“Demand for critical raw materials is burgeoning in new industrial economies, and the resources for these materials are being consolidated among fewer and fewer suppliers. As the manufacturing economy takes on a more global nature, securing reliable supplies of raw materials may be as critical as establishing a market,” says LIL Sales’ new Manager Matthew McCrae.
“When LIL Sales was founded in 2008, the company’s mission was to simply supply local South African foundries with primary metals, ferro alloys and other foundry-related raw materials. This has now expanded to include the steel, galvanizing, battery manufacturing, electroplating and lead industries, as well as any company that has melting capacity,” continued McCrae who took up his position at LIL Sales towards the end of 2014.
“However since inception LIL Sales has focused on a niche segment of the market, this being the smaller to medium sized companies that only require small batches of product as they don’t have the need and the resources to keep large amounts in stock.”
“Sourcing and supplying these raw materials is what our business is all about. Anyone that does not have any experience in ‘trading’ would soon realise their folly and experience direct economic pressure. There are many variables associated with ‘trading’ and you have to be aware of all of them.”
“Our customers do not expect us to be metallurgists, although we do supply technical know-how and the necessary material certificates, and likewise we do not expect them to be ‘traders’. We would like to think that they have the confidence in us to source what they are looking for.”
Service and delivery
“But it goes further than that. We are stockists of primary metals, ferrous and non-ferrous alloys and raw materials, whether it be ferro-molybdenum, copper phosphorous, selenium and copper granules, ferro-silicon magnesium, tin and antimony ingots or nickel briquettes, all products used regularly in foundries. The stock levels will depend on the demand. We are proud to say that we should always have stock and in quantities that will cover at least a few months of demand.”
“This also allows us to break down the individual products into smaller batch sizes according to the individual company’s requirement or order that they place on us. If someone needs as little as 20 kilograms of a certain product we will supply. We don’t chase the larger quantity products but if a customer requests this then we will supply.”
“It gives our customers peace of mind that they know they can place an order and within a short period, depending on where the company is located, we should be able to deliver the same or next day.”
“We are not a company that operates as a paper controller and shipping advisor. We carry stock and deliver.”
Currently LIL Sales stocks 53 different product lines in base metals, alloys, ores and chemicals in the form of granules, ingot, flakes, bars, sticks, drops, sand and ash. Product is sourced from all over the world including Europe, South America, China, Malaysia and locally.
The company employs 10 staff and has three delivery vehicles with a new eight toner just acquired. LIL Sales currently supplies product to all the major centres in South Africa as well as regional neighbours Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Looking forward, McCrae says they are exploring more opportunities to penetrate Africa, which he believes has huge potential.
For further details contact LIL Sales on TEL: 011 474 3630 or visit www.lilsales.co.za