Attachments on show at the opening of CEMAT's expansion.

Accessories distributor CEMAT has opened a new logistics complex in Bohumin, Czech Republic. The complex is strategically connected to the European highway system near the Polish border, making it an ideal location as a central European distribution point.

"CEMAT has been well known in the field of logistics for years, and over the time, the company has progressively changed," says company founder Kamil Cerny. "(What started as a small firm) developed into a multinational company with a number of leading brands in its portfolio."

The new facility marks a new direction for the company, he says. "It brings new business opportunities; it is expanding the complexity of our activities in the field of logistics; it also gives the possibility of renting halls and outsourcing services; (and) it creates new jobs for the entire city and region."

The complex boasts eight warehouses, the largest measuring 6,000 sqm. There is 15,000 sqm of outdoor storage alongside office buildings and facilities and new workshops.

The initial expansion, which began five years ago, was meant to augment existing storage facilities, but Cerny explains that soon after the start, the company's plans changed. The need for enhanced infrastructure close to the border led to the redrafting of the plans to include modern warehouse facilities, multifunctional factory repair facilities and parking areas.

Construction started in 2012 and culminated in the completion of the building which contains the CEMAT headquarters and showroom.

Cerny put the price tag for the development at CZK80 million (USD3.31 million), some of it funded by the EC, but the bulk was self-funded.

CEMAT distributes accessories for materials handling and construction equipment in the Czech and Slovak Republics. Its inventory includes forklift and industrial tyres, attachments, forks, rubber belts, seats, lifting platforms and polyurethane wheels and rollers.

Founded in 1994, CEMAT is the exclusive distributor for Camoplast Solideal, Michelin, Marangoni, ATG, Bolzoni Auramo Meyer, MSE-Forks and Räder-Vogel. It also produces accessories under the CMT brand.