Modern Quarrying Q2 2024

AfriSam has centralised the process of aggregate distribution from its quarries.

DISTRIBUTION

Glenn Johnson, AfriSam’s Executive for Construction Materials: Operations says AfriSam is often viewed as only a cement, aggregate and readymix producer and that little thought is given to the fact that distribution plays a vital part in its operations. Ultimately it is through effective distribution that AfriSam gets its products to customers. Modern Quarrying found out just how vital distribution for AfriSam’s construction materials (readymix and aggregates) is, the importance it places on safety, training, on-time delivery and how it navigates the current challenges in South Africa. JUST HOW IMPORTANT IS THE DISTRIBUTION OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS?

“D istribution at AfriSam is the connection between getting our final products from our operations to customers,” says Johnson. “We are effectively a distribution company – that is the crux of it. A significant part of the organisation’s focus is on the effective management of our distribution network, for aggregate, readymix and cement.” Centralised and de centralised distribution AfriSam decentralises its distribution network for its readymix business. “We effectively are located in three key geographical areas - Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape and have key personnel responsible for the distribution of our product in these areas. A central logistics

SNAPSHOT

“We are effectively a distribution company – that is the crux of it. A significant part of the organisation’s focus is on the effective management of our distribution network, for aggregate, readymix and cement.”

AfriSam decentralises its distribution network for its readymix business.

AfriSam has centralised the process of aggregate distribution from its quarries because it is, unlike readymix not a time-sensitive product.

Because of the dynamic load, driving a readymix truck is more demanding than driving an aggregate truck. AfriSam ensures that the drivers of readymix trucks have adequate training for these specialised driving requirements, but also for the specialised load that it carries.

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