The branch is led by Operations Manager and Group Director Phil van der Westhuizen, who has been with B.E.D. for over 28 years, previously managing B.E.D. Rustenburg.

Evolving from its early establishment phase in 2020, the Tshwane branch is punching above its weight, despite currently challenging conditions in key sectors such as automotive and steel manufacturing.

“Market conditions have certainly been challenging, particularly in automotive and steel,” van der Westhuizen explains. “However, we have gone back to the drawing board, reassessed where we can add value and refocused on strengthening our position in key target sectors.”

“Starting the Tshwane branch was like starting a business from scratch, even though B.E.D. as a company is so well-established,” van der Westhuizen recalls. That entrepreneurial mindset, he says, remains central to the branch’s culture today.

Earning customer trust

In its formative years, the branch worked hard to establish credibility in a competitive and price-sensitive market. Today, van der Westhuizen believes that customer perception has shifted meaningfully.

“In the early days, customers were watching us from a distance,” he says. “They wanted to see whether we would last. Today, customers are comfortable that we are here to stay and that they can rely on us for the long term.”

This growing confidence has translated into renewed engagement with new and existing customers – and the return of those previously lost due to pricing pressures.

“Customers are coming back to us – not because we have changed who we are, but because they recognise the value we bring beyond price,” he explains. “It is about service, availability and technical capability.”

Key focus sectors for the branch remain automotive, steel fabrication, rail-related projects and selected aerospace opportunities, with ongoing efforts to formalise structured supply agreements and strengthen long-term partnerships.

Team culture and technical capability

The Tshwane branch retains a hands-on, back-to-basics ethos, supported by the wider B.E.D. Group structure and product specialists across welding, PPE, bearings and power tools.

“We operate with a hungry, informed team,” says van der Westhuizen. “We share sales results, we share successes, and we also share where improvement is needed. Everyone understands the numbers and the responsibility that comes with them.”

He emphasises that the branch operates as a cohesive unit, with clearly defined roles but a strong sense of shared accountability: “This aligns with B.E.D.’s ethos of ‘100/0’: 100% accountability and zero excuses.”

“We have dedicated people for procurement, inventory management and data capturing; as well as drivers and pickers who handle a range of tasks,” he explains, adding that the team operates with a fluid dynamic: defined roles, but no rigid boundaries.

“Access to Group-level, specialist technical expertise ensures that customers in the Pretoria region benefit not only from local responsiveness, but also from national product support and deep, sector-specific knowledge in segments such as welding, cutting, bearings, personal protective equipment (PPE), power tools and others.

Balancing growth with sustainability

Rather than focusing on headline growth, the branch is prioritising steady, structured development.

“Our focus is on establishing solid, fixed-term pricing agreements, disciplined stock management and building long-term customer relationships which are mutually beneficial,” van der Westhuizen advises.

Differentiation in a competitive market

Competition within the Tshwane industrial landscape remains intense, particularly in sectors affected by aggressive pricing. Against this backdrop, B.E.D. Tshwane differentiates itself through responsiveness and problem-solving.

The post B.E.D. Tshwane Strengthens Market Position with Service-Driven Growth Strategy appeared first on Mining Business Africa.

Consulmet Construction, a leading name in the steel fabrication sector, has entrusted B.E.D. Klerksdorp with their cutting and welding equipment requirements, opting for their expertise and quality solutions, over those of other potential vendors.

The natural choice

Ian Lloyd, Operations Manager at B.E.D. Klerksdorp sheds light on the customer’s choice: “Our partnership with Consulmet Construction has flourished as the company has grown. We initially introduced Consulmet Construction’s Managing Director Martin Rautenbach to the latest GYS CO2/MIG/MAG welding machines two years ago, and the company made its first purchase shortly thereafter.

With our local presence in Klerksdorp, Martin gained confidence in our ability to provide timeous supply and exceptional customer service – as well as the all-important after-sales support.” Dwayne Kriek, Procurement Manager at Consulmet Construction agrees: “As a steel fabrication company, optimising productivity while minimising downtime is crucial for our sustained profitability.

The GYS welding range has proven to be instrumental in mitigating machine breakdowns, thereby enhancing our production efficiency and profitability. The robustness and reliability of these products justifies the investment. Efficiency ensures productivity, and with GYS machines, we achieve this consistently!”

