Art Corp
Powering Zimbabwe one battery at a time Art Corp are charging forward in Zimbabwe. Marketing Director Mr Mukarakate tells Africa Outlook more about their manufacturing specialties Writer Matt Bone Project manager Ben Wigger Amalgamated Regional Trading Corporation, (ART Corp), is the holding company of a manufacturing group of businesses in Zimbabwe with distribution operations in Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Art Corporation was incorporated in 1912 and is one of the largest industrial companies in Zimbabwe involved in paper manufacturing, paper converting and distribution, pen manufacturing and lead-acid battery manufacturing and distribution, employing over 1,800 people. Marketing Director, Franklin Mukarakate, says that investment is the single biggest priority for the company right now: "We need to ensure that we maintain our machinery to a high standard, and this requires investment which in turn, will bring our costs down and keep our production line running at the best possible quality." Products to Suit Customers Art Corp has several subsidiary companies that are providing consumers with high quality products that have seen the company gain a substantial market share in recent years. Battery Express is one of these subsidiary companies. The company has been in the business of supplying and servicing batteries for more than twenty years, commanding a market share of 59 per cent. Battery Express is the largest distributor of automotive batteries nationwide and it has six branches in the country. Mukarakate is very pleased that despite continued competition, the batteries continue to sell well: "We have seen repeat business and key clients come back…
Eaton Towers
Towering ahead Africa Outlook talks to Alan Harper, the Co-founder and CEO of African telecoms infrastructure firm Eaton Towers, which owns and manages telecom infrastructure across the continent and has plans to build 250 transmitter towers this year. Writer Emily Jarvis Project manager Ben Weaver African telecoms infrastructure firm Eaton Towers is continuing to expand its mobile operations and is one of a number of specialist players to launch services in Africa in recent years. It plans to build another 250 transmitter towers in 2013, increasing its African portfolio by a sixth. What's that down to? Growing internet use. "We will build about 100 towers in Uganda, 100 in South Africa and 50 in Ghana," says Alan Harper, Eaton Towers' Co-founder and CEO. Customers include Airtel, Vodafone, South Africa's MTN and Orange. "The internet boom is one of the key drivers - more people are getting online as smartphone prices fall and telecom operators improve their networks. Mobile operators are building new base stations for two reasons – one is obviously coverage, and there is still some coverage expansion going on, but increasingly it is for adding capacity to the networks." A lack of extensive fixed-line infrastructure in most African countries means mobile networks provide the main means for people to access the internet, he adds. "That's right. With fixed-line penetration being so low in so many countries most of the data usage is on the mobile networks and therefore whether it is 3G, or now we are seeing some LT E development in some markets,…
Paramount Trailers
Keep on trucking Paramount Trailers have become market leaders by offering quality and customer service based on personal relationships with their clients Writer Matt Bone Project manager Ben Weaver Established in 1997 and based South of Johannesburg, Paramount trailers is one of South Africa's leading manufacturers and refurbishers of commercial trailers. Their products range from Flat Deck to Bulk Feed trailers and they even offer specialised bespoke trailers for their clients. The business is family owned and operated, with founder and current CEO Fernando Marques and his son Warren, Managing Director since 2008, at the helm. Paramount have recently moved into a new 72,000 m² manufacturing facility. The company has over 200 employees and an on-site design department with engineers and designers, who are able to meet unique preferences, provide leading innovation and cost effective solutions to customers. Paulo Ribeiro, Financial Director of Paramount Trailers since 2010, has played an integral part in the success the company has seen in recent years. "I joined Paramount about 4 years ago and I have seen paramount grow from a SME (Small to Medium Enterprise) to a MLE (Medium to Large Enterprise) business over the last few years. During this same period our staff quantity has more than doubled." A New Home In 2011, Paramount purchased a plot of land 13km from their previous base of operations and began to lay the foundations on a R150 million manufacturing facility. Construction began in 2012, and was completed by the following August. The new custom built facility was four times as…
Techno Brain
