The decision to relocate was driven by logistical considerations and the strategic imperative to accommodate the company’s exponential growth trajectory. Managing director Clinton Farndell reveals that because the company had outgrown its building and was making use of alternative warehousing facilities, the management team decided to bring all operations in-house. ‘This consolidation of operations will also help fortify our position in the Southern African market,’ he remarks.

The facility, nestled within the Lanseria Corporate Estate, boasts ample space and cutting-edge infrastructure as it’s primed to serve as a strategic hub for catering to the burgeoning demands of Krones’s regional customers. ‘With a workforce now swelling to over 150 employees, including an expanded technician cohort, we’re well-equipped to navigate the complexities of an evolving market landscape.’

Clinton explains that Krones provides a comprehensive range of services and equipment to meet all packaging needs. From labelling to blow moulding, beverage can lines, bottle filling and beyond, the company offers a complete solution tailored to customers’ requirements. ‘Whether you need glass or plastic PET lines for filling equipment, including downstream components, or seeking secondary packaging solutions such as wraparound corrugates, we’ve got you covered,’ he states.

Krones’s expertise extends to upstream processing equipment, including aseptic processing options, ensuring the highest standards of product integrity. ‘From the initial stages of production to the final packaging and palletising, we offer a seamless end-to-end solution that encompasses every aspect of the bottling process,’ says Clinton.

Furthermore, through Krones’s subsidiary, KIC, the company can supply essential cleaning detergents, lubricants and glue for labelling, ensuring optimal performance and maintenance of bottling lines.

Clinton underscores the importance of local empowerment and decentralisation: ‘Our customers are pushing us more and more. They want the installation team to be on the ground. Ultimately, it aligns with Krones’s global strategy to strengthen the regions and put more responsibility into the subsidiaries.’ This customer-centric approach, he continues, underscores Krones’s commitment to agility and responsiveness, enabling it to align seamlessly with the unique dynamics of each market it serves.

Furthermore, the Lanseria facility represents a paradigm shift in the company’s logistical operations. ‘The intention with the warehouse is to have a more streamlined process and to provide improved parts availability for our customers. Given the current supply chain issues experienced globally, we want to bring those parts in ahead of time so we can meet those obligations,’ Clinton explains. ‘This proactive stance enhances operational efficiency and emphasises Krones’s unwavering commitment

Market diversification

The journey toward growth, however, extends beyond mere infrastructure upgrades. Sinazo Mboye, head of human resources, elucidates the company’s steadfast commitment to talent development, stating: ‘While technician training would typically occur in Germany, we want to enhance our talent pool with our academy and apprenticeship programmes and eventually move to in-house training as well.’ This recognition of its employees serves as a cornerstone of Krones’s success.

In addition to its primary operations, Dominique Howatt, head of sales, says Krones specialises in retrofits, which he describes as a fascinating aspect of the business. ‘This entails adapting machines post-construction to meet specific customer needs. For example, if a customer requests ball-shaped bottles for an upcoming event like the World Cup, we tailor the machine components accordingly to accommodate this bottle shape or size. Sometimes customers may require changes in bottle caps or other line specifications.’ Retrofitting is crucial in the context of South Africa’s (and the global market’s) shift towards lightweighting in the plastics industry.

Dominique is driving initiatives to expand Krones’s market diversification efforts. ‘While our core focus remains on the beverage industry, we recognise opportunities to penetrate other sectors more deeply,’ he enthuses. ‘What sets Krones apart is its versatility. While we excel in delivering high-speed equipment tailored for industry giants, we also cater to the needs of smaller players with lower capacity requirements. We recognise the potential of these emerging businesses and are committed to supporting their growth journey,’ Dominique remarks. By leveraging its expertise and adaptable machinery, Krones can empower smaller players to expand and thrive in their respective markets, ushering them into a new realm of possibilities.

Sustainability at its heart

Moreover, sustainability lies at the heart of Krones’s ethos, Clinton notes. ‘While equipment remains paramount in the minds of our customers, we also prioritise our commitment to sustainability as we transition into our new building. Alongside essential upgrades such as solar installation, we’ve implemented innovative solutions to minimise our environmental impact.’ For instance, integrating sophisticated drainage systems and channelling rainwater from the roof into a large tank for reuse in the facilities. Krones has also invested in additional eco-friendly features such as heat pumps for water geysers and double glazing on windows to optimise energy efficiency. These measures regulate internal temperatures and reduce the company’s overall carbon footprint. ‘These initiatives ensure we operate entirely off the grid, bolstering our sustainability credentials,’ Clinton comments. ’As a result of these efforts, the new building has achieved a coveted net-zero rating, a testament to Krones’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.’

A strategic move

Given the current supply chain crisis, we want to bring spare parts in ahead of time so that we can meet customer obligations and expectations.”

The relocation of Krones Southern Africa to its new facility signifies more than just a physical move – it symbolises a strategic pivot towards growth, innovation and customer-centricity. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, sustainability and talent development, Krones is poised to chart new packaging and bottling machinery horizons. As the company continues to evolve and expand its footprint across the globe, one thing remains abundantly clear: the future is indeed brimming with promise for Krones and its discerning customers.

Clinton believes that with every innovation and expansion, Krones Southern Africa reaffirms its dedication to pushing the boundaries of possibility, fostering growth within its walls and those of the industries it serves. ‘By harnessing the power of technology, nurturing our talent pool and embracing sustainability as a guiding principle, our company is shaping the future of packaging and bottling machinery as well as pioneering a new era of responsible and inclusive business practices,’ he enthuses.

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