53 / 56
51
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
JULY
2017
The Infrastructure Specialist Group (ISG) was formed in 2013 when
Rocla, Technicrete, and Ocon Brick were acquired by a consortium
consisting of private equity firm Capitalworks, RMB Ventures,
Pan African Group and senior executives within the companies.
Construction World
talked to Albert Weber, ISG’s CEO why Rocla has
survived for a 100 years.
What gives Rocla the longevity that
it has had?
We are extremely proud to be a Southern African company. This
fuels our devotion to the sustainable development of our region
and its people. By ensuring that our infrastructure and high-quality
products make a meaningful contribution to the lives of the people
of Southern Africa, we continue to play our part in creating a
better future.
Some things never change, like the rock-solid commitment of
Rocla to supply the highest-quality products and service excellence.
We understand our customers’ requirements and we strife to deliver
to their expectations.
What is Rocla’s unique selling proposition?
Our extended footprint of manufacturing facilities in South Africa*
as well as Botswana and Namibia position us well to deliver large
volumes of product to our customers’ demand. Furthermore
our technical expertise and know-how gained over many years,
enable us to create innovative new products of high standard. Our
technical expertise allows us to assist clients with the selection of
product range, processes, installation techniques as well as unique
information requirements.
(*Rocla has factories in Gauteng, Polokwane, Nelspruit, Virginia,
Newcastle, De Aar, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town)
What does the Rocla brand stand for?
Rocla has a proven track record of operational excellence and it
delivers on its key promises of quality and product service. The
brand has a high degree of respect for these offerings.
What portion of your sales is for customised precast prod-
ucts and what portion is for standard precast products?
Research and developments has always been a cornerstone of
Rocla precast concrete since its inception. Rocla is one of the few
companies that specialises in the design and development of high
quality customised products for clients. Currently 10% of products
manufactured are customised precast products – the balance is
standard products. Our design division consist of six technical
competent employees that include civil engineers, concrete
technologists and draftsmen.
How important is quality and what standards do you
adhere to?
Quality is an integral ingredient in our business. Rocla totally
embraces, and is committed to, the principle of Total Quality
Management. The company has a sophisticated Quality
Management System which is considered key to everything the
company stands for and everything it will do in future.
The system is continuously monitored and upgraded to ensure
its effectiveness. Rocla products carry the South African Bureau
of Standards mark and completely adhere to the ISO 9001:2008
Quality Management System. The company is a member of the
CMA (Concrete Manufacturers Association), and has actively
contributed to the growth and development of the industry through
its association with the forum.
How important is training and what kinds of training
are offered?
Training is key to the sustainability and enhancement of our
company. Rocla is committed to the empowerment of its staff in
the workplace.
Training is conducted for safety, quality and technical. Since
inception, Rocla has been committed to continue professional
development within the concrete manufacturing industry. It has
achieved this through the provision of seminars, practical training
and educational visits.
In addition, Rocla provides training for external individuals
through the ‘Rocla Academy’ where consulting engineers, civil
engineers, architects, project managers and civil contractors are
educated on the technical design, selection and installation of
precast concrete pipes and culverts.
What is your operating philosophy?
Rocla has old fashioned values coupled with innovation and a real
feel for the business. It offers value in terms of service excellence,
innovation and product quality and is committed to deliver
personalised service geared to meet the customers’ requirements
and needs.
What developments will there be at Rocla in the next
few years?
In the years to come, Rocla will strive to enhance the current service
offering and, with our customers, advance the boundaries of precast
concrete through innovation, creativity and technology to improve
the future. In addition, we will always explore opportunities in Africa
to further enhance our footprint on the continent.
100 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
This year Rocla, one of South Africa’s leading
manufacturers of precast concrete products,
celebrates 100 years of excellence in the supply
of products to the infrastructure, building and
construction industries.
A brief history
• Rocla, through its association with
Hume and Superconcrete, have
been leaders in the manufacture
and supply of concrete products
since 1917.
• In 1957, Rocla, an Australian
concrete pipe company entered
the South African market with an
operation in Welkom and funded by
General Mining. The ‘Rocla Process’
was a manufacturing process
of reinforced concrete pipes by
compaction on a spindle known as
the roller suspension method.
• In 1971, due to equity by General
Mining in both Rocla and
Superconcrete, the two companies
were merged under the name
Superocla. The name was later
changed back to Rocla as we
know it today.
Albert Weber, ISG’s CEO.