However, the relationship between the two companies is more than merely transactional: it is about trust and understanding. Sean Christian, B.E.D. Welding & Cutting Specialist, emphasises the significance of this bond: “People buy from people. Consulmet Construction’s production line operates under extreme pressure, demanding high levels of efficiency and reliability. Our close relationship with this valued customer – coupled with the superior speed and quality of our welding equipment, made B.E.D. the natural choice for Consulmet Construction.”

Consulmet Construction’s specific requirements were meticulously addressed by B.E.D. Klerksdorp, taking factors such as reliability, performance, and sector-specific suitability into account. Lloyd explains: “We tailor our solutions based on the applications and desired outcomes of our customers.

Our range of equipment, including the MAGYS 400, PROMIG 400, and GYSMI 200 inverters and Hypertherm XPR 170 plasma cutting unit, offer unparalleled reliability and performance – which are all ideal for Consulmet Construction’s steel fabrication requirements.”

B.E.D. Klerksdorp recommended this equipment to Consulmet Construction based on a thorough assessment of their particular requirements, challenges and operational environment.

“Understanding fabricators’ applications and objectives was paramount. With a focus on steel fabrication, the welding equipment and consumables we supplied needed to be versatile enough to handle a variety of metal materials and thicknesses commonly encountered in the company’s projects,” Lloyd advises.

He adds that durability and reliability were essential criteria, especially considering the demanding nature of the construction industry, with its tight deadlines and focus on minimising downtime as far as possible.

“We recognised that this customer could certainly not afford lengthy interruptions to their workflow due to equipment failures,” he points out.

For all skills levels

User-friendliness and accessibility of the equipment, to cater to varying degrees of welding skill, also played a significant role in the product recommendation and selection process.

“As such, we understood that simplicity and ease of operation were crucial, particularly for general welders who might not be as experienced with complex welding machines. The selected equipment offers intuitive welding interfaces with a very easy set-up, reducing the likelihood of confusion and errors during operation.

Considering the challenging working conditions in steel construction – including dust and unreliable, erratic power supply due to load shedding – B.E.D. Klerksdorp prioritised welding machines with robust features, recommending transformer-based equipment with built-in surge protection to withstand fluctuations in power supply without risking damage.

This advanced technology incorporates features such as microprocessors, semi-synergic operation and dynamic arc control, all of which provide precise and efficient welding performance. The machines’ ability to adjust settings automatically based on material thickness, coupled with user-friendly interfaces, enhances productivity and minimises setup time.

B.E.D. Klerksdorp’s consistent after-sales support and service have been instrumental in Consulmet Construction’s operational efficiency and market competitiveness. Lloyd affirms: “Our local support in Klerksdorp ensures a smooth, downtime-free production process which, in turn, means that Consulmet Construction’s products meet international standards, which is essential for the export market. We conduct regular customer status visits, training sessions, and on-hand after-sales support and assistance to keep production running smoothly.”

Furthermore, the partnership between B.E.D. Klerksdorp and Consulmet Construction is also not just about meeting expectations – it is about exceeding them. Sean Christian recounts a particular instance where B.E.D. demonstrated exceptional responsiveness: “Welding consumables wastage had become challenging at one point. We were able to effectively address this through the ingenious Hypertherm cartridge system.”

Clever cartridge

The cartridge system is an innovative technology developed by Hypertherm, a leading manufacturer of plasma cutting systems and another of B.E.D.’s quality global suppliers. This system streamlines the process of replacing the 5 stack consumables in plasma cutting torches.

The innovative Hypertherm cartridge system consolidates the multiple consumable parts into a single cartridge, so that when a consumable part needs to be replaced, instead of manually handling and aligning individual components, the entire cartridge is swapped out, reducing downtime and the risk of errors. This is just one way in which B.E.D. Klerksdorp stays at the forefront of quality and technological advancement, ensuring that their products and solutions assist the customer to overcome their daily operational challenges.

“B.E.D. distinguishes itself through exceptional after-sales service, with a team of knowledgeable professionals who consistently go above and beyond to meet our specific needs. Their understanding of our requirements as a dynamic steel fabricator, specialising in constructing processing plants, is unparalleled. Time is of the essence in our industry, and B.E.D.’s prompt turnaround time for repairs and product supply – from fasteners to welding equipment consumables and personal protective equipment (PPE) – aligns perfectly with our operational requirements,” Kriek enthuses.

Consulmet Construction’s Managing Director Martin Rautenbach adds: “We form part of the greater Consulmet Group, and B.E.D.’s constant and trustworthy support – together with their supply of new and innovative equipment – keeps us at the forefront of the market. This ensures that we can deliver our processing plants within specific time frames and – even more importantly – in line with the highest quality standards.”

