Senwes Integrated Reports Senwes 2014/2015 Integrated Report | Page 28

22% OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW: INPUT SUPPLY SHARE OF TOTAL PROFIT FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES SENWES MECHANISATION HINTERLAND Senwes Mechanisation is responsible for the supply of mechanisation equipment and maintenance services. This supply channel matches the quality of its equipment - from tractors and planters to combine harvesters and other agricultural equipment with sustainable support and unequalled after-sales service. Senwes Village Mechanisation is truly the farmer’s partner in increasing profits and lowering input costs through precision farming, especially in a volatile labour market. Senwes is also the exclusive agent for John Deere in central South Africa, supplying whole goods, spare parts and rendering workshop services from 25 outlets and 14 mechanisation workshops. Hinterland was established in 2013 and is responsible for supplying input requirements to agricultural producers and the provision of, inter alia, a variety of hardware and convenience products to the general public, such SHAREHOLDING as irrigation equipment, DIY, hardware, veterinary medicine, animal feed and fuel.  Hinterland has 60 retail outlets, 7 fuel stations, 5 forecourt convenience stores and 1 supermarket. (A DIVISION OF SENWES) (JOINT VENTURE WITH AFGRI) 50 PERCENT OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE The positive growth due to the good pre-planting rains was affected by the drought conditions towards the end of the year under review. However, robust activity in the workshops and especially in spare parts sales enabled us to meet our targets. Spending in respect of capital goods remains high on the list of priorities of the producer, especially due to the unpredictability of the labour situation and the risks associated with it. Mechanisation market share decreased by 2,5% from 32,5% to 30%. The decrease in total market share is due to more aggressive competition by several other brands in this specific market. However, we currently enjoy a good market share in the higher John Deere kilowatt range. This unit delivered a growth of 11%, which is sound, taking into account the drought challenges towards the end of the year. Now in its second year of existence, Hinterland remains on an upward trajectory reflecting growth of 134% in profit, having successfully navigated the challenges of system and culture integration which are intrinsic to the creation of a joint venture. Although the Senwes Village Mechanisation business does not form part of the Hinterland joint venture, it still remains part of an integrated product and service offering to the customers in the Senwes Village value proposition. The Hinterland footprint has been extended to the Eastern Highveld, the Lowveld and KwaZulu-Natal as a result of the joint venture. The financial year under review saw the company face a challenging planting season which was put under pressure by rainfall not occurring at the right time. The late rains impacted negatively on the traditionally high sales month of February and resulted in downward pressure on our bottom line towards the end of the year. JD IMPLEMENTS (SUBSIDIARY OF SENWES WITH TOMLINSON FAMILY) 50 PERCENT SHAREHOLDING Senwes Mechanisation’s footprint as an exclusive John Deere agent has been expanded to the Western and Eastern Cape through a partnership with JD Implements. JD Implements conducts its business through five outlets. OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE JD Implements has yet again performed exceptionally well. The main challenges are regional expansion and optimisation of the business model. 26 Senwes INTEGRATED INTERGRATED REPORT REPORT 2015 2015