Hardware Edition 2017 by Plusto Limited

WELCOME

hew! Where do I begin. After taking a six year sabbatical and exploring new ventures, it’s great to be back working in the industry

that I am truly passionate about. I have to thank my coach who was my inspiration and rock who got me back into publishing. I would also like to give thanks to so many people who encouraged me, being Craig from Academy Brushware and Cindy from Ashak. Thank you to all our contributors and advertisers.

Glynis Dietrechsen Publisher

Hardware Edition has kept its look and feel, and it’s great to have my designer Mandy back to ensure continuity and high standards. We have added a few new sections on Warehousing and Logistics, (thank you Martin Bailey) as well as Information pertaining to exporting into Africa, labour, recruitment, customer surveys and a ’Business Savvy’ section that is sure to pique your interest. The entire publication will be on our new website www.hardwareedition.co.za for your convenience. Keep sending us your latest news, comments and suggestions for the next issue and website. See you all again soon!

Glynis

Hardware Edition 2017 | page 1

CONTENTS

HARDWARE EDITION

Publisher GLYNIS DIETRECHSEN

Managing Director GLYNIS DIETRECHSEN 082 898 7384 email: glynis@hardwareedition.co.za

Editor LYNN WILEY Editorial Contributors Martin Bailey Michael Bagraim John Sandison Christine Cunningham

In this issue: 1

WELCOME

CONTENTS

ABRASIVES

ADHESIVES 8 9

19 19 22 23

Note: The views expressed in Hardware Edition are not necessarily those of the publisher or its agents. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without prior permission from the publisher. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, the publisher does not accept responsibility for any error or omission contained herein.

B2B page 2 | Hardware Edition 2017

Is franchising for you? Why own a DIY Depot franchise?

GARDEN & OUTDOOR 34 35 38

Wall fasteners Screw guide

FRANCHISES 30 33

Schneider Electric introduces Electric Vehicle Charging Stations to local market Schneider Electric EasyPact TVS range of motor starter solutions Schneider Electric – Vario Isolator Switches Schneider Electric – Universal Enclosures Schneider Electric’s compact low voltage high current moulded case circuit breakers (MCCBs)

FASTENERS 24 25

AfriSam unlocks value for customers

ELECTRICAL 18

Editorial Contributions editor@hardwareedition.co.za

Brush use and care

CEMENT & CONCRETE 16

Design & Layout MANDY THOMAS 082 494 5292

www.hardware@hardwareedition.co.za

BRUSHWARE 12

Plasterkey Using the right adhesive

Lawns and weeds Water and the garden Food of the Future for the Retailer - Hydroponics

GREEN BUILDING 40 42

Green building trends Global trends towards roof top gardening

CONTENTS

HAND TOOLS 44 45 46 47

Counting cents to keep the lights on

PAINT 52

The right steps

LIGHTING 50

Stopping a leak Septic tanks and pit toilets

POOL CARE

58 59

POWER TOOLS 60 62 64

Warehousing – looking to the future

Dawn Logistics

Transforming the pharmaceutical supply chain in Malawi

WATERPROOFING

WHOLESALERS

BUSINESS SAVVY

Pool maintenance Pool filter

103

Waterproofing has entered a new era in South Africa

Customers in 2020

Expatriate guide for dummies

Labour laws and the hardware industry

The practice of fake qualifications

102

Employee feedback surveys

EXPORTING 103

New chemical warning symbols

104 The benefits of exporting

Metal cut-off grinder enhances Bosch’s benchtop power tools

106

GAS LEGISLATION

Metabo revolutionises battery pack technology

107

DIRECTORY

ROOFING 68

9 Things to consider before starting a retrofit project

Painting problems and their solutions

PLUMBING 54 55

How secure are you?

LADDERS 49

WAREHOUSING & LOGISTICS

HOME SECURITY 48

Different types of pliers and their uses Benray leading the way Hammers Basic tool box

MiTek

SEALANTS 72

What kind of sealant?

Difference between adhesives and sealants

SHELVING

Hardware Edition 2017 | page 3

ABRASIVES

Sandpaper

andpaper refers to the abrasive grit on flexible backing sheets used to smooth many types of material. The grains of sand once used have been replaced with glass, aluminium oxide, silicon carbide, garnet or other specialist grit. Each type of grit has properties that make it more suitable for specific applications. Glasspaper Generally composed of quartz granules on a paper backing, this is an inexpensive, relatively soft abrasive for sanding painted or natural timber, metal, and other materials. It wears relatively quickly and is best suited to provide a roughish finish before a really smooth surface is attempted. Normally only available with non-waterproof adhesives/backing paper. Aluminium Oxide

Garnet Paper This is a natural crushed rock and is an excellent abrasive for general wood sanding, either by hand or with a power tool - it is recognised by its distinctive bright green colour. It now seems to be being replaced by Aluminium Oxide grit. The natural garnet grit lasts about twice as long as the quartz chips used on glasspaper but it is not as long lasting as Aluminium Oxide. Garnet is also available with a cloth backing; in this form, it is used for work requiring more durability and flexibility.

This man-made material is suitable for shaping, sanding and polishing hard metal such as iron and steel, but also effective on timber. Aluminium oxide cuts much faster and lasts longer than glass or garnet.

Garnet Paper is a good all round abrasive, but particularly useful for smoothing hardwoods and for fine finishing work.

It is available on non-waterproof, cloth or waterproof backings. Cloth backing offers flexibility and is suitable for heavy-duty applications, such as rust removal and metal shaping.

Although not a sandpaper, Steel Wool is used for fine ‘sanding’. It is much used by the serious cabinetmaker as it has a much finer abrasive effect than grit materials on sandpaper. The fine steel strands cuts rather than abrades the surface, producing very fine finishes; as the wool is used, small pieces of it break off and mix in with the sanding dust.

