EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS
“Firstly, to our customers, you are the backbone of this business
and I sincerely appreciate your attendance tonight. If you do well
– Plumblink will do well. Secondly to our suppliers, and you do
overcharge us,” he laughed, “and then also to Howard as his team
as part of Bidvest Commercial Products, I thank you all for being
with us tonight,” said McFarlane.
Looking back to when he first joined the business, McFarlane
remembers that many of the current team started at the same time
and the company then had just 19 stores. Today this store opening is
the 100th and counting, and the only way that Plumblink will continue
to grow is through being price competitive and having excellent
customer service — that McFarlane believes is unquestionable.
“We have indeed had some tough times — before Bidvest
invested in Plumblink, the company was undergoing many
challenges, but we pushed through and overcame those
challenges and I hope that everyone has reaped the rewards of
all of the hard work that went into this. I’m very happy to be a
part of one of the best groups in the country. The Bidvest support
has allowed us to grow without too much interference (except
when we do our budgets and we get growth targets of 20%),
but I confidently say to Bidvest that this was the best investment
they have made. As a company we are also very proud to be
associated with Bidvest,” McFarlane said.
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
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”Finally, to the Plumblink staff, thank you to you all. You have supported
us all the way through your input and work ethic that has been
fantastic. To my executive team, of whom I have known most of you
for more than 10 years, and having been through the rough and tough
times and through the good times, it has been a fantastic journey. I am
grateful for your friendship and support and I stand before you all a
very proud man — well done to all,” McFarlane concluded.
Vermaak ended the formalities by introducing the Bonaero Park team
who are all well experienced in the plumbing industry. They are:
• Branch Manager: Ntsako (Kenneth) Chauchau
• 2IC/Stock Controller: Johannes Teo Steyl
• Trade Counter Salesman: Jafter Sekhula
• Learner General Assistant: Thabang Aphane
Continuing on to the festivities, the evening turned to excitement of the
lucky prizes that were sponsored by the Plumblink suppliers. These
included various pipes, mixers, sinks, tools and also grand prizes of a
complete toolbox, Venter trailer and holiday voucher valued at R20 000.
Vermaak, assisted by Maritza Maritz, Tyrone Thomas and Kenny
Chauchau, presented the prizes to the delighted winners. After the
conclusion of the prize draws, guests were invited to further enjoy in
the celebrations and were treated to a buffet-style meal and some
sweet treats, after which the event wound down. PA
June 2019 Volume 25 I Number 4