – a growth of more than 400%. During the same period, OQ has improved its operations in eight ports across India, and another two ports within the Indian subcontinent. 

Now, the team has the ability to distribute at least 40% of the shipment to Mundra and Nhava Sheva directly with two days transit – as opposed to 10-15 days in the past. The company is also able to serve all Inland Container Depot (ICD) destinations in India.

This growth has been enabled by a series of partnerships with logistics and transportation companies, five operating in the sea container business and another three which handle OQ’s inland trucking needs.

Dawood Al Rahbi, vice president - global supply chain, commented, “We are better placed to provide efficient, agile and reliable shipping to our customers in the Indian market.”

The message from the Plastindia event, “OQ affirms its commitment to do business and support the development of the region’s polymer industry. We see huge potential in India and want to play our part in realising that potential,” Dawood Al Rahbi added.

OQ’s supply chain and logistics operations are overseen by a team of 34 employees of which 20% have focused roles in supporting the ISC market. The team is spread across Muscat, Suhar and Singapore. The Muscat team is responsible for handling shipments for the Indian subcontinent and are available on a 24-hour basis to address customer requirements in the region. 

This reflects the priority of India being a strategic market for OQ. Thanks to the capacity and resilience building that has taken place across the supply chain in recent years, the company is able to serve India-based customers in a very efficient and agile manner. 

Key OQ customers have been already taking advantage of the features of an auto shipment intimation. This feature is received by OQ customers who receive an automated eMail upon completion of order stuffing with their order details along with sailing and expected arrival dates. 

“We have come a long way since we had just three employees managing all logistics out of Muscat,” said Al Rahbi. 

“We are the first to launch this automated service in India. We are well placed to face up to challenges that may impact the industry in the future. For example, shorter transit times present a challenge of making shipping documents available to customers on time – we already have systems and processes in place to ensure our customers in India are served promptly and efficiently each and every time,” he added.