Electricity + Control May 2016

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The challenges and pressures of the shift-
ing economy in South Africa made the
new management of World Power Products
(WPP) realise that change was necessary in
a business that seemed stuck in its past… to
one that reflects today’s economy and man-
agement style. The business needed to be-
come smarter, streamlined and ultra efficient.
WPP is a company that specialises in
the manufacture of high-precision, custom
sheet metal products as well as standard
mild steel and stainless steel enclosures
and cabinets. When Jan Görtzen (Manag-
ing Director) and Igmar van Rie (Factory
Manager) took over the running of WPP two
and a half years ago, they began instituting
the transition from an establishment that
had seen success, surviving more than half
a century, into the dynamic company that it
has become. Jan joined the company two
and a half years ago, while Igmar has been
withWPP for eight years.
Reinvention
Jan and Igmar use ‘Reinvention’ to describe
the exciting roller coaster journey that the
company experienced during the chan
Jan says: “With 285 people on five different
sites in different parts of the area,we needed
to consolidate the business. He adds: “Essen-
tiallywe had to examine, analyse and change
the way everything was done. We have now
consolidated the entire business (machinery
and floorspace) on two adjacent properties
and lowered the staff complement. Stream-
liningmeans that we have better control over
the factory processes and expenses which
has led to tremendous savings”. WPP is able
to deliver top quality, customproducts, faster
turnaround times at the best prices. Jan and
Igmar identify the following secrets to the
company’s success:
1. Guaranteed quality
With more than 50 years’ experience in
sheet metal manufacturing, the company’s
skills and knowledge are firmly established
and top quality is a given.Their technically
qualified team of experts is able to take
care of any project from design through
to final delivery. The team will generate
all manufacturing drawings and the bill of
material ready to be handed to the factory
for production.
2. Competitive pricing
The ‘Reinvention’ of WPP has made it pos-
sible to keep prices extremely competitive.
3. Short lead times
The WPP customer base is mainly in the
Gauteng area of its purely South African
market. But what are the turnaround times?
“From excessively long turnaround, our
turnaround for large volumes is within two
to three weeks. Says Igmar: “We’re open to
customers’ needs on delivery!”
What setsWPP apart?
The range of processes carried out on the
premises sets WPP apart… laser cutting,
punching, bending, welding, powder coat-
ing, assembly, gasketing, CHC milling and
turning, plating, die casting and plastic
injection moulding. Custom designed
products and components account for 70%
of production and the remainder is focused
on the company’s standard line of products
which consists of stainless steel and mild
steel enclosures, cabinets, locks and hinges.
res are manufactured on W
premises. Pride in its work – with spotlessly
clean factories – givesWorld Power Products
the edge.
Managing change
Jan says that the right management in
times of change is important. Management
needs to:
• Know the teams’ strengths and weak-
nesses.
• Demonstrate leadership by taking tough
decisions.
• Encourage innovative thinking.
• Acknowledge that reinvention is not easy.
• Train staff to be more skilled and useful
in their roles… thereby improving the
business and the lives of individuals.
• “Take your team with you… every step
of the way”.
Watch this space!
As part of the ‘reinvention’ the company
will be introducing a new range of standard
enclosures geared at the entry level market
as well as looking to moving into the renew-
able energy sector. WPP…most certainly, a
space to watch.
Enquiries:
r Products
Tel. +27 (0) 11 680 5524
Email
Website:
CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION
advertorial
World Power Products… ‘REINVENTION’
“Of all the industries in which we’re involved…Electrical is where WPP belongs”.
excellence in sheet metal fabrication
Unmatched steel manufacturing services
We specialise in custom enclosures as well as our own line of s and rd products.
For more information please visit our website or contact us directly.
(011) 680 5524
· Large factory capacity.
· Main processes include: laser cutting,
punching, bending, welding, powder
coating, plating, tool making, milling and
· Stock available on all standard products.
· Versatile applications across all industries.
· Guaranteed quality workmanship
(ISO 9001-2008).
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Igmar van Rie (Factory Manager), Samuel Maluleke, Jan Görtzen (Managing Director) and Elias Mtshali.
Electricity+Control May ‘16 24