South Africa | Cape Town

How many employees work at the branch?

Currently, our team is made up of 45 committed colleagues, active in the warehouse as well as the office.

Are there any staff events at the branch?

Our Cape Town based team includes dedicated specialists in transport, project logistics, oil and gas, warehouse operations, sea imports and exports, and air freight exports. The branch is also home to our HR and Finance teams, as well as most of our Executive Team, providing central oversight and strategic direction for all South African operations. At FMS Cape Town, we work hard but always make time to celebrate our successes. From spontaneous braais to birthday breakfasts, we take pride in marking milestones both big and small, whether reaching a monthly target or welcoming a new customer. Our strong sense of camaraderie and South African ‘gees’ (team spirit) is at the heart of who we are.

What kind of jobs are there at the branch and what are typical tasks?

Beyond the above specialisms, we also work across a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, renewable energy, and paper and pulp, as well as many other sectors within our broader portfolio.

Why is FMS Cape Town office a great place to work?

With hands-on management, a supportive working environment, and a culture that values loyalty, it comes as no surprise that some of our team members have been with us for more than 20 years. FMS South Africa is more than just a workplace — it is a family built on trust, respect, and shared success.

3 Questions to John Scott | FMS Cape Town

1. What is your job at FMS Cape Town ?

At FMS South Africa, I am responsible for managing logistics projects from initial sales leads and concept development through to final execution. Our small team has over 50 years of combined freight forwarding experience, particularly in renewable energy and mining. We coordinate complex container shipments as well as oversized, heavy, and high-value cargo. This includes vessel and air chartering, route surveys, customs regulations, storage solutions, craneage, warehousing, and last-mile delivery — ensuring every shipment is handled safely, efficiently, and on schedule. Most recently, we worked with our Hamburg office to transport a 380-ton machine from Poland to South Africa for the world’s largest dry-cooled coal-fired power station. No two projects are the same — and that’s what makes this work so exciting.

2. What has your professional development at FMS been?

Over the past eight years at the Cape Town office, I have had the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. I enjoy being involved across different industries, contributing to meaningful projects, and playing a role in delivering results. I have developed a stronger sense of leadership, learning to balance the operational demands of logistics with the people side of the business. Our culture of continuous learning, together with mentorship from experienced colleagues, has been key to my growth journey.

3. What makes FMS a great employer for you?

For me, FMS stands out because of its people and its principles. We remain humble, and there is a genuine sense of teamwork and trust. Everyone’s contribution matters, creating a workplace where you want to give your best. It’s a place where you are encouraged to take ownership, share ideas, stay healthy, and build lasting relationships with clients and partners. It’s not just about moving cargo; it’s about working together to find the best solutions, doing things the right way, and operating with integrity—and that’s what makes FMS such a great place to work.

3 Questions to Kelly Rossouw | FMS Cape Town

1. What is your job at FMS Cape Town ?

I am a Customs Broker at Fr. Meyer’s Sohn, responsible for managing customs declarations for a wide range of products entering and leaving South Africa. I ensure that all relevant regulations, laws, and procedures are followed by preparing and processing the required documentation and arranging for duties, taxes, and other import- and export-related charges to be handled correctly. I also provide guidance on tariff classifications, import and export restrictions, and applicable duty and tax rates, helping to ensure that all shipments fully comply with the Customs Act and other regulatory requirements.

2. What has your professional development at FMS been?

Before joining Fr. Meyer’s Sohn, I managed logistics for an importer, where I developed a strong interest in customs regulations and international trade. I joined the company as a Handover Controller, was promoted to Imports Controller managing my own clients, and later became a Customs Broker to deepen my expertise in import and export regulations. Since then, the company has actively supported my development. I completed a Higher Certificate and a Customs Compliance Certificate and received mentoring from senior executives. Fr. Meyer’s Sohn has consistently provided opportunities for me to learn, grow, and advance my career.

3. What makes FMS a great employer for you?

Fr. Meyer’s Sohn is a great employer because of the supportive and healthy working environment it fosters. The company promotes work–life balance and ensures that employees are valued not only as professionals, but also as individuals. There is a strong focus on both personal and professional development, with mentoring, training, and opportunities to take on new challenges. It is a workplace where dedication is recognised, growth is encouraged, and employees are empowered to develop while maintaining a positive balance in their lives.

3 Questions to Cheryl Willis | FMS Cape Town

1. What is your job at FMS Cape Town ?

I am the National Oil and Gas & Ship Spares Manager at FMS South Africa. I oversee all oil and gas as well as ship spares shipments and lead the team handling these operations. My responsibilities include ensuring smooth processes from booking and documentation to final delivery, monitoring timelines, and maintaining accuracy. I work closely with my team to meet customer expectations, resolve issues quickly, and keep communication clear. I also coordinate with our global offices and partners to find the best logistics solutions. My goal is to ensure that both our customers and team receive the support they need for every shipment to be successful.

2. What has your professional development at FMS been?

I joined FMS South Africa in 2014 as an Oil and Gas Controller, which introduced me to the specialised field of oil and gas logistics. From the beginning, I was supported by an experienced team who helped me navigate time‑critical and complex shipments. Over the years, I took on more responsibility, managed larger projects, and eventually led a team committed to service excellence. These experiences deepened my knowledge of both the oil and gas and ship spares industries, from operations to strategic planning. Today, as National Oil and Gas & Ship Spares Manager, I oversee the entire process and team. My journey has been shaped by continuous learning, collaboration, and professional growth.

3. What makes FMS a great employer for you?

What I appreciate most about FMS is the strong teamwork and collaborative culture. Colleagues are always willing to help, share knowledge, and support one another, even during busy periods. It’s a positive and open environment where ideas are exchanged freely, and solutions are found together. We all work towards the shared goal of delivering excellent service while constantly improving our operations. It’s a place where you can grow, be challenged, and feel part of something meaningful.