ALL IMAGES BY MASAHE TT
Du Plessis , says , “ We don ’ t build customers for today or tomorrow . We build relationships with the idea of continually adding value to their business , which is why we thoroughly enjoy working with the team at Masahe . Their eagerness to learn and passion to supply the highest quality treated poles makes us proud to be associated with them as their Tanalith C supplier ”. this company had the motivation , entrepreneurial spirit , and resources to succeed in the treatment market . “ As a global leader , Lonza ’ s support extends beyond the supply of its products . Going the extra mile to help business start-ups find their feet demonstrates our commitment to long-term customer relationships and a sustainable treatment industry ,” says du Plessis .
Lonza ’ s customer account manager , Gareth Wesselman , immediately contacted SABS to request that they review the situation at Masahe and allow an extension of the audit date so that Lonza could help prepare the plant .
Marwick Sinlongonyane , director of Masahe Timber Treaters .
The value of Lonza ’ s customer service and support has not only cultivated the company ’ s long-term customer relationships but has also attracted new customers despite the recent challenges of operating under the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 lockdown . Outpost Treated Timbers was also won over by Lonza ’ s ‘ hands-on ’ approach of going above and beyond product sales .
Murray Hibbs of Outpost Treated Timbers , affirms , “ Lonza has been superb in their support and genuine interest in the running of our plant . Gareth has been helpful with us getting established as a new Lonza client and is always quick and thorough in answering any questions . It is great to know that the backup is there ”.
Sinlongonyane concludes , “ Since day one , Lonza has shown us a high standard of customer service and we are grateful to be working with a global brand that sets an example for quality in the industry ”.
“ Gareth spent two solid weeks analysing and making recommendations to improve the entire plant process . He trained the operators and walked them through the steps in getting certified with SABS , designed a material flow to help streamline their treating process , set up the yard from timber stacking to all other requirements , and advised on the health and safety requirements of the plant . For a month thereafter , Gareth travelled back and forth to Swaziland to provide further support leading up to the day of the audit ,” explains du Plessis .
According to Sinlongonyane , Masahe has since passed every SABS audit and there has been an uptick in product demand since Lonza came on board . “ Lonza is the best when it comes to professional support and guidance to produce high quality pressure treated poles . The training was effectively done on our site and over enough days for us to grasp timber treating in detail ,” says Sinlongonyane .
Themba Mavimbela , operations director of Masahe Timber Treaters , adds that scratching their heads over finding service parts is now a thing of the past . “ Moisture meter pins and all other parts that have been difficult to get from local suppliers are now readily available with Lonza as our supplier ,” says Mavimbela .
Treated poles at Masahe Timber Treaters .
To keep the plant running optimally , Lonza introduced its Tan- Treat™ Quality Support System to help guide the plant operators on consumption cost savings , performance excellence and efficiency improvements .
“ This programme is a masterpiece that every treater should have . We were maintaining six charges a day with unstable orders . But Tan-Treat™ Quality Support System keeps us on our toes by telling us whether we have over or under treated . The control over our stock reconciliation has improved and even our audits are easier through this programme as all our records are kept in the system ,” states Mavimbela .
Treated timber poles being transported to a construction site .
www . timberiq . co . za // AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021 25