Silicon Carbide (wet and dry) Silicon carbide paper, also known as ‘wet and dry’ paper, is suitable for both dry and wet sanding. It is suitable for sanding hardwood and plywood, soft metal like brass and aluminium, and plastic; also used for smoothing glass edges and frosting glass surfaces. It is fast-cutting and almost as hard as diamond, but it is brittle so the coarser grades will wear fast if used on hard metal. When used with water, it gives a very fine sanding of paint or varnish between coats. It can be used with mineral oil for smoothing and polishing metals. The lubricant helps to keep both the abrasive and the surface cool and floats away sanding waste; a additional advantage is that it prevents the formation of fine air-bourne dust. The wet slurry which forms will need to be wiped away during and after smoothing. ‘Wet and dry’ is extensively used during vehicle body painting as, with water, it can give a very smooth surface to each coat of paint - generally we expect higher quality paint finishes on Automobiles than on household fitments.

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Steel Wool

Steel Wool is graded starting at a very coarse 5 through to a series of noughts - 0000 being the finest. Although excellent on timber and metal, steel wool should not be used for smoothing plasterwork or other surfaces where the fragments of steel may become embedded and could rust stains. Steel wool can be used to ‘sand’ complicated shapes such as metal castings or wooden mouldings.

ABRASIVES

Using Sandpaper For best results:

• Always use the correct type and grade of sandpaper for the job in hand - do not use paper sold for ‘hand sanding’ in a power tool.

• Start by using a medium or course grade paper.

Change the grade of paper you are using as the job progresses.

• Let the abrasive grit do the work, do not use undue

pressure it will only clog the paper or cause the paper to wear out unnecessarily quickly. When power sanding, very little pressure is necessary, just guiding the tool is normally sufficient.

• Use a sanding block when hand sanding. • Move sandpaper along the grain of bare timber, not across.

• On a smooth, non-grained surface, move the sandpaper in small circular motions.

• When using a lubricant, do not let the surface dry out.

If excessive wet waste material builds up, wash it away from the work area.

• Take all appropriate safety precautions, especially

when power sanding - refer to the instructions from the sandpapers and power tool manufacturers. Only allow competent people to use a power sander; with the abrasive surface moving it can cause injury if it comes in contact with skin or damage if brought into contact with an unintended surface.

• Store sandpapers carefully in a cool dry area. Except for papers made using waterproof adhesive and backing material, any dampness may cause the adhesive or backing to fail or weaken and grains will become detached.

• If the paper becomes clogged after a short time of use,

look at the surface being sanded - if it is timber, the timber may be damp - allow time for it to dry out. Paint which clogs paper may either be too new to sand or old paint applied in thick coats which have not gone off.

On wood that is exposed for lengthy periods of time you should only use varnish with transparent pigments that are U.V. absorbers. Preparation • New varnish • Clean to remove dirt, plaster splashes, etc • Smooth down with sandpaper • Dust off New Wood All faces and edges should be primed, especially surfaces that will be inaccessible after fixing and that will absorb moisture from brickwork or plaster. Special attention should be given to end grain where two coats of primer are required. Wood primers are best applied by brush which ensures that the paint is forced into the pores of the wood. Preparation

• Clean to remove dirt • Sandpaper smooth • Dust off Previously stained, varnished or lacquered If the paint is in poor condition: • Remove by scraping or burning • Wipe down with solvent • Sand smooth • Dust off If the existing paint is in good condition:

• Wash down with Sugar Soap Solution/ detergent/ solvent, to remove dirt, grease, polish or other contaminants.

If the surface is glossy sand down before re-painting. Previously waxed Wash down thoroughly with a concentrated detergent to remove all traces of wax. Preparation • Rinse • Allow to dry thoroughly • Sand down • Dust off.

Wood preparation Varnished Wood Clear varnish enhances the natural beauty of both hard and soft woods. However, the varnish is not likely to stand up to lengthy weather exposure. Ultraviolet rays penetrate the varnish and start to destroy the wood at the varnish-wood interface, causing loss of adhesion and flaking.

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ABRASIVE SOLUTIONS DIY & HARDWARE

n 1885, seven Worcester entrepreneurs bought the patent for a grinding wheel from Frank Norton, owner of the Water Street Pottery Shop, where the formula for the grinding wheel had been invented. They also bought his company name. And, Norton Company was born. What began as a tiny start-up, Norton began to grow rapidly. By 1920, we were one of the 400 largest industrial companies in the United States. As we grew, we diversified into industrial products other than abrasives, and became a major multinational corporation. Norton became a publicly held company in 1962. In 1990, Norton was acquired by Saint-Gobain, one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest industrial companies. Saint-Gobain began an ambitious program of acquisitions and joint ventures to strengthen its North American business, and undertook extensive modernization in Worcester. In 2001, Norton Company changed our legal entity name to Saint-Gobain Abrasives.

he Head Office for Saint-Gobain Abrasives South Africa and home to around 20 employees - customer services, finance, technical support and sales is based at Samrand N1 Business Park. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s here where the day to day running of the SA operations are managed. We have access to state of the art conference and training facilities on site, used for customer training and for performing demonstrations on new innovative Norton products.

t is with great excitement that we are announcing three product ranges specifically aimed at the South African DIY market:

OR Metal Cutting and Grinding disks are aimed at the entree level DIY market for grinder blades and disks. It offers a low cost yet good performance solution for cutting or grinding of steel by utilizing a sharp aluminium oxide bonded grain. It has high stability up to 80m/s for straight cutting.

écap’, a new range of abrasive discs for grinders and drills, was introduced on Télématin (French TV show - 1.1 million audience). These products facilitate the work of stripping and bring a new DIY solution. Indeed, Norton Décap’ has developed a tailor-made response to the different problems arising from stripping wood, metal, paint or rust, cleaning stone and concrete, sanding curved or embossed supports or deburring welded joints. Simple and comfortable to use, Décap’ Express and Décap’ Extrême offer high technical qualities. For example, the Décap’ Express Wood and Varnish disc can strip off 5 coats of paint and varnish over 20cm² in less than 30 seconds.

