NEW PREMISES FOR PERIMETER SECURITY SPECIALIST
Leading perimeter security specialist, Betafence South Africa (Pty) Ltd has relocated to new bespoke premises in Berg River Park, Paarl.
After months of preparation the company finally relocated on 4 April 2009 from its old premises in Blackheath to the new larger facility.
Originally home to Berg River Textiles, the factory had been standing vacant for a number of years. Betafence SA saw this vacant facility as the ideal opportunity to relocate to larger premises and approached Madison Properties, the current property management company, to take over and lease the facility.
The move was necessary as the existing premises in Blackheath, Cape Town had become too small due to expansions and the investment of a R14 million PVC coating line. Paarl was the ideal location as it had enough electricity supply to meet the demands of the manufacturing plant as well as the PVC line.
After extensive negotiations the contract for leasing approximately 10 000m² was finalised and work began on the upgrade of the facility. It took 6 months for the refurbishment which was project managed by Madison Properties.
The relocation was coordinated by a task team put together especially for the purposes of the operation and consisted of a representative from each department within Betafence SA. “The move went exceptionally well. We were on time and within budget with very little disruption to commercial production.” says Gene Wegener, Plant Manager for Betafence SA.
PRODUCTION ON TRACK
Along with the new premises we are pleased to announce the commissioning of the new PVC coating line. Trial runs on products have been successfully completed and production is now in full swing. “Everyone is very happy with the quality of the coating” smiles Wegener. Locally adapted Nylofor® products and posts, Securifor® 3D, Securifor® as well as the 358 fencing systems are now being manufactured and PVC coated in South Africa.
“For the first time in Betafence history we are able to PVC coat Securifor and 358 panels as well as posts. Coating trials on Bekasecure posts were very successful. We will now start testing the Bekasecure Super posts and then the whole range of products will be covered,” explains Wegener.
It is a bold and exciting transfer of technology which has related into up-skilling and employment creation for the local Paarl community and clearly indicates the confidence of investors in South Africa. Importantly, it is giving the local market something it has not had before –choice. The future is PVC coated.