Construction World July 2017

100 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE This year Rocla, one of South Africa’s leading manufacturers of precast concrete products, celebrates 100 years of excellence in the supply of products to the infrastructure, building and construction industries. A brief history • Rocla, through its association with Hume and Superconcrete, have been leaders in the manufacture and supply of concrete products since 1917.

Albert Weber, ISG’s CEO.

• In 1957, Rocla, an Australian concrete pipe company entered the South African market with an operation in Welkom and funded by General Mining. The ‘Rocla Process’ was a manufacturing process of reinforced concrete pipes by compaction on a spindle known as the roller suspension method. • In 1971, due to equity by General Mining in both Rocla and Superconcrete, the two companies

The Infrastructure Specialist Group (ISG) was formed in 2013 when Rocla, Technicrete, and Ocon Brick were acquired by a consortium consisting of private equity firm Capitalworks, RMB Ventures, Pan African Group and senior executives within the companies. Construction World talked to Albert Weber, ISG’s CEO why Rocla has survived for a 100 years. What gives Rocla the longevity that it has had? We are extremely proud to be a Southern African company. This fuels our devotion to the sustainable development of our region and its people. By ensuring that our infrastructure and high-quality products make a meaningful contribution to the lives of the people of Southern Africa, we continue to play our part in creating a better future. Some things never change, like the rock-solid commitment of Rocla to supply the highest-quality products and service excellence. We understand our customers’ requirements and we strife to deliver to their expectations. What is Rocla’s unique selling proposition? Our extended footprint of manufacturing facilities in South Africa* as well as Botswana and Namibia position us well to deliver large volumes of product to our customers’ demand. Furthermore our technical expertise and know-how gained over many years, enable us to create innovative new products of high standard. Our technical expertise allows us to assist clients with the selection of product range, processes, installation techniques as well as unique information requirements. (*Rocla has factories in Gauteng, Polokwane, Nelspruit, Virginia, Rocla has a proven track record of operational excellence and it delivers on its key promises of quality and product service. The brand has a high degree of respect for these offerings. What portion of your sales is for customised precast prod- ucts and what portion is for standard precast products? Research and developments has always been a cornerstone of Rocla precast concrete since its inception. Rocla is one of the few companies that specialises in the design and development of high quality customised products for clients. Currently 10% of products manufactured are customised precast products – the balance is standard products. Our design division consist of six technical competent employees that include civil engineers, concrete technologists and draftsmen. How important is quality and what standards do you adhere to? Quality is an integral ingredient in our business. Rocla totally embraces, and is committed to, the principle of Total Quality Management. The company has a sophisticated Quality Management System which is considered key to everything the company stands for and everything it will do in future. Newcastle, De Aar, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town) What does the Rocla brand stand for?

were merged under the name Superocla. The name was later changed back to Rocla as we know it today.

The system is continuously monitored and upgraded to ensure its effectiveness. Rocla products carry the South African Bureau of Standards mark and completely adhere to the ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System. The company is a member of the CMA (Concrete Manufacturers Association), and has actively contributed to the growth and development of the industry through its association with the forum. How important is training and what kinds of training are offered? Training is key to the sustainability and enhancement of our company. Rocla is committed to the empowerment of its staff in the workplace. Training is conducted for safety, quality and technical. Since inception, Rocla has been committed to continue professional development within the concrete manufacturing industry. It has achieved this through the provision of seminars, practical training and educational visits. In addition, Rocla provides training for external individuals through the ‘Rocla Academy’ where consulting engineers, civil engineers, architects, project managers and civil contractors are educated on the technical design, selection and installation of precast concrete pipes and culverts. What is your operating philosophy? Rocla has old fashioned values coupled with innovation and a real feel for the business. It offers value in terms of service excellence, innovation and product quality and is committed to deliver personalised service geared to meet the customers’ requirements and needs. What developments will there be at Rocla in the next few years? In the years to come, Rocla will strive to enhance the current service offering and, with our customers, advance the boundaries of precast concrete through innovation, creativity and technology to improve the future. In addition, we will always explore opportunities in Africa to further enhance our footprint on the continent.

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD JULY 2017