EE DIY UNIVERSAL line for DRY cutting general building materials, i.e. concrete rims and paving slabs, concrete blocks and clay bricks, silicates. Significant improvement in life (+ ~100%)

EE DIY BRICKS & TILES line for DRY cutting hard and fragile building site materials, i.e. roof tiles, clinker bricks and cladding tiles, concrete paving slabs. Significant improvement in life (+ ~60%) Significant improvement in speed (+ ~25%)

EE DIY CERAMIC TILES line for DRY and WET cutting ceramic and porcelain tiles, terracotta, and natural stones, i.e. limestone, marble. Improvement in life (+ ~15%)

afety of workers using abrasive cutting and grinding wheels is our primary concern. All Norton abrasive wheels are developed, manufactured and safety tested in accordance with the European standard EN12413, safety requirements for bonded abrasive products. In addition, all Norton products meet stringent requirements of the Organization for the Safety of Abrasives (oSa). Saint-Gobain Abrasives is a founding member of the oSa organisation.

uality-wise Saint-Gobain Abrasives is fully ISO accredited: ISO 9001: certifies Quality Management system is in accordance with requirements of quality standards. ISO 14001: certifies Environmental Management system is in accordance with requirements of environmental standards. OHSAS 18001: health and safety at work certification.

ADHESIVES

Plasterkey

onding agents generally are Polymer based products for increasing the adhesion of plaster or tiles to a substrate. Bonding agents are used where very smooth surfaces or difficult surfaces needed to be plastered or tiled, for example, concrete soffits, columns, power floated surface beds or painted surfaces. In the past, the surfaces would have to be mechanically roughened. The contractor would use either a scrabbling machine or a hammer and chisel. This is to form a key for the plaster to bind to. Generally, the bonding agents are mixed with river sand and cement and applied to the surface as a scratch coat to form the key. The scratch coat is then left for twelve hours to dry before the rendering finish is applied. Modern bonding agents like Plasterkey, save the contractor labour hours and the mess of hacking and chipping the surface. When plastering with Gypsum based plasters it is advisable to apply the Plasterkey neat as a coating to the surface and then plaster directly into the wet or tacky coating. This process must be done in sections as not to allow the plasterkey to dry before the plaster is applied into it. If the Plasterkey dries before the plaster is applied it will leave a varnish like effect and then the rendering will not adhere to it.

Surface preparation is very important when using Plasterkey When insitu cast concrete is to receive a plaster or tiled finish, for example, soffits, columns and retaining walls, it is extremely important to degrease the surface first, as a residue of an oil based release agent may still be present. Rendering onto an already painted wall would require careful inspection as to whether the paint is soundly bonded or peeling from the surface. The Plasterkey will bond to the paint, but the paint will delaminate from the wall. It is also important to establish what type of paint has been used as this will determine which type of bonding agent will be suitable. Some bonding agents, like Plasterkey, will only adhere to PVA paint while others, like Tileloc, will adhere to both PVA and enamel paints. When bonding over Teflon based paint, it is advisable to sand down the surface first so as to break the surface tension of the paint. The increased bond strength achieved when using Plasterkey allows for plaster or tiles to be applied onto glass, existing tiles, timber and steel. This gives the property owner or contractor far more possibilities when doing reparation work or especially when doing alterations to older properties.

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ADHESIVES

Using the right adhesive

here is no one adhesive that will stick everything, so check the manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommendations carefully before you select the glue for a job. Take into account the nature of the two surfaces you wish to stick together, the area to be glued and the use to which the object will be put. Before you start working make sure you have the recommended solvent or cleaner, to remove surplus glue. Clear Glue A clear, general household adhesive that is usually solvent based and gives a water-resistant, flexible bond. Contact Adhesive Used for bonding sheet materials. Adhesive is applied to both surfaces, which are pressed together when touchdry. Some stick tightly as soon as the surfaces touch, but others allow a little time in which to adjust the positioning of the surfaces before final bonding takes place. Some panel adhesives can be used as contact adhesives. Clear contact adhesive are good for general household repairs. Some are water-based, but many are solvent-based. Epoxy Resin A very strong adhesive, suited to most rigid materials. It is supplied in two parts, which react chemically as they are mixed. Fast and slow-drying types and a gap filling paste are available, as well as heavy-duty types. They produce a water-resistant bond that resists moderate heat and corrosion. However, they are not suitable for gluing clear glass to clear glass, as the bond will be visible; use a UV-active glue. Expanded-polystyrene Adhesive Suitable for sticking expanded-polystyrene ceiling tiles, coving and veneer to walls or ceilings. Fabric Adhesive Used for sticking carpets and fabrics. Some adhesives are latex-based and, although white when wet, will clear once they are dry. Rubber-based waterproof types of fabric adhesive can be used for repairing canvas. Hard-plastic Cement Widely used for making plastic models and for mending toys and household items made of rigid plastic. Some types soften the plastic as they bond, so care must be taken not to contaminate surface finishes. Toyshops and hobby shops usually have a large selection of these glues.

available in cartridges that can be used in a sealant gun. Paper and Card Adhesives There is a wide range of adhesives, pastes and glue sticks available for light household and craft uses. Purpose-Made Adhesives There are many glues available for specific tasks, such as gluing soles onto shoes, fixing ceramic tiles to walls, fixing flooring tiles, doing plumbing repairs and mending items that will be exposed to extreme heat. In addition, many sealants are highly adhesive. PVA And Synthetic Resin Adhesives Supplied in small quantities for gluing wood and for use in craftwork. In larger quantities, it can be added to concrete mixes to improve adhesion of thin layers, to seal dusty concrete floors and other porous materials such as stone. Waterproof types are made for showers and outdoors. PVA tile adhesives will fix ceramic tiles to wood, concrete and plaster. PVC Adhesive Softens plastic surfaces and makes a very good bond. It is ideal for flexible PVC or vinyl, such as plastic raincoats and beach balls. Polythene and nylon cannot be glued. Super Glue Also called cyanoacrylates, these fast acting glues bond in seconds. They are too thin to fill gaps, so surfaces must meet perfectly. They can be used on metals and ornaments, but not on domestic china which is washed, because the bond can fail when wet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; use an epoxy resin instead. UV-Active Acrylic Activated by exposure to ultraviolet light, but make sure you get the right one. The UV-activated acrylic is imported in only small quantities as it is a specialised product with a fairly limited market, but it is available, although you may have to request it. It sticks glass to glass or to metal, but do not use with lead crystal, coloured glass or on items exposed to high temperatures. Repair the item in artificial light â&#x20AC;&#x201C; bonding is delayed until the repair is exposed to the ultraviolet rays in natural daylight. Once set, the bond is water resistant.

