Plumbing Africa January 2020 | Page 51

BUSINESS AND TRAINING The products manufactured by Atlas supply the mining, construction, agriculture and other sectors, a perfect fit for Kutana’s industrial supply strategy to invest in local manufacturers in the industrial supply industry. “We want to be able to provide procurement solutions to mines, construction companies, and foreign multinationals that are looking for local supply from black women owned businesses.” “Atlas has a history of product innovation which means that it is constantly adapting to the needs of its customers,” says Du Bourg. Examples include toilet huts, which have a significant growth opportunity, and plastic lockers which can be supplied to a range of clients such as schools, mines, and corporates. “We believe there is significant opportunity for growth for the LLI/Atlas business with regards to supply to the mines through the improved BEE ownership, while the piping products are gaining traction with the new developments due to it being a viable/sustainable alternative to copper pipes and look forward to what the future holds.” PA 49 Background to the Kutana Group The Kutana Group is a 100% black women owned investment holding group, founded in 2008. The Group has a value-driven investment philosophy and strives to work closely with its investee companies to achieve sustainable, long-term development while maintaining its core values of knowledge, integrity and growth. As a generational wealth business with no defined exit, it has a long- term investment horizon and so is able to focus on growth in the value of its investee companies ahead of short-term investment returns. Atlas Plastics production facility The group has investments in Adamson Nielsen Construction, Swift Industrial (Herschell greases and lubricants), Suzi Products (textile manufacturer) and SVA Group (supply chain and risk management), to name a few, and is in the process of finalising investments in other local manufacturers, which will provide the group with synergistic benefits. Atlas Polypipe is the only SANS 15874 approved hot and cold water pipe in South Africa. Only state of the art machinery is used by Atlas Plastics. Kutana industrial strategy • Kutana has a diverse portfolio of investments across a number of sectors including food services, property, technology, financial services, industrial, steel, construction, and agriculture. • Kutana is strongly focused on growing its investments in the industrial manufacturing sector in line with the South African Government’s agenda to grow black industrialists and transform this sector of the economy. Atlas Plastics is the only company in South Africa that manufactures and supplies the flat pack- type toilet. Atlas Plastics now also supplies dragline pressure hose that is designed for conveying water. Atlas Plastics supplies tender-approved toilets that provide sanitation to rural areas. January 2020 Volume 25 I Number 11 • Kutana believes in being an active contributor to the growth of the South African economy and the creation of employment through a focused investment strategy which drives synergies between group companies and grows market presence in its chosen sectors. • Kutana believes that many businesses in the mining, construction, and agricultural sectors require procurement from local South African black women owned companies. Kutana’s industrial strategy is provide procurement solutions for these businesses by supplying a broad range of products and services. www.plumbingafrica.co.za