Testimonial

TALKE Logistics Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

TALKE, headquartered in Hürth, Germany, is one of the world’s leading logistics solutions providers for the chemical and petrochemical industries. Since its founding in 1947, TALKE has excelled in logistics, storage, and management operations, primarily deriving its profit from handling chemicals such as hazardous materials, flammable substances, and oxidizing agents.

Recognizing the need of global distribution, TALKE has established safe and efficient warehouses dedicated to storing chemicals for worldwide distribution by the manufactures and suppliers in the world of chemicals.

This project involves constructing their state-of-the-art warehouse in Malaysia for the first time.

Through an interview with Mr. Yves Bekkers, Managing Director of TALKE Logistics Malaysia, the lead of this significant project at TALKE, we will uncover how they overcame numerous challenges and successfully progressed with the project.

Client

TALKE Logistics Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

Location

Westport, Port Klang, Malaysia

Building Usage

Dangerous Goods Warehouse

GFA

18,600㎡

The beginning of TALKE's first warehouse project in Malaysia

TALKE’s journey to establish a dangerous goods warehouse in Westports, Port Klang, Malaysia commenced with feasibility studies in 2019, leading to the start of construction in 2022. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to meet the region’s specific environmental and operational needs, showcasing TALKE’s commitment to excellence and innovation in logistics.

Given the warehouse’s specialized nature, sourcing certain materials required global coordination, bringing in resources from various parts of the world.

New to the Malaysia construction landscape, TALKE sought expertise from Plus PM Consultant, a local project management specialist well-versed in construction practices.

Mr. Yves Bekkers
Managing Director
TALKE Logistics Malaysia Sdn Bhd

“TALKE conducted in-depth research in 2019 and 2020 to see if investing in Malaysia would be
worthwhile, and we compared Singapore to Malaysia and determined that Malaysia would be more competitive than Singapore, based on a view to future flows in the chemical industry. In addition, there was no such chemical warehouse in Malaysia, so we decided to invest in consideration of future
chemical logistics,” said Mr. Yves Bekkers, Managing Director of TALKE Logistics Malaysia.

TALKE's cutting-edge dangerous goods warehouse in Malaysia is meticulously designed to accommodate local conditions.

Krishna Kumar Subramaniam
Project Manager
Plus PM Consultant Sdn Bhd

TALKE operates state-of-the-art warehouses that are highly regarded among chemical manufacturers worldwide. The new warehouse being constructed in Malaysia will uphold these high standards while ensuring full compliance with the regulations and environmental conditions in Malaysia.

To ensure the project’s success, TALKE decided to collaborate from the outset with Plus PM Consultant who has extensive knowledge of the construction industry’s nuances in Malaysia.

“We typically handle everything in-house when it comes to constructing new warehouses, from planning and contractor selection to project progress management. However, recognizing the necessity of local regulatory knowledge in Malaysia, we made the decision to partner Plus PM Consultant. From the project’s inception, we have collaborated closely at every stage,” said Mr. Yves Bekkers.

Javier Llaneras Velasco
Project Manager
Plus PM Consultant Sdn Bhd

Plus PM Consultant played a crucial role in the project’s success through several pivotal actions, with the key initiatives summarized as follows:

Leveraged local expertise in Malaysia to identify challenges and devise appropriate solutions, supporting their implementation. This led to the attainment of Green Building Index (GBI) certification.
Collaborated with local contractors by actively engaging in collaborative problem-solving, rather than just issuing instructions.
Given the stringent schedule where delays were not tolerated, directed and managed the EPC contractor to maintain close communication with the European supplier for the high-expansion fire foam system material fabrication. We also closely monitored the progress updates throughout the process.
Close coordination with the TALKE team located in Europe & Middle East enabled us to respond quickly to any problems that might arise.

High-expansion fire foam system and its tank imported from Europe/EV charging station for forklifts

Collaborating with local contractors to manage safety, quality and schedule

Another significant challenge was coordinating with the EPC contractor. Given that TALKE’s project representatives are based in Dubai, there were limitations in directly overseeing a local EPC contractor daily in Malaysia. Therefore, Plus PM Consultant closely coordinated with local contractors and managed the project’s safety, quality and schedule on behalf of TALKE, while maintaining constant communication with TALKE’s representatives in Dubai. Plus PM Consultant understood the scope of the contractors’ responsibilities and coordinate with them to perform tasks within their designated scope. Plus PM Consultant proactively gathered the necessary information from contractors and reported updates to TALKE promptly.