Panel and Flooring Adhesive A paste used for fixing decorative paneling, insulating panels, architraves, skirting boards, plasterboard and floor panels to walls and floors. Panel adhesives are also Hardware Edition 2017 | page 9

QUALITY

with a proven track record

PLASTERKEY THE BENCHMARK • PLASTERKEY was designed specifically for use in the building industry to bond sand/cement plaster to smooth surfaces. • No more hacking and chipping to create a key for plaster to bond to. • All you need is PLASTERKEY to create a non structural bond for cement and gypsum based plasters. • Bond plaster to PVA painted walls, smooth over rough cast plaster or bond plaster to concrete columns, all with the aid of PLASTERKEY. Sand / Cement Plaster When plastering with a sand/cement plaster a scratch coat needs to be applied to the surface first. The rougher the surface the better. PLASTERKEY can be added to your plaster mix at a rate of 1litre to 10 litres of water. This will create a less porous plaster. Gypsum Based Plaster When plastering with gypsum based plasters, apply PLASTERKEY directly onto the surface with a brush or roller. Plaster the gypsum based plaster straight onto wet PLASTERKEY. It is best to do the application in small stages so as not to let the PLASTERKEY dry before applying the gypsum plaster. DO NOT ADD PLASTERKEY TO A GYPSUM BASED PLASTER MIX.

SPRAYSEAL Versatile • Creates a water resistant coating to brickwork and masonry • Seals plaster and improves paint coverage • Seals grouting in showers • Will not discolour surfaces. Preparation • Repair all cracks and grouting before sealing • Surfaces should be dry and free of dirt • Protect glazing and glazed tiles from overspray Application • Apply using a low pressure Backpack or Hand held spray • Flood the surface until run off • Apply from bottom to top. • DO NOT APPLY A SECOND COAT • Drying time 2-4 hours.

PRODUCTS

that delivers professional results

DAMPLOC

SCREWGOO

Versatile A waterproof coating for combating the effects of rising and penetrating damp. Suitable for use on: • Concrete • Cement based plaster • Bricks • Gypsum plaster.

Versatile A no mess, no fuss solution to leaking roof screws, sheeting overlaps and flashings that will adhere to • concrete • brick • plasterboard • steel.

Preparation • Treat damp walls - not wet ones! • Prime cracks with DampLoc before repairing. • Ensure substrate is sound • Replaster if necessary • Preparation results in a professional finish. Application • Stir well • Apply two coats starting at the bottom, each coat in criss-cross to the previous • Allow 24 hours for first coat to dry • Clean brush with water after use.

Quality is our reputation!

Preparation • Make sure surfaces are dry • Remove loose dirt and oiliness Application • Sachet mouth fits snugly over the screw • One squeeze supplies sufficient product to the screw - then move on to the next screw • One litre covers approximately 100 screws • For sheeting overlaps and flashings, squeeze along the length of the joint • Using a paint scraper or putty knife, spread product - working it into the joint • Takes approximately 24 hours to dry • Paint over it, if required.

Our products are easy to work with!

BRUSHWARE

Brush use and care

hoosing the right brush for a project is not something everyone considers. It is very tempting to buy cheap, bargain brushes, but buying a good quality brush means you can clean and reuse it over and over again. A good quality brush will also give you the best results. Brushes are comprised of three components, a tuft, ferrule and handle. The tuft is what carries and applies the paint. Tufts can be made of natural hair or bristle, synthetic fibres, or a combination of both. The ferrule is what holds the tuft on the brush. A good quality ferrule is seamless and made of nickel or another non-reactive metal. A good quality handle will be made of hardwood, finished or painted, or of acrylic. How to paint using a brush Load the brush, covering one-third of the bristle length. To remove excess paint, lift the brush straight up and slap it lightly against inside of tin. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t drag the brush over the rim. On large areas, apply paint with two or three overlapping diagonal brush strokes, using a large brush. Use vertical strokes to give smooth coverage. How to use a roller Pour the paint into the tray to a depth of about 20mm. First use a 50mm paintbrush to paint a border around the wall, and to coat the corners. Use the brush to paint around

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light switches and plugs. Dip the roller into the deep end of the tray. Spread the paint evenly over the roller by rolling it back and forth on the ridges of the tray ramp. Start near a corner of the room, pushing the roller diagonally up the wall in 1.2m strokes. On the second stroke, pull the roller downward then roll out the remaining paint in up-strokes. Spread paint across in vertical zigzag strokes. Smooth surfaces by feathering. Go back over the paint and even it out, lifting the roller gradually at the end of each stroke. Caring for brushes After painting, work the brush back and forth across a newspaper to remove excess paint. When you have used oil-based paint, soak your brushes in brush cleaner then wash them out in warm water. Store them upright, with bristles wrapped in newspaper to preserve their shape. When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve used water-based paint, wash brushes thoroughly with soap and water. Separate bristles with your fingers. Leave to dry in an upright position.

BRUSHWARE

Interview with a legend! W

here did you grow up and go to school?

I grew up in Benoni and attended Benoni High School. What inspired you to go into this industry? It’s an industry that chose me; with my passion for people, innovation, marketing and product development, it was perfectly suited for my “driven” outlook on life. Did you have a mentor and who was it? Most definitely, it would have to be my father. He taught me that no matter what you do in life always do it to the best of your ability and you will reap the rewards. What do you believe to be the most key ingredient to a successful company? I believe that you need to find staff who are as passionate about your business as you are, you need people who are driven and well-balanced. In order for your company to be successful you need to make your staff feel that they are a part of something greater and not just another number. In addition to this I believe that a company that “plays together, stays together”. What is your philosophy on life? The golden rule in life is “Treat others how you would like to be treated”, however in an article I read the other day it stated that there is a platinum rule “treat others how they would like to be treated”. This statement makes sense in the fact that we are all different, so you need to take the time to get to know people and once you understand them you will be able to treat them in the correct manner. Where in the world would you like to retire? I would like to retire in Spain. I find the culture so diverse and the country absolutely stunning. What advice would you give aspiring graduates when considering a career? When considering your career, don’t think about the pay cheque (which is a plus), but find something that you are passionate about, that you can wake up doing every day and be excited to go to work. Don’t find a career where you have to force yourself to get up to go to work every day, you spend the majority of your time working so when choosing a career, find a career that you will be happy in for all your days. What has been your personal motivating factor? I don’t feel that I have a personal motivating factor, I feel that my drive comes naturally and I continuously strive for success and excellence in any given task no matter how big or small. So, in short, it’s my character – its who I am.