The brains to succeed Techno Brain seek to establish a prominent global position and strong brand credibility as an IT solution provider Writer Emily Jarvis Project manager Donovan Smith Techno Brain is a 15 year old company operating in 19 countries, with origins in Tanzania and Daresalam, boasting an impressive 1400 employees in post across their offices. The company now have offices across the world including in the USA, UK and a Developing Centre in Hyderabad, India and Dubai. Manoj Shanker, the company's CEO, has been involved in Techno Brain's entire journey, and has more recently been in charge of securing an outstanding status for quality on a global scale. As Mr Shanker states: "Africa is a huge continent and we are an African company at our heart, who deliver local solutions at a local cost. However, we want to be known for our excellence worldwide." Understanding the African Market Mr Shanker identified that the IT and Telecoms industry in Africa has not matured in the same way as the Western world. "There are two areas that Africa are still lagging behind, one is development of local content and software. The second is the development of business applications. These are the two areas that Techno Brain have focussed on and built credibility in the market where we are able to develop and deploy complex business applications in both the public, private and non profit sectors and bring a value to the customer by deploying local resources; delivering local solutions at a local cost." In the last…
Kapa Oil
Slick operator With over 50 years experience, Kapa Oil delivers quality and cost effective products in the oil, detergent and soap manufacturing sectors Writer Emily Jarvis Project manager Nick Norris Started by Shah's grandfather and his two brothers, Kapa Oil prides itself on being a sustainable family-owned business, which has grown to a size of around 2500 employees. Ani Shah, Head of New Projects and the third generation in the family to enter the company, spoke to Africa Outlook about the company origins and retaining their position in the market. Karina Packers The name 'Kapa' is an acronym derived from the title 'Karania Packers' which was established in the late 1960's as a salt packaging and baking powder manufacturing company. Karania Packers grew steadily and within a short time, they ventured into producing cooking fats and edible oils. As a result, it became known as Kapa Oil Refineries Ltd. While treading in new territories, Kapa showed its commitment to innovation by being the first manufacturing company to introduce the packing of cooking fats in reusable plastic containers, a norm that all cooking fat manufacturers now follow. As the industry quickly expanded, Kapa steadily acquired more market share. In succession to the cooking fat and edible oils, Kapa started manufacturing a premium detergent powder called Toss, which took the detergent powder market by storm. Toss has been and still is the market leader in the detergent powder category, with advertisements regularly featured on TV. With continual research and development, Kapa saw prospective opportunities in the FMCG industry…
Eltek
Striking the perfect balance between power and the people Eltek have constantly led the way in high efficiency power electronics in Africa Writer Matt Bone Project manager Donovan Smith For over 40 years, Eltek have led the way in high-efficiency power electronics and energy conversion. Their headquarters are based in Norway and they have over 2400 employees in their company across 40 countries. As a global corporation and market leader, Eltek has customers in more than 100 countries across a variety of industries including telecom, rail and infrastructure, power generation, power distribution and solar energy. Helping customers save energy and money while reducing their environmental impact, Eltek are always looking for new and innovative ways to further this foundation. Bob Hurley, regional President of Eltek in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), spoke about what makes them a market leader. "For me it is our technology that makes us a market leader, especially in the telecommunications power industry. We were the first power manufacturer to come up with a High Efficiency (HE) rectifier, and we changed the market standard by at least 4-5 per cent, in moving from non-HE to HE technology. Also i think our product density from a technology viewpoint is a market leader. We currently have the most dense power supply on the market, which is very important to us and the operators who use it." Regional and local Eltek are very keen to press upon the fact they are not just a European company who has opened offices in Africa. Although their…
Pakco
Some like it hot Pakco are renowned for their delivery of flavour through their food-enhancing product lines Writer Emily Jarvis Project manager James Mitchell As a world class food manufacturer with proudly South African roots, Pakco has been adding flavour and quality to consumers' lives since 1948 and is a market leader in the manufacture of spices, condiments, instant meals and complementary products. The company manufactures 9 brands with over 200 SKU's, represented in more than 10 categories in-store. Pakco's family of brands is renowned for reliability, ease of use, and a well-loved, home cooked taste. Through ongoing research and product development, Pakco ensures that the latest international technology and trends are combined with local insights to keep products relevant and in high demand. Pakco (Pty) Ltd. is wholly owned by Renaissance Brands (Pty) Ltd. Recently, after extensive negotiations, the Land Bank has joined as a 50% shareholder of Renaissance Brands (Pty) Ltd. The value in such a powerful banking partner is self-evident as Mr King cites: "There are benefits in having a big financial partner; this will facilitate rapid expansion, both organically and by acquisition." Pakco is located in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, which is home to one of Africa's busiest ports and where founder, Pakkiri Pillay, bottled his first batch of spiced pickle over 60 years ago. The group manufactures packs and distributes staple, dry-packed, and tinned foods, both branded and private label. BBBEE Standards Pakco is committed to sustainable growth and development and the business meets South African Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) standards. As…
