Dekra’s heroes of safety: better than ever and better together!

Dekra Industrial and its training division, the Dekra Institute of Learning (IOL) are pleased to announce their move into impressive new premises in Naledi industrial park outside Sasolburg – and the expansion of their existing premises in Secunda – with a dynamic ‘one-stop’ shop offering encompassing non-destructive testing (NDT), inspection, lifting inspections, vendor certification and adult-based occupational training.

As such, the new and upgraded premises reflect Dekra Industrial’s focus on growth, as well as the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing client relationships, operational efficiency and community engagement.

The expanded premises also mark a strategic shift away from DEKRA Industrial and the IOL operating as two separate entities, says Johan Gerber, Managing Director of Dekra Industrial.

“By co-locating under one roof and consolidating NDT, inspection services and training, the company can now offer a holistic, safe and seamless service to clients, as the ‘heroes of safety’ which we strive to be – in line with our parent company Dekra’s commitment to be a global partner for a safe and sustainable world by 2025,” Gerber explains.

This strategy has already proven successful, as the company is attracting new business and also further strengthening its relationships with longstanding clients in key target sectors.

Enhanced efficiency and proximity

Gerber furthermore highlights the operational benefits of the expansion, explaining that the move was essential to accommodate the company’s growing footprint and offerings: “The new premises in Sasolburg and expanded premises in Secunda have brought us physically closer to our clients, reducing our response time from 45 minutes to just 15 minutes. This leads to significant improvements in operational efficiency for Dekra Industrial and our clients.”

The new Sasolburg premises in the well-known Naledi industrial park positions both Dekra Industrial and the IOL within close proximity to key clients in the petrochemical and other sectors, offering enhanced accessibility and operational efficiency.

Gerber also notes that the consolidation of DEKRA Industrial and the IOL under one roof allows for the delivery of a stronger, all-encompassing service offering: “By combining our services, we can now offer a unified, comprehensive solution to our clients, which was previously not possible due to space constraints,” he adds.

The Secunda branch has also expanded its offerings and capabilities, particularly in the area of NDT replica services, which are crucial for assessing the structural integrity of components under stress.

A stronger community focus

Christopher Mörsner, Head of Training and Consulting at the Dekra IOL, explains that the move supports the IOL’s Vision 2028, which is centered on making a difference – and a sustainable impact – through adult-based occupational training and skills development. He points out that the consolidated services in Sasolburg will help to meet the needs of the local industry by bringing training services directly to clients in the Vaal Triangle region:

“Our ability to offer QCTO-accredited safety and occupational training, combined with a flexible, hybrid approach, allows us to provide tailored solutions which cater to our clients’ specific requirements,” says Mörsner.

He emphasises that this model not only supports local businesses: “It also fosters employment opportunities for the community by providing affordable, accessible training​ for those already in industry seeking to grow, and for school-leavers who cannot go to university,” he advises.

Excellent client engagement

The initiative to expand the premises is the brainchild of Donovan Vermeulen, Dekra Industrial Vaal Triangle Branch Manager, who recognised the strategic benefits of moving closer to key clients in the region.

Vermeulen is very enthusiastic about the positive impact the expanded premises will have on client engagement: “Being closer to our clients, especially those in Sasolburg and Secunda, allows us to provide faster response times and more efficient services, which ultimately saves them both time and money.”

Vermeulen also notes that the enhanced proximity means Dekra Industrial can respond to client requirements far more swiftly, particularly during critical situations such as breakdowns.

He points out the beneficial effect that the new premises in Sasolburg and expansion in Secunda has had on the company’s employees, stating that the move to larger premises has boosted morale and productivity. “The team is now more motivated, and the improved working environment has led to better service delivery, as happy employees work better! As the business grows, we also anticipate creating more local employment opportunities, further contributing to the community,” he enthuses.

Holistic industrial solutions

Gerber explains that clients increasingly prefer working with a single provider that can meet all of their needs: “The new and expanded premises are a tangible demonstration of our serious commitment to offering a comprehensive, integrated NDT, inspections and training ‘one-stop shop’ service to our valued client base in the Vaal Triangle and in Secunda.

We remain dedicated to providing innovative solutions to the petrochemical and other high-risk industries – as well as to local industrial clients – while simultaneously fostering sustainable community development and employment opportunities,” he concludes​.

About DEKRA Industrial and DEKRA Institute of Learning

With 99 years in the industry through its global parent company, Dekra Industrial SA has established a formidable reputation as a leader in inspection services, non-destructive testing (NDT), material testing, laboratory services, Advanced NDT, and asset integrity services, and offers industry training through the Dekra Institute of Learning.

As part of the global Dekra group, which has a presence in more than 50 countries on five continents, Dekra Industrial RSA provides safety solutions across a multitude of industries, including power generation, oil and gas, construction, petrochemical, manufacturing, fabrication, pulp and paper, rail, mining, steel industry and foundries, within South Africa and pan-Africa.

Dekra Industrial SA is a holistic services provider of NDT inspection and corrosion control with rope access and lifting. Dekra Industrial SA has 51 percent black woman ownership and has achieved a current overall Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) status of Level 1.

The company is also RD 0034-compliant – a nuclear safety compliance standard – and is one of the few NDT companies locally to hold the ISO 45001:2018 certification; as well as DNV certification, giving Dekra Industrial access to many inspection opportunities in the maritime sector. The company also offers comprehensive vendor inspection and expediting services.

The Dekra Institute of Learning (IOL) is QCTO-accredited and delivers online learning across all industries, in both public and private sectors, with training pitched to all levels of competency, focusing on HSE, ISO and continuing professional development (CPD)-aligned courses. Classroom- based and distance learning are also available. Dekra Industrial strives to be recognised as the ‘heroes of safety’.