What would you say has been you best achievement in life? I would definitely have to say, my three beautiful daughters and my granddaughters – no achievement or business success could be greater than them. What do you enjoy in your part time hobbies etc.?

Craig Smith

Managing Director Academy Brushware

I love watching soccer, I am an avid Man United Supporter. To unwind, I enjoy playing a good game of golf with my son-in laws and friends. What is your biggest peeve? I can’t seem to tolerate untidiness and lawlessness. What qualities do you appreciate in people? The best qualities which I find in people are that of a caring nature, who are generous and warm hearted, those who treat everyone equally and with the same respect. What qualities do you not tolerate? Greed, greed, greed and mean-spirited people. If you had to do it all over what career would you have chosen? In all honesty, I wouldn’t change a thing – I am truly happy with my life and my career choices and find myself in a good space at present. What can you not live without? This would most definitely be my family. They are an important part of your success, as much as you work hard to climb the corporate ladder, your family is your biggest support system and without them you are nothing. Who would you rate as the best leader in the world? In all honesty, I would have to say Mandela. He fought with honesty and integrity to unite our country, to bring peace to our country and for all of us to live and work in harmony together. I feel that as a nation, if we go back to what he stood for we can turn this country around – a true leader.

Hardware Edition 2017 | page 13

CEMENT & CONCRETE

AfriSam unlocks value for customers through its cement technology and technical support

friSam’s C-Tech cements are pushing the limits of cement and concrete technology to produce products with exceptional performance characteristics which are also environmentally responsible. “Our achievements in the arena of composite technology (C-Tech) personify AfriSam’s ethos of innovation, aimed at ensuring that our customers always enjoy the benefits of high performing products,” Mike McDonald, manager of AfriSam’s Centre of Product Excellence, says. “This methodology is also driven by our commitment to support the environment by producing cements with ever lower carbon footprints. “Our C-Tech products are the result of an on-going development process that began in 2000 and is still moving forward, beyond conventional boundaries. The mineral components in these cements have been engineered to make the resultant composite cement superior to pure cement. These products offer a spectrum of functional attributes that provide our customers guaranteed quality performance.” C-Tech technology reduces the carbon intensive Portland clinker content of cement ensuring that AfriSam cements tread more lightly on the environment. Their mineral components carries significantly less embodied carbon than clinker, effectively reducing the carbon footprint associated with the cement production process. In the process, AfriSam is also able to conserve natural resources such as limestone. The use of minerals in the manufacturing of composite cements make constructive use of by products from other industries, reducing the l need to landfill these materials. The introduction of engineered mineral components in increased proportions page 16 | Hardware Edition 2017

Good workability and increased concrete strength to cement clinker presents AfriSam customers with enhanced functional performance qualities. For instance, whether concrete is being used on a major construction site or for a D.I.Y. project, good workability is important. The less water required to reach the desired consistency and workability the better as less water promotes higher concrete strength levels. The lower water demand of AfriSam C-Tech cements is a result of the additional mineral components employed and the use of carefully selected chemical admixtures. Another superior attribute of these cements is reduced heat of hydration. C-Tech cements typically generate heat over a longer period of time, substantially lowering these thermal gradients and reducing the likelihood of cracking. The use of fly ash results in a dense concrete matrix that prevents deleterious materials such as aggressive chemicals and sulphate containing liquids from entering the concrete. This resistance to ingress of deleterious elements gives the composite cements their corrosion resistance properties. While any steel reinforcement exposed to chloride ions in solution is prone to corrosion, GGBFS is known to capture the chloride ions that cause corrosion in steel reinforcement, thereby enhancing the corrosion resistance properties of composite cements. The finer particles in GGBFS, fly ash and limestone afford composite cements reduced permeability properties. This resistance to water and sulphate penetration from the refined pore structures helps protect the concrete from attack, preventing deterioration.

CEMENT & CONCRETE

Technical consultants meet with customers AfriSam C-Tech cements also contain mineral components that produce superior long term strengths compared to pure cements, where strength gain typically flattens out from 28 days onward. AfriSam Centre of Product Excellence Based at AfriSam’s Roodepoort plant, the Centre of Product Excellence is responsible for quality assurance and provides support services to all AfriSam operations and external customers.

AfriSam’s Centre of Product Excellence The Centre of Product Excellence is therefore actively involved in day-to-day customer interactions in terms of technical queries and support needs. This support function is undertaken by a team of skilled and experienced individuals who fully understand the application of product. “Typically a technical consultant would meet with the customer to assess the specific application requirement and from there test work is initiated at the laboratory. Based on the results, recommendations would be given to the customer. The advantage of this approach is that the data has been validated in a laboratory, minimising risk on

site. Site personnel can be confident that the end product will have the necessary integrity and that quality has not been compromised. We therefore regard our product laboratory as an important part of customer support, providing substantial benefit to our customers.” This service is provided free of charge to customers and is considered an integral part of AfriSam’s value strategy and commitment to customers. A further cornerstone of the Centre of Product Excellence’s success is its ability to provide optimised training. “Part of our commitment to industry is our ability to design courses together with customers for their personnel so we can train and uplift the skills sets of our customers’ employees in a targeted manner. These courses last from only a couple of hours to a full day, but are crafted to deliver a set outcome, depending on applications and requirements,” he continues. Aligned to producing customer centric solutions is the Centre of Product Excellence’s emphasis on knowledge sharing to maximise product implementation. “By familiarising our customers with our products and solutions we can together uplift the standard of concrete solutions in the industry,” says McDonald. Courses facilitated by the Centre of Product Excellence range from a high level course for engineers who already have a working knowledge of all the material, right down to a beginner level. “All our production processes and materials, as well as our final products, are put through rigorous and ongoing quality assurance tests to ensure nothing short of the best for our customers,” McDonalds concludes. “The South African cement market is fiercely competitive and we continue to look at innovative solutions to win over new customers and retain existing customers. Hardware Edition 2017 | page 17

