Page 10 - Issue 2 2023

NEWS

Marking 75 years of innovation

ocal manufacturer Pratley, a household name in adhesives, electrical products
and other sectors, celebrates its 75 anniversary in 2023. “It is a remarkable and
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Lproud moment for the company, especially for a privately-owned family business.
We are now well into the third generation at the helm. There are few companies
worldwide that make this milestone,” comments CEO Andrew Pratley.
Working alongside his family is top of the list in terms of personal milestones for
Andrew. He formally joined the company in 2005 but worked on the shopfloor in
temporary jobs during school holidays. “My late father was my mentor. Previously
working beside him and currently alongside my brother Charles has been the biggest
privilege. We have witnessed the launch of many world-first products over the years.
The launch of any new product really excites me.”
Andrew attributes the longevity of the company to its diverse and extensive
product range being unlike anything else on the global market, coupled with a highly competent and hardworking
reputation of producing high-quality, reliable products. “I think people identify the staff contingent deserves to celebrate
brand as an iconic South African name. Also, with having the only South African this milestone. “Without good people,
manufactured product to have gone to the Moon, there certainly is an element of companies do not make it to 75 years.
pride.” It is humbling to highlight that many
The policies underpinning the company have stood it in good stead during tough employees began their careers at Pratley
times. Remarkably, it has no debt, a diverse product offering and is extremely self- in their early 20s and have retired
reliant. Much of its production is undertaken in-house, including R&D, marketing, successfully. It is also a testament to our
logistics, packaging design and production and even raw material production. Lastly, high staff retention. We are just one big
it maintains a 95% ex-store service level, which is measured frequently. “This kind of Pratley family.”
service level is usually only found in industries such as aerospace,” remarks Andrew. Andrew adds that, after 75 years,
Looking at the current business environment, Andrew notes that while the a lot of customers remain steadfast
last two years following the Covid-19 pandemic stabilised somewhat for South friends of the company and its staff.
African businesses, that stability has been halted by the prevailing global economic “Some have been with us for more than
conditions. “The world goes through these economic ups and downs and that will 40 years. We thank them for their years
always be a certainty. Things do recover eventually.” of loyalty and for ‘sticking’ with us.
Of concern is the current political and economic landscape in South Africa as seen We will continue our relationships into
against the backdrop of a global recession. “For things to improve domestically, we the future by providing our customers
need a competent, non-corrupt and pro-business political environment. There simply with innovative and reliable solutions
is no other choice. Businesses need people to operate. Make it easy to operate a to their problems – and in accordance
business in South Africa and more businesses will open and stay open. Open, happy with our policy statement, solutions that
and growing businesses employ people. It is as simple as that,” says Andrew. outperform all others.”
Pratley will see the launch of at least two new electrical products in 2023, while As for observing this milestone in
some exciting new additions to its adhesive range are also in the pipeline. At least one the remarkable and ongoing history
of these will be another world-first. Andrew points out that R&D is and will continue of Pratley, Andrew concludes: “We
to be a cornerstone of Pratley. “We are committed to R&D, and we see our future also have one or two publicity events
and growth in continuing a long line of new products.” The company invests heavily planned which will take place in the
in R&D, both financially and from a human resource perspective. Its recent launch of second half of the year. These are still in
an internationally approved and highly innovative flameproof cable gland range for the planning stage, so I do not want to
explosive atmospheres is a testament to that. let the cat out of the bag too early!”
Another growth area is the global export market, especially in Africa. With the
rest of the world facing challenges, the continent offers exciting growth opportunities Contact Sales, Pratley,
for Pratley’s electrical and adhesive ranges. “For example, the latter offers innovation Phone 011 955 2190,
and reliability that many of these markets have not experienced before. Hence our sales@pratley.co.za,
adhesive range is ideally suited to emerging markets where DIY and automotive repair www.pratleyadhesives.com
are common.” https://www.facebook.com/PratleySA/
As for Pratley’s 75 -anniversary celebrations this year, Andrew says the company’s https://twitter.com/PratleySA
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