DC based private equity fund , for their Liquefied Petroleum Gas ( LPG ) cylinder manufacturing plant , in the west of Johannesburg , South Africa .
The project is expected to create 110 direct jobs during construction and 35 direct jobs at full commercial operation . Using the highest standards in manufacturing processes along with the latest technology , and raw materials designed to reduce carbon footprint , Bluedrop will be setting a new standard for South Africa ’ s gas cylinder manufacturing .
Among the many challenges facing the project was that Bluedrop was in a pre-revenue stage in an incredibly competitive and highly regulated industry . However , J . Sassoon Group ’ s solution driven management approach compliments start-ups ’ strengths while strengthening their weakness by utilising its own global network . In addition to assisting with sourcing global engineering firms for the construction , J . Sassoon ’ s external consultants and accounting service firm , PricewaterhouseCoopers ( PwC ), is providing consultancy and advisory services to the project .
Upon succeeding his grandfather as the chairman of the board , David E . Sassoon has taken a keen interest in Africa , continuing the family ’ s historical relationship with the continent , particularly South Africa . Bluedrop is the optimum start up to re-engage the African market . David E . Sassoon personally mentored and guided Bluedrop through the complexity of the financing phase . The firm financially engineered the mezzanine finance deal to reduce borrowing costs in addition to a twelvemonth payment holiday , enabling Bluedrop to accelerate growth and optimise success .
Bruce Fein , J . Sassoon Group ’ s CEO , explained that Bluedrop is the first pre-revenue start-up in Africa that J . Sassoon Group has invested in . “ Our focus is on start-ups , entrepreneurs and midmarket companies . Bluedrop is the type of forward-facing , energetic company we are looking for . We are confident that this is a value accretive investment ,” says Fein .
Commenting on the transaction , Bluedrop ’ s CFO Kenneth Maduna said , “ As an independent 100 % black owned company , we are ecstatic with the investment made by J . Sassoon Group more so for showing their confidence in us and South Africa as an investment destination .” Construction of the manufacturing plant is expected to commence in Q4 2021 and will take 12-14 months to complete . •
The logical question is then , will UPSs be able to handle the load so to speak ? The short answer is yes , depending on the required load – therefore kilowatt power – a good UPS solution can support equipment for a prolonged period and for at least four hours , which is the average length of time we experience during scheduled load shedding .
African Mining • June 2021 • 35