DIY Trade News Oct 2013 | Page 30

building materialS 120 and going strong Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC) celebrated An African business success, the company justifiably proud. “As I commented at our 100 its 120th year in 2012, a formidable has eight cement manufacturing facilities and year listing celebration, I believe that there 12 decades of innovation and market three milling depots in South Africa, Botswana are four key elements to our success. Firstly, leadership and remains the leading and Zimbabwe that can produce eight million the longevity of our products as well as the cement producer in southern Africa. This tons of cement products each year. It also vision, courage and the wisdom of previous milestone comes two years after the cement produces aggregates, metallurgical-grade lime, leaders. I also credit our Kambuku philosophy, giant celebrated its 100th year listing on burnt dolomite and limestone. a people management system that not only the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), in February 2010. Along the journey, this cement manufacturer has achieved many milestones, including looks to empower PPC employees, but also the communities in which we operate. And lastly, due to our long term relationships with customers, shareholders, suppliers, government and advisors we are prosperous.” Today, PPC’s focus extends beyond the organisation to the broader industry. As a leader in the industry, the cement company has actively invested in technology to reduce air emissions, minimise waste production, recycle and recover raw materials, enhance energy efficiency and conserve natural resources – while producing a reliable and affordable supply of building materials to support the economies of countries where it operates. As PPC expands into Africa, a sustainable business model will be deployed – one built to last and the brand of choice in its chosen marketplaces. “As an organisation, we believe the cornerstone of sustainability lies in the balanced integration of performance, corporate governance, social, economic and Established as De Eerste Cement Fabrieken the successful unbundling from Barloworld environmental factors into the planning, Beperkt in 1892, PPC has tracked the growth in 2007, a R2.8-billion Broad-Based Black decision-making and implementation stages and development of South Africa, producing Economic Empowerment transaction in 2008, of our business. We exercise due diligence in the cement used in many of the country’s iconic the commissioning of a R1.4-billion plant in all areas of operation and promote sustainable landmarks and construction projects, including Dwaalboom and the R700-million project at its development in our business, among our the Union Buildings, Gariep Dam, Van Staden’s Hercules plant. employees, and in the communities and River Bridge, Gautrain, Medupi Power Station to According to PPC’s CEO, Paul Stuiver, environment in which we operate,” concludes the new Cape Town Stadium in Green Point and celebrating a 120th anniversary as a company Stuiver. Follow PPC on Twitter @PPCisCement many of southern Africa’s infrastructures. is a remarkable achievement and PPC can feel and like us on Facebook HA 30 HARDWARE AFRICA 2013