“B.E.D.’s enduring relationship with Consulmet Construction is based on a firm foundation of mutual trust, and is a testament to the power of collaboration, reliability of supply and unwavering dedication to customer service,” Lloyd concludes.

The post Steel Strong: B.E.D. Klerksdorp and Consulmet Construction appeared first on Mining Business Africa.

The natural choice

Ian Lloyd, Operations Manager at B.E.D. Klerksdorp sheds light on the customer’s choice: “Our partnership with Consulmet Construction has flourished as the company has grown. We initially introduced Consulmet Construction’s Managing Director Martin Rautenbach to the latest GYS CO2/MIG/MAG welding machines two years ago, and the company made its first purchase shortly thereafter. With our local presence in Klerksdorp, Martin gained confidence in our ability to provide timeous supply and exceptional customer service – as well as the all-important after-sales support.”

Dwayne Kriek, Procurement Manager at Consulmet Construction agrees: “As a steel fabrication company, optimising productivity while minimising downtime is crucial for our sustained profitability. The GYS welding range has proven to be instrumental in mitigating machine breakdowns, thereby enhancing our production efficiency and profitability. The robustness and reliability of these products justifies the investment. Efficiency ensures productivity, and with GYS machines, we achieve this consistently!”

However, the relationship between the two companies is more than merely transactional: it is about trust and understanding. Sean Christian, B.E.D. Welding &Cutting Specialist, emphasises the significance of this bond: “People buy from people. Consulmet Construction’s production line operates under extreme pressure, demanding high levels of efficiency and reliability. Our close relationship with this valued customer – coupled with the superior speed and quality of our welding equipment, made B.E.D. the natural choice for Consulmet Construction.”

Consulmet Construction’s specific requirements were meticulously addressed by B.E.D. Klerksdorp, taking factors such as reliability, performance, and sector-specific suitability into account. Lloyd explains: “We tailor our solutions based on the applications and desired outcomes of our customers.

Our range of equipment, including the MAGYS 400, PROMIG 400, and GYSMI 200 inverters and Hypertherm XPR 170 plasma cutting unit, offer unparalleled reliability and performance – which are all ideal for Consulmet Construction’s steel fabrication requirements”

B.E.D. Klerksdorp recommended this equipment to Consulmet Construction based on a thorough assessment of their particular requirements, challenges and operational environment. “Understanding fabricators’ applications and objectives was paramount. With a focus on steel fabrication, the welding equipment and consumables we supplied needed to be versatile enough to handle a variety of metal materials and thicknesses commonly encountered in the company’s projects,” Lloyd advises.

He adds that durability and reliability were essential criteria, especially considering the demanding nature of the construction industry, with its tight deadlines and focus on minimising downtime as far as possible. “We recognised that this customer could certainly not afford lengthy interruptions to their workflow due to equipment failures,” he points out.

For all skills levels

User-friendliness and accessibility of the equipment, to cater to varying degrees of welding skill, also played a significant role in the product recommendation and selection process. “As such, we understood that simplicity and ease of operation were crucial, particularly for general welders who might not be as experienced with complex welding machines. The selected equipment offers intuitive welding interfaces with a very easy set-up, reducing the likelihood of confusion and errors during operation.

Considering the challenging working conditions in steel construction – including dust and unreliable, erratic power supply due to load shedding – B.E.D. Klerksdorp prioritised welding machines with robust features, recommending transformer-based equipment with built-in surge protection to withstand fluctuations in power supply without risking damage.

This advanced technology incorporates features such as microprocessors, semi-synergic operation and dynamic arc control, all of which provide precise and efficient welding performance. The machines’ ability to adjust settings automatically based on material thickness, coupled with user-friendly interfaces, enhances productivity and minimises setup time.

B.E.D. Klerksdorp’s consistent after-sales support and service have been instrumental in Consulmet Construction’s operational efficiency and market competitiveness. Lloyd affirms: “Our local support in Klerksdorp ensures a smooth, downtime-free production process which, in turn, means that Consulmet Construction’s products meet international standards, which is essential for the export market. We conduct regular customer status visits, training sessions, and on-hand after-sales support and assistance to keep production running smoothly.”

Furthermore, the partnership between B.E.D. Klerksdorp and Consulmet Construction is also not just about meeting expectations – it is about exceeding them. Sean Christian recounts a particular instance where B.E.D. demonstrated exceptional responsiveness: “Welding consumables wastage had become challenging at one point. We were able to effectively address this through the ingenious Hypertherm cartridge system.”