Furthermore, appropriate milestones were set, and schedule management was conducted. Since it was necessary to procure a high-expansion foam system for the warehouse from Europe via sea freight, the time required for sourcing, shipping, and transportation was calculated backward, and Plus PM Consultant urged close coordination between the EPC contractor and the European supplier.

During the construction period, post Covid-19 pandemic caused significant challenges, with many foreign workers returning home and making labor acquisition difficult. However, Plus PM Consultant proactively approached agencies to seek and secure resources to minimize delays. As a result, the construction was completed with minimum delay.

Achieving effective localization of the warehouse and obtaining Green Building Index (GBI) certification

Achieving effective localization of the warehouse and securing Green Building Index (GBI) certification were key goals. In response to the growing emphasis on global environmental conservation, the new warehouse was designed to obtain GBI certification in Malaysia. Through consultations with a GBI commissioning specialist, innovative strategies were developed and incorporated into the construction plans to meet the certification requirements.

One of these strategies was introducing a smart energy management system. As a result of these efforts, the warehouse successfully attained the Green Building Index Silver certification.

“Although TALKE’s dangerous goods warehouses are advanced, we also considered different innovative initiatives with an emphasis on sustainability for the Malaysian warehouse. We consulted with Plus PM Consultant and considered all aspects of electricity, power monitoring, and water detection as well as general measures such as efficient use of hydraulic power and consideration for construction materials. We are proud to say that we conducted an extremely detailed investigation. High standard

measures were required to obtain the certification, but Plus PM Consultant provided excellent support, working closely with and communicating with the GBI commissioning specialist* and the EPC contractor,” said Mr. Yves Bekkers.

*An independent, third-party expert who must ensure that the building’s energy related systems are designed and installed to achieve proper commissioning so as to realize their full potential and intent.

“We made the right decision to appoint Plus PM Consultant to carry out this project.”

Plus PM Consultant was highly engaged from the project’s outset, collaborating closely with us to advance its progress. They meticulously established relevant milestones, fostered close collaboration with local contractors, and ensured meticulous follow-up,”said Mr. Yves Bekkers.

TALKE successfully completed its first dangerous goods warehouse in Malaysia, establishing it as a pivotal hub for chemical distribution in Southeast Asia, commenced operations in October 2023.

From the Project Manager

Krishna Kumar Subramaniam
Project Manager
Plus PM Consultant Sdn Bhd

This project was the first for the client in Malaysia, and it was also the first project entrusted to us. Additionally, it is unique that this project introduced a High-Expansion Fire Foam System, which is very rare in Malaysia.

As a member of Plus PM, I ensured careful attention to the client’s requirements and took responsibility for the project’s success. Leveraging our extensive experience in project management across Malaysia, our team provided committed support from the project’s initial stages. As a result, we received high praise for our services and were even honored with a certificate of appreciation from the client. Furthermore, this project received the Sustainability Award at the “ICPMA Awards 2024,” underscoring our commitment to supporting our client’s environmentally conscious initiatives and earning recognition for our efforts.

Javier Llaneras Velasco
Project Manager
Plus PM Consultant Sdn Bhd

This project was my first dangerous goods warehouse construction project, which gave me the opportunity to deepen my knowledge, especially about designs and building specifications in construction.

Among the construction projects I have been involved with during my 16 years in Malaysia, it was one of the most interesting projects. It was a great achievement that the building successfully complied with several professional standards for fire hazard and explosion prevention and obtained the Green Building Index.

I am pleased that the project was completed successfully, and that the client expressed satisfaction with our performance.

Get your first consultation free

Plus PM Consultant Sdn. Bhd. provides project management and construction management expertise in construction projects in ASEAN. We also provide assistance for companies looking to enter and expand into the ASEAN market.

+60-3-2712-0263

Office hours: 9:00am~17:00pm
(Except weekend and public holidays)

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Testimonial

TALKE Logistics Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

Client

Location

Building Usage

GFA

The beginning of TALKE's first warehouse project in Malaysia

TALKE's cutting-edge dangerous goods warehouse in Malaysia is meticulously designed to accommodate local conditions.

Collaborating with local contractors to manage safety, quality and schedule

Achieving effective localization of the warehouse and obtaining Green Building Index (GBI) certification

From the Project Manager

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