OZON is going to contract BAZIS to build $33 million logistical center in Kazakhstan

On July 26, 2023, the Russian Ozon marketplace started building its biggest logistical center in Kazakhstan near the city of Almaty.

In the first stage, the warehouse will have a floor space of 42,000 square meters. The construction is expected to be complemented by the end of the year by Focus Logistics, a new subsidiary (established in March 2023) of the Kazakhstani BAZIS-A construction holding.

According to a previous announcement by OZON, the new logistical center is going to cost $33.7 million. Once the center opens, it will work as a full-scale fulfillment center that processes and ships goods to clients. The Russian retailer is planning to launch the second and third stages of the project later.

Ozon has operated in Kazakhstan since 2021. So far, the marketplace runs two logistical centers in Almaty and Astana and more than 100 pickup points. This year, the company is also planning to open a logistical center near the capital city of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, within the massive Dordoy wholesale bazaar.

The BAZIS-A holding was established in 1991 by Alexander Belovich, No. 12 among the wealthiest people in Kazakhstan. According to the company’s website, BAZIS-A is running projects in Almaty, Astana, Tashkent, Saint Petersburg and in the region of Atyrau. For instance, the company has built the airport and the Zhuldyz technopark in Almaty and engineering facilities in Khorgas among others.

Another Russian marketplace Wildberries runs three logistical centers in three different cities of Kazakhstan: Almaty, Astana and Shymkent (opened in May 2023). In 2022, Wildberries opened a fulfillment center in Kyrgyzstan with a floor space of 1,000 square meters. The company now intends to extend its business in Kyrgyzstan and is planning to allocate at least $95 million for the construction of a new logistical center with a floor space of 100,000 to 150,000 square meters.