The past 10 years have seen global socio-economic and political upheaval, environmental challenges Covid-19 and climate change have not gone unnoticed. All of these have had an impact on South Africa leaving it with these and many of its own challenges to confront.
The DZanetech staff
From surviving to thriving
South African companies have had to change how they conduct business to remain competitive and to grow their market share and sustain jobs in the face of major global and local challenges, such as:
• The war in Ukraine – has led to a sharp rise in the global costs of oil, gas and fertiliser, including constraints on supply of strategic raw materials.
• Interest rate increases – central banks around the world have increased interest rates to control inflation affecting supply and demand.
• The after effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are still being felt, with China still shutting down industrial hubs and ports to curb its spread.
• Severe flooding on the eastern seaboard that led to loss of life also washed away essential road, rail and other logistical infrastructure, in addition to homes and factories.
• High logistics costs due to challenges with rail and port services strikes.
• With more severe loadshedding stages, all businesses across industries have and will suffer disruption in their day-to-day running that will impact on the bottom line.
“Despite the macro-economic challenges, DZanetech remains resolute and has taken the necessary steps to provide our customers with the security of products and services they require. Our business has gained traction since opening our doors in 2020, enabling us to make our mark in the national arena. Our national footprint means even our most remote customers have access to products and services they need. We have secured partnerships with four international technology principles, to increase our product and service offerings. Adding another string to our bow, is our ISO 9001:2015 certification. Customers can be assured that we take quality management seriously and plan to continually improve our Quality Management System,” says Jacques Swanepoel, National Sales Manager of DZanetech.
“These are momentous milestones and indeed achievements worthy of celebrating. There are no secrets to success, except hard work and determination, with collaborative support from our loyal customers, partners, hardworking employees, and an overall skilled team, DZanetech will breed success. Together we have clocked up a combined tenure of more than 70 years in the field of foundry, timber and manufacturing, which makes us stronger together.”
Vemek produce foundry chills, high-quality precision chaplets, chills, core nails and vents
Turnkey solutions
“It’s our philosophy ‘if our clients succeed, we succeed’. The proof is in the pudding: Continuous improvement and application development and a clear focus on customer needs, has set us apart from our competitors. With the current situation in South Africa, suppliers are increasing their lead time and running out of stock, so it’s not only about diversifying our basket, but also about giving our clients the security of supply to meet their demand,” continued Swanepoel.
The importance of collaboration
Collaboration and forming strategic alliances are fundamental for business growth, sustainability, and improvement. The current economic landscape does not have room for a “stand alone” approach. Collaboration opens endless opportunities, from sourcing new products to a larger customer base and more choices.
“Attending GIFA 2023 will afford us the opportunity to find new markets, track the latest trends and innovations, generate new business contacts, exchange storytelling moments with like-minded businesses, which we will use in South Africa. We constantly need to look for new ways to drive collaborative innovation that will deliver on customers’ needs today and in the future. Forging partnerships also increases knowledge, expertise, technology, and market share, thus creating business success for all.”
“Our strategic supply and distribution agreement with HA, arguably the global technology leader in the foundry chemistry field, gives us sole rights to distribute and supply HA technology and products throughout the Sub-Saharan region which makes us stronger together.”
Trusted Partners
Hüttenes-Albertus HA
“Our strategic supply and distribution agreement with HA, arguably the global technology leader in the foundry chemistry field, gives us sole rights to distribute and supply HA technology and products throughout the Sub-Saharan region which makes us stronger together.”
MR Chemie
“MR Chemie, a market leader for high-quality non-destructive testing (NDT) materials and equipment, plays a strategic role in our business. They support the foundry finished goods process on specific castings. We recognised the need for a dependable NDT partner, with global manufacturing capabilities, coupled by a trusted brand. MR Chemie services the local South African Foundry, Engineering, Construction, Automotive and Aero Space industries. There has certainly been a significant improvement and uptake in the NDT offering from our customers, since introducing MR Chemie into the South African foundry industry.”
