As a customer-orientated firm, Fabrinox specialises in the cost effective manufacturing of sheet metal components, subassemblies and under-license manufacturing. Manufacturing Digital talks to Andre Visser to find out more
Written by Jennifer Denby & Produced by Tom Lloyd
When Managing Director, Andre Visser, began Fabrinox back in 1993 with just five employees, supplying stainless steel components and subassemblies to only one customer, few would have envisaged the remarkable success it has gained to date.
Today, Fabrinox has developed into the Western Cape’s leading manufacturer of quality, customer-orientated and cost-effective sheet metal products, both in terms of market share and technology. With a staff complement of 110 occupying a 5,000 sq m factory, the firm is well-equipped to meet the growing needs of the agricultural, food and beverage, armaments, I.T. and architectural industries, serving multinational clients in some of the world’s most competitive destinations.
“When we began, there was a great opportunity created for me,” says Visser, outlining his original goals and objectives when the company was founded. “At that stage, I didn’t really know what would happen in the future, but I had a vision of building a sustainable business to supply quality products to the food and beverage industry. One of my key goals was always to have an international link with companies worldwide.” Fabrinox secured its first international under-license manufacturing contract in 1997, and has since blossomed overseas.
“I also sought to keep the firm young and vibrant so as not to fall behind with the times,” he adds.
This is a goal that has clearly materialised, as Fabrinox prides itself on maintaining a youthful and eager workforce. The firm plays its part in the training of young artisans, while taking on learners from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, and sponsorships at the Laborie High School.
“We train our staff right through the year; from youngsters to the people that have been with our company for some years, to keep them sharp and on top of all the processes and latest technological advances, and to make them more efficient. So we have a big focus on that, keeping them well-trained throughout their career with us,” Visser says.
TOTAL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
In talking with Visser, it is noticeable that he recognises how important gaining a high level of customer satisfaction is to the business. After all, satisfied customers are more likely to be loyal and to use the wide range of products offered by Fabrinox.
Putting this high on the agenda, Visser explains how the firm measures customer satisfaction levels using survey techniques. “Once a month we conduct a questionnaire among our customers to get feedback from them regarding previous experiences with us; orders that they’ve placed, deliveries and feedback from the market. We ask what extra services they would like, what are we doing wrong and what do they suggest we can get better on?”
Fabrinox then takes its customers’ responses onboard by ploughing suggestions back into its processes, should they fit into the strategy of the company. “We pride ourselves in being able to listen to the companies and their requirements, and offer them exactly what they need and ask for,” he adds.
Quality also plays an equally important role here. “We strive to ensure total customer satisfaction by offering products of superior quality throughout the production process. We use the latest technology in sheet metal processing machines, laser cutting, NC bending, NC robot welding, and, of course, a skilled workforce.
“Our company is driven by enterprise resource planning software, SYSPRO, which integrates customer requests, quotations, costing and invoicing into one system.” The firm is ISO 9001 certified and has a comprehensive Quality Management System in place to keep standards high. “We also like to reduce the risk of the customer by carrying high stock levels of raw material,” he continues. “We have various agreements with our suppliers on consignments stocks. We invest in the capital equipment and the staff, and we can therefore leverage that by offering that service to various customers. That is why our staff and equipment are employed 24 hours, six days a week,” he adds, highlighting a key competitive advantage in terms of product and service availability.
By identifying productivity, quality and technology as key issues, Fabrinox has been able to position itself as a service-orientated business, optimising its resources to the advantage of its customers.
STRATEGIC ALLIANCES
Fabrinox stands to benefit enormously from well chosen alliances; both in terms of developing its global presence, and being able to provide valuable new services to its customers in areas the firm currently doesn’t cover.
This, as one might expect, can make a company a much more attractive proposition for new and existing clients; something which Fabrinox evidently hasn’t overlooked.
“We are in the snack industry quite extensively at the moment and are busy with a joint venture project for a big company in Cape Town. We are working very closely with an alliance that has offices in Brisbane, Australia and a manufacturing plant in Nanjing, China. So this creates some good opportunities for us in the future. We have developed a very longstanding relationship with this company, which began back in 1996,” he says. “In the future, I would like to form more strategic relationships and alliances with multinational companies to do import replacements for the local market, and then to get more exposure to the international market for subassemblies and fabrication,” he continues, outlining further potential.
Led by Visser, whose management techniques are clearly focused on change, sustainability and sound business practices, the firm looks set for future success with a host of resources and technologies that are being well optimised to the advantage of both its employees and customers.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
COMPANY NAME: Fabrinox
MD: Andre Visser
OPERATIONS: Specialises in sheet metal components, sub-assembly manufacturing and under-license manufacturing
ESTABLISHED: 1993
EMPLOYEES: 110
REVENUE: R50 million
HEAD OFFICE: Paarl, South Africa
www.fabrinox.com
View Digital Corporate Profile of Fabrinox in Manufacturing Digital January 2010