ELECTRICAL

Schneider Electric introduces Electric Vehicle Charging Stations to local market

chneiderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s EVlink charging stations, for commercial buildings and offices, will enable owners of electric vehicles, to charge their cars away from home. The installed base of EV Chargers, should allow users optimum access to energy anywhere, at any time. As more car manufacturers continue introducing full electric and hybrid engine cars to the local market, the importance of establishing an efficient charging infrastructure, right around the country, is paramount to the success of electric vehicles sales in South Africa. To ensure that electric vehicles can easily be charged, Schneider Electric can assist residential communities, shopping malls, business parks, airports, petrol stations, office parks, train stations and vehicle fleet operators, with the installation. Manufactured to the highest possible standards, the EV Link range is certified to IEC standards IEC61851, and is EV and ZE ready as well as having the CE and EAC certification mark. Installing EV charging stations is a requirement that is needed to meet the growing use of electric vehicles, and that is one of the reasons why Schneider Electric has recently installed 4 EV Link charging stations, at their headquarters in Waterfall City, Midrand More than just a charging station, the EV Link is a user friendly and versatile solution, which incorporates energy management, minimises installation costs and provides flexibility, protection, reliability and efficiency, for both residential and commercial applications.

page 18 | Hardware Edition 2017

ELECTRICAL

Schneider Electric EasyPact TVS range of motor starter solutions Contactors, thermal overload relays, control relays, and circuit breakers for reliable motor control and protection.

he EasyPactâ&#x201E;˘ TVS range of low-voltage motor starters for applications from 6 to 630 A, includes a wide choice of contactors, relays, and circuit breakers, providing the essential features required to address 80 percent of the most common AC1 and AC3 motor applications, such as HVAC, textile manufacturing, and material handling. The EasyPact TVS range is precision-engineered to give designers, OEMs, and panel builders a motor starter solution that perfectly balances performance, cost-effectiveness, and quality. These are well-matched to a choice of thermal overload relays, control relays, and a new motor protection circuit breaker. Schneider Electric has leveraged more than 90 years of motor starter experience to produce a single range that delivers exceptional simplicity, flexibility, reliability, and value. The capabilities of the EasyPact TVS range have been application-optimised, so that customers pay only for what is needed to meet each project requirement. A

clear reference system makes selection and ordering easy, while a maximised number of solutions within one range helps reduce stocking requirements and simplifies design. EasyPact TVS components are designed for compatibility and ease of installation, either in new or existing motor control panels. Direct mounting of the contactor and thermal overload relay further reduces cabling and installation time, while saving panel space and enhancing reliability. Manufactured from premium materials in ISO 9001 and ISO 14000 certified production plants, the EasyPact TVS range is fully tested and certified by national, international, and third-party organisations to all relevant safety standards.

Schneider Electric â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Vario Isolator Switches

chneider Electric South Africa offers mini-Vario for standard applications, and Vario rotary manual motor isolator switches for all machines requiring high performance direct on line (DOL) starting or stopping of motors, or load-breaking of machine control circuits. The switches are suitable for disconnection applications, with fully visible indication on the front of the device, as the handle cannot be in the open position unless all the contacts are definitely open and separated by the appropriate isolating distance. It is possible to padlock the handles in the off position for safety, with up to three padlocks, depending on the diameter of the shank. The main pole power block comes standard with din or door-mounting options, with its reversible screwclamp terminal blocks. It comes in three frame sizes up to 175A, for ease of selection, and the accessories

are compatible with all the products in the Vario range. Main poles, neutral and earth poles may be added to the power block, as well as early break and late make auxiliaries. Manufactured to the highest standards, Vario ensures safety of personnel working on the machinery or plant equipment. It offers a range of safety control products, which are simple to use and set up, with compact ergonomic products to meet requirements for starting or stopping motors, giving users long lasting and reliable operations every time and adding foresight for better prevention.

Hardware Edition 2017 | page 19

Enhance continuity TeSys T motor management system with new LTMCUF

1 0101010

Press simultaneously during 3 seconds to back up the controller configuration

Back up Once the controller is set, back up its configuration within the non volatile memory of LTMCUF by pressing 2 buttons during 3 seconds.

Replace In case of the drawer breakdown: • rack out the faulty drawer, • rack in the spare drawer.

of service HMI operator control (Fast Device Replacement)

3 Automatical restoration 0101010

Restore without any specific tools LTMCUF automatically configures the overload relay settings. The user can set the LTMCUF to acknowledge or not the automatic restore operation.

TeSys T = LTMR + LTMCUF with FDR As a part of TeSys T motor management system, the LTMCUF enables : • LTMR monitoring and setting, • LTMR configuration backup and restoration, • the copy/paste of configuration at commissioning.

www.schneider-electric.co.za

Easy commissioning

LTMCUF

LTMR

Backup & restore services can be used as copy/paste functions at commissioning time. They make possible to duplicate an identical configuration on several motor starters. In this case, LTMCUF operator control can be used as a portable HMI thanks to the hand held kit.

ELECTRICAL

Schneider Electric – Universal Enclosures

chneider Electric range of enclosures are designed to deliver exceptional protection to electrical equipment in harsh environments, making them suitable for use in the mining, automotive, waste management, food and beverages sectors. The Universal Enclosures help keep your electrical equipment in top form no matter where it’s located. They are available in moulded polyester which offers better protection than commonly-used fibreglass which can withstand high temperatures and humidity. The range incorporates a special thermal design which helps to maintain reliability and high performance in

page 22 | Hardware Edition 2017

electrical installations for both indoor and outdoor application. In addition these enclosures protect electrical equipment against dust, corrosion, oil splashes, and can also be made tamper and vandalproof by installing anti-burglary accessories and locking mechanisms. The Schneider Electric range of enclosures carry the company’s Green Premium certification mark of enhanced sustainability and comply with IEC, UL, and ISO standards.

