Construction World October 2020

MARKETPLACE

40 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE Den Braven Sealants SA is celebrating 40 years of business in South Africa. The company has been through many turbulent periods in the country’s history – the current COVID-pandemic perhaps the worst of these. Construction World spoke to Michael Berg – Business Manager about the company’s offering, how it is weathering the current storm and its quest for excellence.

at hand. This is achieved through our dedicated sales team who are extremely hands on, and knows their product capabilities, while offering advice on best solutions to our clients and the industries that we supply and serve. What services do you offer? Den Braven SA offers a range of products that not only covers the construction industry, but industrial and the DIY consumer as well. We link this with personal interaction (where possible) with clients, product support and training, both in-house and on site. How many people do you employ? 30 What is your geographical footprint? 'HQ %UDYHQ 6$ KDV RͦFHV DQG GLVWULEXWLRQ warehouses in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. From these premises we service customers nationally as well as the sub-Sahara African countries. How do you ensure certainty of supply in times of high demand? We are proactive in accessing the markets and plan accordingly, taking manufacturing and lead times into consideration. Our dedicated warehouse teams and well kept stock records enable us to plan accordingly.

Den Braven is celebrating its 40 th year of business in South Africa. What have been some of the turbulent times it has weathered? The onslaught of low cost and inferior products causes concern. We see failures and encounter non-conformance daily. Den Braven SA has built a successful customer base with strong relations over the years. There is no quality compromise and WKH SURGXFWV DUH DOO ͤW IRU SXUSRVH How is it weathering the current COVID-19 pandemic? It is tough but we are not unique being in the construction industry at this turbulent time. It is our commitment to our country and customers that remain top of mind. Planning and adapting to new ways of business have been key for us. What is Den Braven’s unique selling point? Strong, durable, proven and reliable products, supported and backed by training, customer support and service by our sales consultants and staff. What sets Den Braven apart from competitors? We are a professional sealants company. It LV LPSRUWDQW WR XV WKDW ZH VXSSO\ VSHFLͤF sealants or adhesives for the project

How important is innovation for Den Braven and how do you innovate? Innovation is key to us. Our Research & Development Department remains at the forefront of product developments for sealing and bonding products and their technologies. All our products are backed with technical data and safety sheets and our range of products are formulated bearing in mind Southern African weather conditions. How do you regard your customers – just a once off buyer of a product or more long-term and strategic? We partner with our customers to ensure successful projects and business for the long term. Their success is our success – and with success we build relationships and long-term association and loyalty. Sustainability in building is increasingly important. How do you ensure that your products are sustainable? It is extremely important to us. We have a strong range of products that comply with SAGBC standards (and REACH). Our products are manufactured under strict international norms. Our cartridges are recyclable, and we advocate responsible waste management. What is the function of your Centre for Excellence? The CoE supplies global product support, training and advise to both our organisation and customers. The diversity of your product range is one of the aspects that sets Den Braven apart. How do you determine this product range? Good knowledge of the South African market and business landscape linked with international best practices give us the insights to have suitable products with durability available that conform and work in our South African and African environment. ƒ

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD OCTOBER 2020