Freightworx
Delivering your tomorrow, today Freightworx have risen from one man with a vision, to a multi-national logistics powerhouse Writer Matt Bone Project manager Stuart Shirra Freightworx was established in 1999 in South Africa, when a demand arose for airfreight cargo to the north of Tanzania. Having serviced the majority of other freight markets as well as numerous mines in the area, the company decided to increase its options and began to incorporate alternative means of transporting freight. Since then Freightworx has grown considerably to a stage where they now employ in excess of 100 people. Throughout the organisation, revenue has grown from US$1million to US$12 million. Freightworx specialises in the field of international freight, project freight and logistics on a global scale. Freightworx offers a door to door service into Africa and 450 cities in 130 countries worldwide. Raj Maharaj, the CEO of Freightworx, has seen his company grow from just one man with a vision, into one of the largest logistics companies in Sub Saharan Africa. "We are a leading logistics company that has set the standard as a supply chain and logistical solutions provider to various industries. From our humble beginnings as a one man operation, I have seen the company evolve into a one stop solution by providing export and import services, air, sea and road freight as well as offering handling, storage and packaging services as well." Global Logistics Global Trade is a complex and challenging business where success depends on specialised knowledge and personal contact. Freightworx have implemented key strategies and…
Gokals Laborex
Medicine men of Accra Gokals-Laborex have seen their pharmaceutical stock rise thanks to a keen understanding of their markets Writer Matt Bone Project manager Eddie Clinton Since they began operating in 2008, Gokals-Laborex have seen their joint venture blossom. By ensuring a strong combination of a global presence with local industry knowledge and expertise, they have become the premier pharmaceutical distributor in Ghana. Mahesh Gokaldas, Managing Director of Gokals-Laborex, explains just what the company can offer the Ghanaian public: "We distribute and promote pharmaceuticals to the mainstream market and medical facilities ranging from everyday medicines to high end branded products. We specialise in these to- end branded goods and do not distribute generic products, so you know when you buy from us it is always the best quality pharmaceuticals available." Gokaldas' vision for the company when it began was to grow a global company, and through the partnership with French company Laborex, he has begun to realise that potential. "Laborex had been looking for a company to join forces with in Ghana for two years and approached me to work alongside them. I felt it was a wise and beneficial choice to join hands with someone who was already in the global markets. Once that happened we began to gain more contracts. We quickly grew from having about 10 different suppliers to now having over 15 suppliers who give us such a vast portfolio of pharmaceuticals, which we can in turn offer to our clients." A Brand Name in Pharmaceuticals Gokals-Laborex currently have 145 staff on…
ADB Airfield Solutions
Ensuring a smooth flight ADB Airfield Solutions ensure that airports around the world maintain a high standard in both construction and technology products Writer Matt Bone & Emily Jarvis Project manager Nick Norris ADB Airfield Solutions (Pty) Ltd is the South African registered entity of the multinational ADB Airfield Solutions, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The parent company manufactures airfield lighting equipment in Belgium, China, and USA. The South African based part of the company is responsible for projects and sales in sub-Saharan Africa, headquartering in Rivonia, Johannesburg. With a team of 50 direct and contract workers and revenue of R180 million, ADB have been providing vital solutions for airports for over 65 years. Nel Kotze, the Chief Operating Officer for ADB Southern Africa, explains what sets them apart from other airfield construction companies: "ADB serve a niche and specialized market with full turnkey solutions that revolve around all the electrical and electronic aspects for a modern runway. Our strength lies in not only providing high quality equipment but also in offering the full project to the client providing end to end, integrated and sustainable solutions for visual guidance; this includes design and advice, project management, installation, commissioning and maintenance." ADB have formed a strong focus on technology, quality, processes and people, powering a series of innovations ranging from individual light control and monitoring systems to advanced surface movement ground control systems; and from the first LED airfield lights to runway incursion systems. "Every aspect of our business is attuned toward innovation from ideation and execution to…