ELECTRICAL

Schneider Electricâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s compact low voltage high current moulded case circuit breakers (MCCBs)

he Compact NSX range of MCCBs helps clients get more from their low voltage (LV) infrastructure while offering a cost-effective alternative to fuses over the long term. Class-leading performance enables the entire Compact NSX range to meet the requirements of applications that once mandated more costly and bulkier protection devices. Significant cost savings can be realised by safely running higher power densities on LV platforms, or from the higher energy efficiency and reduced space requirements of a 690 V system. Making high-density power systems safer Critical, high demand power distribution systems operating at 440/480 V or lower need protection against extreme short-circuit fault currents. Such faults occur in systems with multiple paralleled power sources or large numbers of motor loads. The higher breaking capacity of the Compact NSX range can be used to provide better protection and higher continuity.

The key to enabling 600/690 V power systems Compared to using a typical 415 V or 440 V system, 690 V systems have minimised cable sizes, lower system energy losses, smaller equipment footprint and weight,. They also have the ability to power smaller, highly efficient 690 V motors and provide the higher power quality needed to support reliable direct online (DOL) motor starting. A smart alternative to high-power fuses The high breaking capacity of Compact NSX circuit breakers will withstand demanding fault conditions, remaining in service reliably after three faults. After a fault is cleared, remote control reclosing functionality puts circuits back into operation quickly, enabling maximum operational continuity. Discrimination and coordination isolate faults to avoid system-wide outages. Over the long term, this reduces the cost impacts of downtime and avoids the costs associated with fuse replacement, thereby providing a total-cost-of-ownership advantage. www.schneider-electric.co.za

Hardware Edition 2017 | page 23

FASTENERS

Wall fasteners B

efore fixing anything to a wall, discover which type of wall it is. Tapping the wall with your knuckles will usually give the answer, but if you are not certain, drill a hole with a fine masonry bit. A solid wall will produce masonry dust. On a hollow wall, the drill will suddenly meet no resistance. If by chance you drill into a wooden upright in a hollow wall, the drill bit will produce wood dust. Decide whether the wall is solid or hollow, and then choose the appropriate type of fixing. Screws cannot be driven directly into masonry. They need special wall fixings. With plastic wall plugs, first choose the screw, match it to a wall plug, and then select a masonry bit the right size for the plug. All the information you need should be on the wall plug packaging. Expansion Bolts A split metal body with a wedge is connected to the bolt. Tightening the bolt pulls the wedge up, forcing the leaves apart. Frame Fixings Their extra long bodies can be inserted through a window frame then into the wall. Tightening the screw expands the plug in the wall. A hammer-in version expands as the nail goes in. Lightweight Block Fixing A plug made of polyethylene for greater expansion, designed to give a good hold in solid lightweight block. Plastic Strip Plug Sold in long strips, this plastic wall plug is easily cut to the desired length. Used in hard walls, where holes are a perfect size for the plug. Plastic Wall Plug As the screw is driven in, the split body is forced apart, giving a firm fixing. Some have wings to prevent the plug turning. Plugging Compound Powder is mixed to a paste, and then packed into a masonry hole to hold a screw. Many interior walls are hollow. They may be either plasterboard or lath-and-plaster. On a hollow wall, fix heavy loads, such as a coat rack or cupboard, directly into the wooden support battens (also called studs). Light loads such as pictures can be fixed to the plasterboard with special cavity-wall fixings. Hollow-Wall Plug As the screw is tightened, the metal, plastic or rubber casing flattens against the inside surface of the cavity.

page 24 | Hardware Edition 2017

Plastic plugs are designed for lightweight fittings, such as pictures. The steel type can carry a heavier load, such as a small shelf unit. Spring or Wing Toggle There are numerous patterns. The fitting is inserted into a hole in the wall, then the metal wings spring open so that when the screw is tightened, they grip the inside of the cavity wall and anchor the screw in place. Toggle and Collar A nylon collar is linked by a notched nylon strip to a toggle. The toggle is inserted into the hole then pulled against the back of the plasterboard by pulling the nylon strip. The screw is screwed in and the nylon strip is cut off. If the screw is withdrawn, the fixing stays in place.

Shapes of Screw Head Clutch Head The slot has two sloping surfaces. After the screw is driven in, it cannot be removed. Used for fixing a hasp and staple on a shed, when screws are exposed. Countersunk Head Designed to be recessed in the wood or metal so that the top of the head is flush with the surface. Mirror Screw Used to fix a mirror to a wall. The removable dome covers the slot and provides a decorative top. Raised Head Partly recessed but with a domed top. It can be set in a screw cup to spread the pressure and give a better appearance. Round Head The underside of the domed top lies flat on the surface. It may be used with a flat washer to spread the pressure.

FASTENERS

Screws guide WOOD & CHIPBOARD Wood Screws - Pilot Hole Guide Size 3 mm 3.5 mm 4 mm 4.5 mm 5 mm 5.5 mm

Pilot Hole In Wood Thin / soft 1.5 mm 1.5 mm 2 mm 2 mm 2.5 mm 3 mm

COACH SCREWS PILOT HOLE SIZE INTO WOOD Screw Size 5 mm 6 mm 8 mm 10 mm 12 mm

Thick / hard 2 mm 2 mm 2.5 mm 2.8 mm 3.2 mm 3.5 mm

METAL & STEEL Self Tappers - Pilot Hole Guide Size 3 mm 3.5 mm 4.0 mm 4.5 mm 5.0 mm 6.0 mm

Pilot Hole Size 3 mm 4 mm 6 mm 8 mm 10 mm

CUT SCREWS POZI DRIVE SIZE GUIDE

Pilot Hole In Metal Sheet Thin / soft Thick / hard 2 mm 2.5 mm 2.8 mm 3 mm 3.2 mm 3.5 mm 3.5 mm 4 mm 4.0 mm 4.5 mm 5 mm 5.5 mm

Size 3 mm 3.5 mm - 5 mm 6 mm

Pozi Drive Number Pozi 1 Pozi 2 Pozi 3

BRICK & MASONRY Expansion Bolts - Drill & Spanner Size Guide Number M5 M6 M8 M10 M12

