The successful completion of its major investment programme has positioned FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA well for 2025 and “has significantly increased our growth potential,” comments MD Paul Deppe. The project saw a significant upgrade of FUCHS’ production facilities.
(Left to right) Andrew Cowling, sales director; Dr Siphilisiwe Ndlovu, technical director, Craig Bryson, supply chain executive; Esther Seabi, sustainability director; Ryan Woods, finance executive; Thami Mzolo, manufacturing executive; Paul Deppe, managing director; Annelia Tshabalala. HR executive. Supplied by FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA
“We have completed an expansion to our lubricants plant that increases our capacity by 40%,” reveals Deppe. It includes a new tank farm with modern blending facilities, a high degree of automation, and new filling equipment.
“It enables us to meet customer demand more efficiently,” says Deppe. The company has also implemented a Sales and Operations Planning process to improve inventory management and delivery performance. “We have already seen tangible benefits in our delivery metrics. In addition, we have secured large tenders with two major automotive OEMs, which reinforces customer confidence in our capabilities.”
FUCHS continues to pursue opportunities in Africa, targeting sectors like mining, agriculture, construction and automotive. Despite the economic headwinds, Africa offers significant growth potential, especially in commodities like copper, uranium, and other important minerals.
In terms of new products or trends driving this growth and the well-rounded strategy behind it, sales director Andrew Cowling says the company’s focus is on expanding its calcium-sulphonate range of grease and introducing new products, such as an OEM-approved 0w20 oil.
Sustainability is also a key driver, with efforts to incorporate more recycled materials and energy-efficient solutions into the entire product range. “Sustainability is integral to our operations, as reflected in our commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. We have already taken significant steps, including a new power purchase agreement for solar energy at our Isando head office to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources,” points out Deppe. “Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us; it is a business imperative.”
Deppe’s outlook for the New Year is optimistic despite the challenging economic climate. “With the groundwork laid by our recent investments, we are poised for continued growth, both in South Africa and across the continent,” he says. Innovation, operational efficiency and customer service remain key drivers for the company’s ongoing success.
“We are not just a lubricants seller, but a solutions provider that specialises in problem solving and entering into longstanding partnerships with our customers,” affirms Deppe. A related goal is to target niche sectors across Africa that offer significant value. “There is not an industry or application that we do not have the best product for,” concludes Cowling.
Source: supplied by FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA