SI Group HA South Africa, a subsidiary of the SI Group, a leading global developer and manufacturer of chemical intermediates, specialty resins and solutions that are critical to the quality and performance of countless industrial and consumer goods, has recently implemented a number of changes that include the appointment of a new Sales Manager, the construction and opening of a new flammable goods store at the company’s Alrode, Johannesburg site and the appointment of Mineral Zone (Pty) Ltd as its foundry products distributor.

The announcements by the company coincided with the visit to the South African operation in August 2016 by Frank Bozich, the Global President and CEO of the SI Group, as part of his global tour to all SI Group sites. The SI Group, which was established in 1906, is a family-owned company that is based in Schenectady, New York, USA employing over 2,700 employees worldwide and operates 20 manufacturing facilities on five continents with $1.6 billion in annual sales.

During his stay in South Africa Frank Bozich visited both the Johannesburg and Durban operations of the company and presided at the official opening of the Johannesburg flammable goods store, which is an ongoing investment and commitment from the SI Group to meet the stringent EHS policies of the Group, as well as ensuring that they comply with local regulatory requirements.

“Part of the success of the manufacturing of the flammable goods store is that it only took 10 months to complete, with zero incidents on site,” commented Gordon McNeilage, Director of Operations in South Africa.

Gordon McNeilage (Director South Africa Operations), Philip Ingham (Vice President Europe, Middle East & Africa) Frank Bozich (President & CEO SI Group)

“Mr Bozich, who was accompanied by Phillip Ingham, the EMEA Vice President for the SI Group, left South Africa enthusiastic about the progress and strides made to meet the company’s 2020 vision in terms of EHS. Furthermore, he was impressed with the neatness and maintenance of both the sites, and the commitment from the SI Group’s staff to maintain this effort,” said McNeilage.

Mineral Zone (Pty) Ltd appointed as distributor
In lieu of SI Group HA South Africa’s continued commitment to world-class service, the company has also announced a partnership with Mineral Zone (Pty) Ltd whereby Mineral Zone will in future be a preferred foundry distributor for the company’s foundry products.

“Mineral Zone will continue to strengthen our position in the foundry industry by assuring continuous supply delivery, as well as continued technical support to our customers with long term sustainability,” said McNeilage.

Back row left to right JJ de Jager (Technical Support), Jaysen du Toit (Technical Support) and Nino Ciani (Technical Sales Representative)
Front left to right Antoinette Swanepoel (Foundry Sales Manager), Thabo Makhanya (Sales Manager South Africa) and Guy Dockray (Technical Support)

“The SI Group HA South Africa remains firmly committed to offering world class products and services to the foundry industry. Therefore Mineral Zone has been appointed as the most suitable company to provide the level of service, commitment and support that our valued customers have been accustomed to,” continued McNeilage.

“Mineral Zone, which was established almost two years ago, is the brain child of co-owner and Managing Director Brendan Homann. Brendan has developed a successful track record of consistent delivery contributing significant streams of revenue during his metallurgical and executive career. His steady performance has been achieved through developing successful strategies, establishing new markets and redefining territories. He has managed diverse teams of people across dispersed and often remote locations such as Zambia, Kenya and the DRC. Brendan’s experience further includes dealing with producers and clientele in countries and markets such as Brazil, Chile, Europe, Africa, Australia, the Middle East and China.”

“Mineral Zone is a trading house of specialised industrial minerals, alloys, foundry and steel plant consumables and ores. It is our philosophy to be effectively and strategically placed within the scope of sourcing and supplying our range of products allowing us to be experts in the range of products we supply. Our mission is recognition in the effectiveness of applying our relationships with our principles and linking those with the relationships of our customers.”

“Mineral Zone is built on relationships, reputation and passion. Between our sales staff and those of Mineral Zone we have a collective of more than 40 years’ experience in the foundry industry. This new agreement and association with Mineral Zone adds value to both companies by virtue of exposure to new opportunities.”

New Sales Manager and Foundry Manager appointments
“Further changes within the SI Group HA South Africa has seen the appointment of Thabo Makhanya as our new Sales Manager for the timber, industrial resins and foundry divisions. Thabo comes with vast experience in managing some of the biggest brands globally and has experience in SCM, sales and marketing, R&D and production management. Some of the brands that Thabo has had management positions at include SAB Miller, Sasol, JTI and PepsiCo.”

“Another appointment is that of Antoinette Swanepoel who has taken up the position as Foundry Manager. Antoinette was previously employed at Insimbi Alloy Supplies and has vast experience in both refractories and powder coating applications. Antoinette is responsible for managing the foundry sales team and commercial operations, and is supported in this division by Nino Ciani.”

“Jaysen Du Toit was also recently employed as a technical support assistant to assist in the foundry division under the tutelage of Guy Dockray, who heads up the SI Group HA South Africa Technical support team along with JJ De Jager.”

“The foundry team looks forward to developing and growing their foundry portfolio as well as offering a world class service, value and technical support to the foundry industry,” concluded McNeilage.

For further details contact SI Group SA on TEL: 011 389 8200 or visit www.siigroup.com or www.huettenes-albertus.com