BUSINESS AND TRAINING
and physical environment,” Brand says.
“We are committed to being recognised as a leader
in our fields of rotational moulding and extrusion,
and to building on the foundation of 50 years
for the next 50. As a future-facing company, we
are not resting on our laurels. We are continually
exploring and stretching the boundaries while
designing new and innovative products as we
believe innovation solves tomorrow’s problems
today,” says Brand.
Paying it forward
Atlas Plastics, for the past 50 years, has ridden the
ups and downs of the South African economy and
remains strong due to its ability to diversify. It has
the right products on offer and is centrally located
which gives them a logistical advantage.
Brand attributes the longevity of the group to its
people: “There is a certain culture that has been
bred into the company even before any of us were
here. We care about people here, and people in
turn care about the company. This plays out in
acknowledging people for doing good work, a
validation of performance which trickles down
throughout the organisation.” Brand says it is
noticeable that when a manager is acknowledged,
that manager will validate the supervisor, who in
turn will tell the staff when they’re doing a good
job. “This creates a lot of positive energy,” she
says, “and thereafter we all want to give our best.”
Financial manager Riaan Venter gives a wonderful
management tip: “At a management level, we
know each and every person’s name (over 150
employees) and Susan [Brand] personally greets
each employee in the morning with a handshake
and caring concern that everything is well with
them. If anyone is unwell one day, we’re all alerted
to be extra empathetic to that person. We’re close
to our people.”
This culture of caring results in improved
productivity, as employees are made aware that by
accepting responsibility they can better themselves.
“As a consequence, many of our staff have been
with us for 20 and even up to 30 years,” says
Venter. “We have a loving responsibility towards
our staff and their families and providing financial
security to them is important to us.”
In the spirit of continuous improvement and staying
ahead in the market, Atlas Plastics continuously
November 2019 Volume 25 I Number 9
37
Atlas Plastics is a manufacturing company with its head office and factory based
in Klerksdorp in the North West. It has a branch in Tulisa Park, Johannesburg, and
sales representatives and agents countrywide, and also distributes to all major cities
in South Africa.
Rotational moulding and extrusion are the two manufacturing processes used to
produce a variety of products. It produces a wide range of products for the mining
and plumbing industries, as well as to the agricultural, construction, wholesale trade
and government sectors of housing and sanitation.
The Atlas Plastics product range consists of the following:
• World-class standard portable toilets
• Guard huts
• Sanitation
• Water tanks and drums
• Plastic bins
• General plastic products
• Plastic pipes and fittings
It also manufactures a range of products which are custom made for specific
customers. These products are the culmination of research and development (R&D)
between its customers and itself to ensure the end product is exactly what the
customer requires.
Its R&D department uses state-of-the-art computer equipment and applications
to design, develop and test products. It is continually exploring and stretching the
boundaries of roto moulding while designing new and innovative products.
“Before launching new products, the
company does full market research to
see where the gaps are. The initial idea
would most likely come from its sales
force through one-on-one meetings with
existing or potential customers.”
www.plumbingafrica.co.za