Business is still going strong for Southern Independent Liquor a year on since it sold its liquor wholesaling and marketing group to ALM. SIL has said that business has been steady over the last 12 months, following its change over to a new service as a bonded storage and third party logistics provider for liquor and general goods.

“Last year’s asset sale agreement between SIL and Australian Liquor Marketers was a sign of the times in our industry,” SIL Director David Stephenson said. “It was simply no longer viable for SIL to compete against the chains as an independent wide-range wholesaler.”

“However, when one door closes, another one opens and we are proud that we have been able to use our extensive experience in storage and logistics to reinvent our business and adapt to the changing landscape of the industry.”

SIL serviced the Duncan’s and OZ Liquor banner groups in its former years as a wide-range wholesaler, as well as a large number of independent retailers across Australia.

The acquisition meant that the business had to say goodbye to a number of staff in March, but the decision to diversify has enabled SIL Storage to regain and grow its customer base.

“Business has grown steadily over the past 12 months and while the majority of our customers are from the liquor industry, we are also providing storage and 3PL solutions to a range of other businesses as well”, Stephenson said.

Using its 7,600m warehouse in Dandenong South, SIL now offers short and long-term storage, stock management and distribution services in the Melbourne metropolitan region.

Stephenson added: “Our time as a wide-range liquor wholesaler may have ended but there is certainly a demand for premium storage and 3PL solutions. We are pleased that we have been able to diversify and use our facilities and expertise to stay in the game.”

Trade can contact SIL Storage on 9238 9777 or info@silga.com.au

Image: David Stephenson with coworkers at the Dandenong South warehouse