Anniversaries should be celebrated, as was the case just recently when Endress+Hauser South Africa toasted its 25th. Over the past 25 years the ‘People for Process Automation’ have developed from a niche provider of level instruments sold via an agency, to a R250 million Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) company that sets a standard for automation in South Africa. But the company says that tells only half the success story, the rest is told by the many lives it has touched in practical and sustainable ways since its inception.
South Africa was first introduced to Endress+Hauser products by a succession of independent importers and distributors. After a while the situation was reviewed and the company decided to set up a sales centre in South Africa. This came to fruition on 10 October 1984 when Endress+Hauser was established. The new sales centre benefited from the phenomenal support of the parent company, especially from the late Dr Georg Endress and later the current CEO, Klaus Endress.
Present MD, Rob MacKenzie, credits Endress+Hauser SA’s continued success to the company culture which reflects the mission statement: ‘To strive to generate outstanding value for our customers’. This mission finds practical expression in the ‘we do not sell products but solutions’ approach with which each new project is tackled. “In today’s more difficult economic times this commitment to add value to our customer processes has meant sustainable business for Endress+Hauser,” says MacKenzie.
People development has always been as important to Endress+Hauser as the development of new technology. “We encourage active participation and employee growth and are committed to the development of the people of South Africa,” explains MacKenzie. “In keeping with this philosophy, we believe skills development forms one of the cornerstones of the progression of our country and our company.”
Endress+Hauser employees have access to a wide range of career enhancing opportunities such as training courses, furthering their formal studies, or even the opportunity to work for an overseas division of the company. As a result it has an impressive staff retention record with no less than 18 employees boasting service records longer than 10 years.
Werner Steffan has been with Endress+Hauser SA since its very beginning. “Having had the honour of being employed since day one I have had the privilege of experiencing the growth of our company and its people over the past 25 years. I have always been proud of being an employee of this dynamic company,” he says.
The organisation also takes its broader social responsibilities seriously and includes children’s homes, the aged as well as the computer centre and computer literacy programme for teachers at the MC Weiler School in Alexandra. Even the animals in need at the Sandton SPCA benefit from funds raised by the annual company golf day.
Endress+Hauser has established itself as a leading and innovative provider of process automation solutions to business in South Africa and the rest of Africa. At the same time, the company has invested as much in developing the people and the country that make this success possible. Founding MD Alastair Moffat summates: “Endress+Hauser SA is a true South African champion. I wish the company every success in extending its leadership over the next 25 years.”
[Note]: Readers wanting a more detailed account of Endress+Hauser’s 25 years in South Africa should visit http://instrumentation.co.za/+C13404A. More quotes from past managing directors are also available here. A selection of images can be viewed at http://instrumentation.co.za/editorial/C13418
For more information contact Hennie Blignaut, Endress+Hauser, +27 (0)11 262 8000, info@za.endress.com, www.za.endress.com
| Tel: | +27 11 262 8000 |
| Email: | info.za.sc@endress.com |
| www: | www.endress.com |
| Articles: | More information and articles about Endress+Hauser South Africa |
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