July 2014 | Page 36

The Alpha Workshop in Kuruman The alpha male is the guy, the real man, the leader, and the gentleman others look to for motivation and inspiration. Little wonder then that when Johan Lötter’s father began his workshop business in 1988, he called it Alpha Auto. A lpha Auto lived up to its name, and in the 26 years of its existence it has moved its location four times, with growth necessitating bigger premises each time. Now ensconced at 78 Main Street, Alpha Auto plays the leading workshop role in a town that whilst relatively small, punches well above its fighting weight. Kuruman is situated in a geographically propitious spot, as it is in the middle of a large cattle ranching and game farm area, as well as being close to the iron ore and ma nganese mines in Sishen and Hotazel. And Kuruman is also a rest stop for truckers and tourists on the N14 route to Namibia. Thus Alpha Auto is kept busy, and with the demand for various automotive services, it has meant that the business has expanded to meet these needs, with car alarms, vehicle security, and car sound supplementing the traditional auto electrical and mechanical work. And with the large area that Alpha Auto services, a towing and recovery unit has been added. In October 2005 Lötter senior retired, and his son Johan Lötter together ➲ Johan Lötter and Hans Wessels are the automotive alpha males in Kuruman with partner Hans Wessels took over, and today they, with And they are getting a lot of “franchise” the help of 22 motivated employees, look business, as only Toyota and General after the needs of the wide and diverse Motors have dealerships in the town, community. so the other brands need a reliable and The business has had a stellar rise, and trusted workshop to service their cars. when asked to identify a particular highlight Johan and Hans point to 2012 when they took the decision to become an e-CAR member. They say that growth accelerated as soon as the e-CAR signage went up, as apart from the increase in business from the passing trade, the level of confidence that a national brand generated amongst the local contractors was significant. And with Bosch diagnostic equipment and Bosch technical training, together with quality branded parts, provided at competitive prices and with excellent service, via daily deliveries from Diesel-Electric Bloemfontein, Alpha Auto has the ability to continue to live up to its name as the alpha workshop in Kuruman. ➲ The alpha team To join the fastest growing workshop network in South Africa and to add a new dimension to your business, contact Wilfried Langenbach at 086 000 3227 (086 000 e-CAR) | words in action 34 july 2014