Clever cartridge

The cartridge system is an innovative technology developed by Hypertherm, a leading manufacturer of plasma cutting systems and another of B.E.D.’s quality global suppliers. This system streamlines the process of replacing the 5 stack consumables in plasma cutting torches.

The innovative Hypertherm cartridge system consolidates the multiple consumable parts into a single cartridge, so that when a consumable part needs to be replaced, instead of manually handling and aligning individual components, the entire cartridge is swapped out, reducing downtime and the risk of errors.

This is just one way in which B.E.D. Klerksdorp stays at the forefront of quality and technological advancement, ensuring that their products and solutions assist the customer to overcome their daily operational challenges. “B.E.D. distinguishes itself through exceptional after-sales service, with a team of knowledgeable professionals who consistently go above and beyond to meet our specific needs.

Their understanding of our requirements as a dynamic steel fabricator, specialising in constructing processing plants, is unparalleled. Time is of the essence in our industry, and B.E.D.’s prompt turnaround time for repairs and product supply – from fasteners to welding equipment consumables and personal protective equipment (PPE) – aligns perfectly with our operational requirements,” Kriek enthuses.

Consulmet Construction’s Managing Director Martin Rautenbach adds: “We form part of the greater Consulmet Group, and B.E.D.’s constant and trustworthy support – together with their supply of new and innovative equipment – keeps us at the forefront of the market. This ensures that we can deliver our processing plants within specific time frames and – even more importantly – in line with the highest quality standards.”

“B.E.D.’s enduring relationship with Consulmet Construction is based on a firm foundation of mutual trust, and is a testament to the power of collaboration, reliability of supply and unwavering dedication to customer service,” Lloyd concludes.

The post Steel Strong: B.E.D. Klerksdorp and Consulmet Construction appeared first on Mining Business Africa.

This is according to Operations Manager Juan van Zyl, who says that fasteners – upon which the company was originally founded and which form the foundational bedrock of every building and construction project – still account for a substantial percentage of their sales, along with welding equipment and services.

Strength in diversity

Diversity is a key differentiator, according to van Zyl, with B.E.D.’s fasteners being sold as far and wide as Robben Island, the Department of Correctional Services and even key power generation facilities such as Eskom’s Koeberg nuclear plant and the extensive Worcester solar plant.

“Of B.E.D’s 9 branches countrywide, in Cape Town we have one of the most diverse customer bases. This includes private sector manufacturers, mines and even shopping malls; as well as public sector entities such as Transnet, rail operators and even the navy and defence force,” he explains.

However, the construction sector is the largest Western Cape fastener market, followed by manufacturing – as food processing plants, warehouses and packing facilities which are all highly automated, and all requiring fasteners.

The ‘nuts and bolts’ of selling fasteners

Van Zyl explains that the manufacture of equipment worth millions of rands – or the completion of large construction projects – could come to a halt if a single R4.00 fastener is missing. For this reason, B.E.D. Cape Town prioritises meticulous planning to ensure sufficient stock is available.

“Therefore, we always go back to basics, as per our ethos and tagline ‘it’s our business to know your business’. We not only have to understand our customers’ needs and pain points – but also to know what projects are coming up so that we can help them to plan ahead,” he says.

Another important consideration for B.E.D. Cape Town is ensuring the traceability of products, to counteract challenges associated with counterfeiting and poor quality: “People need to know that they are getting a genuine product. Knowing that we have their interests at heart really sets our customers’ minds at rest,” he maintains.

Building strong relationships

For Van Zyl and his team in Cape Town, there is far more to supplying fasteners than price and availability. “In our experience, providing a sought-after solution is crucial. Once you help to solve a tough challenge for a customer, it is highly likely that you will have their ongoing loyalty and business,” he notes.

An example is the Western Cape’s extensive agricultural sector. Fasteners are essential for maintenance of equipment, but customers often need assistance. “They may want to swap a fastener with a tensile strength of 4.8 for one that has a strength of 10.9. This will not work – because there is no flexibility and it will break like glass. The stronger the fastener, the more brittle it becomes,” he warns.

Another area where good advice is important is that of corrosion protection coatings. Tough coastal weather increases the probability of corrosion. When customers cannot afford expensive stainless steel, they need to find an effective alternative.

Van Zyl advises: “In the construction sector, columns are usually galvanised – meaning fasteners need to be treated as well – and preferably, hot dip galvanised. This can treble the lifespan of a bolt.”

