Industrial News

“Our manufacturing capacity in South Africa has trebled overnight and our Group turnover will increase by about 10%. But the benefits extend well beyond that, in the medium to long term.” Flowcrete’s existing Durban manufacturing operations in Pinetown have already transferred to the Ivory Industrials facility located in Jacobs.

“Over the last 30 years, Ivory Industrials has developed a strong position as a market leader in specialist epoxy and polyurethane flooring, in particular in construction chemicals and corrosion protection products,” says Harrison. The portfolio includes abrasion resistant linings for use in the mining industry, coatings for galvanised structures and a wide range of acid resistant linings and coatings for use in the petrochemicals and piping industries.

“The extensive Ivory Industrials product range will open up a number of new markets for Flowcrete subsidiaries around the world, while providing an excellent fit with our existing specialised flooring portfolio,” he adds. Flowcrete plc operates eight production plants and 22 sales offices worldwide and is the number one supplier of specialist resin flooring systems in Asia and the second-largest supplier of specialised flooring products worldwide.

Harrison confirms that the company is highly committed to the Ivory Industrials brand, due to its long-established reputation in the market and string of blue-chip customers in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, automotive and mining industries. “This commitment includes ensuring a stable supply of product and maintaining consistently high levels of quality and service.”

With the acquisition now finalised and the physical move completed, Flowcrete has also made a number of key appointments to strengthen the management team. Sue Posthumus has been appointed as National Sales Manager and she is also responsible for running Flowcrete’s Johannesburg office. Sue began her career in the flooring industry some 10 years ago as a specifications consultant, with Ivory Industrials. She then joined Degussa SA construction chemicals, where she set up the civils division in the South African market, and was involved marketing and selling concrete repair, waterproofing and flooring systems.

On the finance side, Anusha Naidoo has been appointed as Commercial Director, based in Durban. She will be responsible for all areas of financial management, including provision of strategic commercial input to the direction of the business. Anusha is a qualified Chartered Accountant and was previously with Ernst & Young for nine years. During the last three years, she has managed a Corporate Finance Practice, and brings with her extensive experience in the fields of mergers & acquisitions, valuations, forecasting models, feasibility studies and due diligence. She has worked in a number of industries including manufacturing, media and entertainment, agriculture and transport.

Usha Allopi has taken up the role of Production Manager for the newly expanded organisation. Usha who holds a Degree in Chemistry, was previously employed by Ivory Industrials, which she joined 11 years ago as the Quality Control Technician. After numerous promotions over the years, she was appointed Production Manager in 2000.

Harrison comments, “We are delighted to welcome our new team members on board. The strong combination of their skills and experience will enable us to quickly maximise the new opportunities that the acquisition has opened up for us.”