By anybody’s standards, that’s no mean feat!
Heading up this record-achieving team is pater familias, Michael Aengenvoort – ably assisted by his twin sons, Pascal and Patrick. Just to complete the picture, his other son, Marco, is CEO of RotoControl in Germany (one of Rotocon’s principals).
Sharing the stunning news of the year’s results with PPM, an understandably elated Michael is quick to pay tribute not only to Rotocon team members, but also to their customers. ‘We sincerely thank our customers for our success in 2015. Without their support, it would not have been possible!’ he declares.
Before answering questions about the underlying reasons for this customer loyalty, Michael provides a truly breathtaking list of the equipment sold. This impressive catalogue includes three MPS flexographic presses; four Screen digital presses; five RotoControl inspection systems; six GapControl systems from Wink; and three AVT Helios Vision systems.
Also doing exceptionally well is Rotocon’s division that specialises in the sale of refurbished equipment. ‘We sold seven second-hand machines during the year,’ Michael continues. ‘Some were completely refurbished by our technicians before reinstallation. In addition, for some we also provided our own financing option.’
Dedicated and happy employees
One reason that Michael cites for Rotocon’s success is the team of 36 employees dedicated to customer service in this BEE-compliant company.
‘With our head office in Cape Town, and branches in Johannesburg and Durban, we provide customers with outstanding service – wherever they’re located,’ he says.
In Cape Town, Pascal Aengenvoort heads up the sales team, assisted by Marcel Morta (tools) and Lesley Abrahams (reconditioning of solid rotary dies). In Johannesburg, the operation is directed by Patrick Aengenvoort, assisted by Glen van der Merwe and Bill Mukubi (service tools); and in Durban, branch manager Akhmuth Sayed also handles sales, assisted by Munya Chiswanda (service tools).
Clearly, judging by the stellar sales over the past 12 months, these people constitute a potent and dedicated army. But above all, as Michael reports, ‘Rotocon employees are happy!’
Regional delivery service
As Michael reiterates, with branch offices and service centres in each main centre, Rotocon offers exceptional regional service. ‘But most important,’ he continues, ‘at each depot we have Rotocon delivery vehicles to handle the logistics of transferring orders – such as spare parts, tools and dies – under our own control from the airport directly to our customers. We don’t leave this to third parties.’
Underlining this commitment is a recent investment in 11 new Rotocon-branded vehicles, not only keeping the company’s logistics under tight control but also ensuring the Rotocon name is in full view on the country’s roads.
And building on this branding exercise, a strong profile is maintained through Rotocon’s ongoing and energetic public relations exercises. Here Michael mentions the enormous impact of the company’s regular newsletter, and the excellent results that come from advertising and reporting Rotocon’s success stories through the pages of PPM.
‘We’re very happy to advertise in PPM,’ Michael insists. ‘It’s among the very best magazines in our industry, not only in South Africa but worldwide!’
And moving down to the all-important bottom line, the company is in excellent financial health.
‘Not only do we enjoy excellent relationships with our suppliers and principals, we also have an unblemished record when it comes to paying our bills on time! This is an excellent base from which to enter 2016 and we’re looking forward to another great year ahead.’
[Ed’s note: Three more Rotocon sales successes are recorded in this issue – see pages 11, and pages 49 and 51 – and readers can be sure to encounter many more in the coming months!]