A recent visit to a delivery vehicle canopy manufacturer to troubleshoot a rust problem illustrates this: “They wanted to know why the fasteners on certain delivery vehicles had rusted whilst others had not. We pointed out that these were the ones doing deliveries along the Garden Route. As they operated close to the coast, the fasteners must be hot dip galvanised to protect them from rusting,” he advises.

B.E.D. not only stocks a vast range of fast-moving fasteners, but also supplies obsolete and hard-to-find fasteners. By working closely with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) suppliers, the company can assist with sourcing bespoke fasteners which are specific to customers’ individual designs and requirements.

Van Zyl points that that again, this requires planning: “It is all about understanding quantities and our customers’ needs. This often happens in the marine (fishing and shipping) sector, where there is a need for enormous bolts which are not available off the shelf,” he explains.

Fastening knowledge

Most importantly, van Zyl attributes the level of service offered by B.E.D’s Cape Town branch to B.E.D’s immense pool of industry knowledge and over 400 years’ combined management experience.

“If we do not know about something here, there will be someone in the Group who does. And, because we have branches across South Africa, we can leverage this joint experience. What makes B.E.D. unique is that we nurture open communication between our branches, thereby ensuring that customers receive the right advice and solution far quicker than if they were dealing with a standalone company struggling to find a solution. Just another way in which we provide ‘the perfect fit, fast!’,” he concludes

The post B.E.D. Cape Town: 25 million fasteners a year ensure ‘the perfect fit, fast’ for the Western Cape appeared first on Mining Business Africa.

At this year’s South African Institute of Steel Construction’s Steel Awards in October, B.E.D. sponsored striking table décor which reflected the Game of Thrones theme that had been chosen to represent the role of steel through the ages at this iconic annual steel industry showcase at Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg. This is the second consecutive year that B.E.D. has been a Steel Awards sponsor. In 2022, they were a Premium Partner sponsor.

“The table décor – for which B.E.D. supplied the steel that fellow SAISC member General Steel Works cut and welded – demonstrated the versatility and value of steel in infrastructure and construction projects across the ages, and indeed in this day and age, across a number of different sectors,” Giltrow comments.

B.E.D.’s relationship with the SAISC has always been an extremely positive one and goes back several years, punctuated by a hiatus due to the economic austerity measures which were unfortunately required in the aftermath of the impact of negative mining industry events such as Marikana in 2012.

Having returned to the SAISC fold last year, B.E.D. has once again found membership to be very beneficial – and has not only participated in events such as the Steel Awards and other networking events, but also been invited to do training presentations on new products.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in November this year – and although the B.E.D. Group started out supplying a comprehensive range of locally produced and imported fasteners – the company has diversified into quality tools, welding and cutting equipment and consumables, bearings, personal and protective equipment (PPE), industrial paints and thinners, oils and lubricants, and lifting products during that time.

“Our input and participation in forums such as the SAISC has always been well received, because members are like-minded, equally motivated people who all want the Institute – and the entire steel value chain – to benefit in some way,” says Giltrow.

“This year, more than ever, I was blown away by the quality of the projects which were nominated for the Steel Awards. The projects are world-class, and show that South African steel companies can compete with the very best. We are very proud that award recipients are some of our customers and, in many instances, our products – specifically fasteners – played a pivotal role in those projects,” he adds.

Next year the B.E.D. Group would like to ramp up our support for the SAISC Awards and perhaps even sponsor a category award.

“We have always felt comfortable that any sponsorship we provide will always be put to good use and benefit all members. There is also a substantial amount of PR, marketing and media coverage around the Awards and winning projects. Therefore, in 2024, we would like to be involved with a specific Steel Award category, as we will get even more mileage from that,” he points out.

Giltrow says that industry should never underestimate the value of the SAISC as an Institute, which is one of just six worldwide. “The SAISC is up there with the best of what such Institutes can offer the steel sector, and we can all be so proud of the hard work that they are doing for our industry to develop and showcase the South African steel value chain locally and Pan-Africa !

Through our challenges over the years, we have all proven that we are resilient. A huge amount of value and intellectual property resides in the SAISC and the steel value chain – and B.E.D is proud to be part of that,” Giltrow concludes.

About Bolt and Engineering Distributors Group (B.E.D.)

The Group has a solid track record and pool of experience built up over more than 4 decades, supplying its product range to a wide variety of industry sectors, including agriculture, mining, materials handling, working at height and welding.

