1. Could you introduce MFD and MFD Logistics and explain how the company has evolved into a key player in Mauritius' distribution and logistics ecosystem?
Hans Herchenroder: MFD started operations in 1998. Back in the early 1990s, the Mauritian government wanted to develop a new economic pillar, and the Freeport concept was central to this strategy. The government allocated land to various developers, and MFD received the largest portion of the initial Freeport land. Today, our first site is 25 hectares, but we now operate across five different locations on the island, offering around 140,000 square meters of warehouse space.
Our company has two main roles. First, as a Freeport developer, we provide fully built and ready-to-use facilities. Unlike some competitors who only offer land, we minimize the capital expenditure for our clients by providing ready infrastructure, electricity, water, buildings, permits, everything is plug-and-work.
Second, we operate as a full-service supply chain company. We cover freight forwarding, customs, transport, warehousing, door-to-door delivery, order preparation, and re-export services. Essentially, our customers, industrial and regional distribution companies, only need to source and sell their products. We handle everything in between, from raw materials to finished goods.
We position Mauritius as a gateway to the region. Our business model allows companies to expand into Africa and the Indian Ocean region without the usual logistical hurdles. With MFD, they don’t need to build warehouses, find transport companies, or set up customs services. Everything is ready for them.
Guillaume Adam: MFD Logistics acts as the operational arm of this gateway. We focus on providing end-to-end logistics services with a strong emphasis on innovation and efficiency. We are enhancing our freight forwarding capabilities with digital solutions, new tracking systems, and innovative products like cold-chain CFS containers, which will be launched in Mauritius in early 2026. This service is the first of its kind in the Indian Ocean Islands and aims to support customers who cannot fill full containers or find air freight too expensive for Cold and Temperature Controlled cargo.
We are also building networks in Eastern Africa, including Kenya, and plan to expand warehousing services and regional logistics support. Our aim is to provide complete visibility and reliability throughout the supply chain.
2. Mauritius aims to position itself as a logistics gateway to the Indian Ocean, Africa, and Asia. How does MFD support this national vision?
Hans Herchenroder: Mauritius’ deep-water port is strategically located along major shipping lanes, with over 33,000 vessels passing in our waters annually. MFD is part of the broader logistics ecosystem supporting port efficiency. Our Freeport and logistics services complement government infrastructure investment, creating a fully functional hub.
As a private company, we are ready to invest further in warehousing, transport, and even port activities. Mauritius is Africa, and through our operations, companies can use the country as a springboard to expand across the continent.
3. What logistics, warehousing, and distribution services does MFD Logistics offer, and how do you ensure reliability and service quality?
Hans Herchenroder: We offer a complete supply chain solution, freight forwarding, trucking, customs, warehousing, order preparation, and delivery. All processes are handled internally or via approved partners, ensuring consistency and quality.
We provide full digital visibility of inventory, whether it’s in the warehouse, in transit, or in a container. Our warehouse operations use internationally recognized systems, like the well known WMS (Warehouse Management System) Reflex, which allows complete traceability including FIFO and FEFO processes.
Guillaume Adam: From a logistics perspective, transparency is key. Customers want real-time tracking, clarity on costs, and timely updates regarding potential delays due to seasonal or geopolitical factors. Our team ensures clear communication and system-backed visibility to support operational confidence.
4. How does MFD mitigate disruptions and strengthen operational continuity?
Hans Herchenroder: We help customers to optimize stock levels to mitigate risks, from weather to political instability. We offer flexible storage solutions with variable billing, enabling cost-efficient scaling.
We also manage contingencies for transport disruptions. For example, cargo can be rerouted from sea to air if urgent, or we combine sea-air solutions for time-sensitive shipments. This adaptability ensures continuity for our clients.
5. How is MFD leveraging digital solutions to improve operations?
Guillaume Adam: Our Reflex WMS is being upgraded with new tracking capabilities, including stock at sea and air, to enhance visibility. We are also investing in CRM systems to improve customer engagement, cost transparency, and service tracking. The group fully supports these innovations to maintain a competitive edge.
6. Sustainability is increasingly important. How is MFD reducing its environmental footprint?
Hans Herchenroder: We’ve converted our cold storage refrigeration to ammonia-based systems, installed solar panels, and digitized paperwork. We’re exploring electric and hydrogen trucks for last-mile delivery.
Guillaume Adam: Our goal is to achieve certification as green logisticians, offering environmentally responsible solutions to both large corporations and smaller clients.
7. Are there opportunities to expand MFD Logistics beyond Mauritius?
Hans Herchenroder: Absolutely. Mauritius is a natural hub, but we already have presence in Kenya, Madagascar, Réunion, and are building partnerships across East Africa. Our aim is to extend the full suite of Mauritius-based services into these markets.
Guillaume Adam: The region has strong trading links, and with government investment in port infrastructure, we can compete with major East African ports while providing seamless logistics solutions.
8. How is MFD engaging with Gulf producers, distributors, or logistics players?
Hans Herchenroder: We regularly engage with UAE-based companies and logistics partners, offering end-to-end solutions for the Mauritian market and the wider region. Mauritius serves as a gateway, providing access to regional markets, making clients benefit from Trade Agreements (COMESA, SADC,…) and tax benefits, which makes it attractive for Gulf companies.
9. What final message would you like to share with Khaleej Times readers?
Hans Herchenroder: MFD is ready to transform regional distribution, assembly, and manufacturing. We provide plug-and-work infrastructure, logistics services, and regional reach. Companies can expand into Africa seamlessly, with all services provided through MFD and MFD Logistics.
Guillaume Adam: Our commitment is to innovation, transparency, and service excellence. We aim to make Mauritius a world-class logistics hub and a trusted partner for regional and international businesses.
Hans Herchenroder: We are the largest developer in the region with ambitions to become a key regional player. Mauritius is Africa, and through our infrastructure and services, we enable companies to access the continent efficiently. We are open to joint ventures and partnerships to further develop logistics, industrial, and distribution networks across Africa.
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