MR Chemie is a market leader for high-quality non-destructive testing (NDT) materials and equipment
Peeyush Kumar Sinha, Manager Export Sales (Africa), for MR Chemie adds: “We are pleased and proud to be associated with DZanetech as our South African partner. Our collaboration makes them an ideal partner to the MR Chemie family and we are confident that together we will galvanise the foundry industry, increase the MR Chemie brand and product distribution in the Sub-Saharan Africa region, while servicing our customers with solutions.”
Versatile Equipments Pvt Ltd (“Versatile”)
The foundry industry plays a key role in the South African economy and is one of the largest contributors to the manufacturing of durable goods. “We were recently appointed as the official distribution partner for Versatile in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. They are globally recognised for researching, designing and manufacturing foundry sand testing equipment required for foundries and technical institutes. A renowned leader in the field of sand testing equipment.”
Karl Deutsch has been engaged in the development and production of equipment for non-destructive material testing
Vemek
“Vemek is our trusted supplier in Italy. They produce foundry chills, high-quality precision chaplets, chills, core nails and vents. Partnering with them affords us the opportunity to have access to over 100 years’ experience and ‘know-how’ to assist our customers to always find the best solution to their technical problems. They use statistical controls and 100% automatic controls, to reduce waste and ensure a higher quality product and timeous delivery.”
Mycrokleen MK
“Our latest addition to our turnkey basket is MK, a premium quality brand of industrial and household detergents and cleaners. MK was introduced to complement DZanetech’s existing business in the foundry, timber, construction, automotive and marine industries. MK is not only limited to foundry needs but also caters to workshops and office environments.”
Play like a champion, to be a champion
• DZanetech have developed IP-specific turnkey solutions designed specifically for the South African foundry environment.
• Competitive pricing.
• Raw materials are locally sourced from trusted suppliers where possible and are of the highest quality.
• There is no ‘one size fits all’ blanket approach; packaging and solutions is customised to specific needs.
• A national footprint ensures the ability to service larger customers through carefully selected distributors and suppliers.
• Partnering with industry leaders to provide solutions.
Challenges facing the foundry industry
According to an article by GlobeNewswire, the metal casting industry has borne the brunt of poor economic growth, high input costs, inconsistent supply of electricity, production delays due to power outages and high levels of imports. Added to this dilemma, is a general supply shortage that affects all of us, including other sectors.
“Unless Government, in collaboration with the private and public sector intervenes to ensure that the largest contributor to the South African economy is sustained, we may see a once flourishing industry closing shop and increasing the unemployment rate. Every effort should be made to sustain the industry.”
What is the forecast for the medium term?
With South African businesses still facing challenging factors, such as loadshedding, the current political environment and global environment, companies who are not nimble and flexible will not survive in the medium term, so long-term forecasting is not even viable.
Versatile are globally recognised for researching, designing and manufacturing foundry sand testing equipment
“The best strategies are tried and tested and are capable to adapt to an ever-changing market. All too often, strategies represent an aspirational view of an organisation’s vision unencumbered by reality. There is nothing wrong with such exercises as they encourage inspiration, innovation, and imagination. However, they are rarely executable. Effective strategic planning takes visionary thinking and must translate to action,” says Swanepoel.
“At DZanetech we strive to be an enabler to the industry by being nimble and flexible with our offerings and solutions. We are adaptable, customer focussed, and consistently deliver high-quality products and services. With the support of our valued employees, we will be stronger together and do our part to help the industry survive the medium term,” concludes Swanepoel.
For DZanetech, these collaborations highlight the fact that individual efforts may not always be enough to achieve success, but by combining our strengths and resources, we can accomplish great things. The ethos rings true: “Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated and passionate about what they do.” Nelson Mandela.
For further details contact DZanetech on 079 514 6885 (Jacques Swanepoel), Cape Town 083 454 5465 (Johan Jooste), 083 274 1657 (Koketso Mamogale) or 066 010 0999 (Zaid Syed) or visit www.dzanetech.co.za