Bolt Engineering and Distributors (B.E.D.) is synonymous with safety and quality, and is dedicated in its support of a ‘proudly local’ ethos of developing enterprises and staff, and supporting local suppliers and manufacturers.

The company furthermore enjoys long-standing relationships with customers and an impressive portfolio of premium international and local suppliers, based on its values of trust, integrity and taking 100 % responsibility and accountability.

As such, B.E.D. has provided solutions for many key projects and customers throughout many different industries, and provides reliability of stock, sourcing and delivery to its loyal customer base through innovative in-house logistics and management.

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The B.E.D. Group supplies a comprehensive range of locally produced and imported fasteners, as well as quality tools, welding and cutting equipment and consumables, bearings, personal and protective equipment (PPE), industrial paints and thinners, oils and lubricants, and lifting products to South African industry and across southern and central Africa.

Innovation, reinvention and diversification

“I learnt early on in my career never to rely on only one key customer or indeed market segment – so we have diversified, expanding our offering over the past 40 years from mining into the agricultural sector (and many others) to ensure that we are able to cater to more than one core industry in the region’s wider economy.” Viljoen says that in line with this, B.E.D. has introduced several innovations to service the broader mining industry and related industries, of which they are very proud, as service has always been a key driver of their success.

In addition, working closely with co-founder and B.E.D. Group CEO Mike Giltrow, Viljoen has also helped to drive innovation regarding product offerings too – such as bearings, personal protective equipment (PPE), paints and thinners, with an unwavering dedication to service as a key differentiator from competitors, with great success. Today, the company has grown into a network that includes nine branches countrywide, as well as an Exports Division and two cutting and welding centres in Gauteng and the Western Cape.

Four decades with B.E.D.

Viljoen explains: “After concluding successful negotiations, my family business was acquired by B.E.D. – becoming the company’s first acquisition in 1988, and later renamed as the Klerksdorp branch of Bolt and Engineering Distributors.

Group Co-Founder and CEO Mike Giltrow comments: “This milestone 1988 acquisition fortunately allowed us to retain Jan’s services as the Operations Manager, and he brought with him a wealth of acquired knowledge of the region and its potential opportunities. Thanks to his contacts and experience, the Group was able to establish operations and a solid footprint in this key mining region.

Having our new branch headed up by the right person, who understood the culture of the area and its industries, was an important part of our business strategy, allowing the B.E.D. Group to provide bespoke solutions – a strategy which we successfully duplicated in other branches countrywide thereafter. In Jan, we fortuitously acquired both an excellent operations manager for the Klerksdorp branch, and the future MD of the entire company.”

A well-deserved promotion: leading from the top

With his wealth of mining experience assisting in the growing success of the Klerksdorp branch, Viljoen was a natural choice when the company’s founders then turned their attention in Rustenburg, in the so-called ‘Platinum Province’.

In time, and having been instrumental in the launch and success of two key B.E.D. branches – Viljoen then became Managing Director of the entire company in 2012, cementing an even closer relationship with CEO Mike Giltrow. They work together very well and, notes Viljoen, complement each other in their managerial and operational styles.

He adds that twice a year, he and Giltrow undertake a road show to visit all 9 branches, meeting managers and employees and discussing how the branches are doing and where they can assist. “I am a strong believer that if you look after your employees’ welfare, as well as their further career growth and development, then they will look after the business. Motivation and training is something I am passionate about.”

Viljoen has twice been honoured by the Chamber of Commerce for the Klerksdorp region with the Businessman of the Year Award: firstly in 2001, and again in 2011. With regards to lessons learned along the way, he clarifies: “I have realised that no one is truly indispensable, and that a solid business is usually able to go on, even in the absence of a key person. I also subscribe to the mantra that ‘the customer is king!’

On a personal note he adds: “Any discussion about my career would be incomplete without a mention of my wife, Sandra. Having been with me on this journey from the very beginning, when we worked together in the family business and then at B.E.D. Klerksdorp, she has given me unfailing support!”.

Adapting, assisting and innovating

In conclusion, Viljoen notes that in order to remain viable and successful in business, the secret is to be adept at adapting and even reinventing as required to assist one’s customers, to ensure their businesses remain sustainable.

“To this point – and even as the country’s economy and infrastructure continues to face challenges – B.E.D. will continue to make a positive difference to our customers and to industry as a whole, in whichever way we can. Above all else, we are focused on customer service, innovation and solutions,” he concludes.

The post Bolt and Engineering MD says innovation, reinvention and diversification ensures success even in tough times appeared first on Mining Business Africa.