Drill Hole For Shell 10 mm 12 mm 14 mm 16 mm 20 mm

COACH SCREWS PLUG & SPANNER SIZE GUIDE Size 5 mm 6 mm 8 mm 10 mm 12 mm

Plug For Coach Screw 7 mm 8 mm 10 mm 12 mm 14 mm

Spanner Size no. 8 no. 10 no. 13 no. 17 no. 19

Drill Hole For Bolt 5 mm 6 mm 8 mm 10 mm 12 mm

Spanner Size 8 10 13 17 19

MASONRY BITS & PLUGS Number On Plug P5 P6 P7 P8 P10 P12

Masonry Bit Size 5 mm 6 mm 7 mm 8 mm 10 mm 12 mm

Screw Size For Plug 3 - 4 mm 3.5 - 5 mm 4 - 5.5 mm 5 - 7 mm 6.5 - 8.5 mm 8 - 10.5 mm

Hardware Edition 2017 | page 25

FASTENERS

Quality. Price. Performance. A

s one of South Africa’s largest suppliers of fasteners and hardware products in the retail industry, Safe Top is proud to provide clients with a superior level of flexibility in competitive pricing and a wide range of products. This innovative company is proud of its great service and quality product offering. Safe Top has designed and developed the original Safetop Poly Fix Drive screw for roofing, that has sold worldwide in excess of a billion over 27 years, it can be stated as a quality brand. Known mainly for their extensive range of pre-packed and bulk fasteners, Safe Top offers a much more extensive range with a variety of product lines offering quality, price and performance. Product lines range from Starcraft Drill bits and accessories, Practical Way – a range of glides and buffers, Action Can aerosol lubricants, Safe Fix chemical mortars (Polyester, Epoxy acrylate and Vinylester), Soma Fix professional sealants, Apexon Staple guns, Geko adhesive tapes and draught excluders as well as the Kapro and Duratec tool ranges. Not to mention the original Safetop roof fastener. With over 4000 product items for both trade and DIY users, the company has become a leader in the hardware industry through the philosophy: Customer service comes first. Customer centricity has ensured that Safe Top retains their enviable relationships with both industry distributors and retailers alike. Safe Top offers innovative and quality products at competitive prices, instantly ensuring value for money across product lines. Safe Top’s colour – coded packaging and display concepts easily sells itself, thus ensuring that

page 26 | Hardware Edition 2017

products are effortlessly located and identified, promoting additional sales and improving profitability. Safe Top prides itself on the best quality. Fasteners are purchased directly from manufacturers and only supplies fasteners manufactured to DIN specifications by ISO certified companies. Covering all of the major cities including the smaller towns, Safe Top has depots in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Safe Top boasts a strong export arm that is responsible for sales in Africa, France, Belgium, Poland and the United Kingdom. Safe Top Roofing screws can be found in leading retailers such as Wicks and B&Q.

So what is the main focus points for Safe Top? Safe Top is focusing on establishing a more efficient distribution and sales network throughout Africa and is in the process of expanding their distribution warehouses in Johannesburg and Durban to ensure customers a next day delivery where required. The company has always been focused on growing the business by offering quality products at competitive prices and will continue to do so.

For more information: Tel: 0860 736 275 International: +27 21 797 3520 Fax: +27 21 761 6212 Email: promo@safetop.co.za Website: www.safetopdiy.co.za

Elevating Hardware Retail To Benefit All Parties!

Motivated by the success it had achieved in the FMCG market since 2006 Elite Star Trading established a DIY voluntary buying group in January 2012.

Louis Greef, MD EST Group

Louis Greeff the Group Managing Director of EST points out that much has changed since 2012 and that the group has had tremendous success with it’s focus which remains the sharing of knowledge and margins with its members as well as growing the business footprint nationally. “We optimised our brand recently and are now known as E.S.T Building. Currently E.S.T Building has more than 400 members. When one considers the successful DIY and hardware groups within the South African landscape, the majority are built on the foundation laid by a successful FMCG background - just like ours,” says Greeff. Rob Suttle, Merchandise Director, points out: “members of the E.S.T Group still trade under their respective trading names, with no pressure to change to a corporate structure.”

“Although many stores were very successful on their own, complacency in a changing landscape was an obvious threat,” explains Suttle. “Those with vision sought out the competitive advantage of a powerhouse to level the playing field - and joined EST,” he says.

Rob Suttle, Merchandise Director, EST Building

Suttle proceeds: “Our aim is to represent our members on a different level. We offer the width and depth of distribution to suppliers, while our members can continue to do what they do best – namely trade.” Louis Greef observes: “E.S.T Head Office is a venue for suppliers to meet and talk about their strategy, and not

a place where the core focus will be on price only.” Greef also points out that where members already have well established relationship with suppliers, Head Office will not interfere. However, where it can build a new relationship on a member’s behalf is where E.S.T believes it could add value to its members. “We will help to level the playing field,” says Greeff. “When we consider the current DIY landscape, we feel it is roughly 10 years behind the FMCG industry and it should catch up within five years” explains Greeff. “The management team at EST will help stores with merchandising as well as design aspects of stores and will help to negotiate credit card fees, which will benefit smaller stores,” Greef points out. “We seek a WIN-WIN condition for all paties involved in our business! That is the very nature of EST” Greef concludes.

REACH THE TOP!

WITH THE RIGHT SUPPORT Our Preferred Suppliers Give You The Edge It seems like only the big groups can sell at competitive prices nowadays.

We have recognised concerns. We keep it simple.

your

Joining a group often means losing your individuality and identity.

Our structure makes it easy and pleasant to be part of a large group.

Then there is the complex administration and costs involved!

Over 400 members in fact. Call us to join us!

Rob Suttle 082 568 1015 t Justice Cooke 076 247 4484 t Mohamed Varachia 083 377 8609 E-mail: rob@estafrica.co.za t www.estafrica.co.za 4854 EST HWE FP 2017

FRANCHISES

Is franchising for you?

f you’re considering getting in on the franchise game, investigating the pros and cons is paramount to the success of the franchise. While franchises are growing in popularity, with over 100 franchise systems being opened annually, the reality is that many people enter into franchise agreements, thinking it’s a foolproof plan for success. But the fact is that franchises still fail at about the same rate as independent businesses. A lack of proper screening by the franchisor combined with a general unawareness of the franchisee’s part are contributing to this problem. Franchising isn’t something that should be rushed into. Unlike small independent businesses, which can often be started with minimal capital and then scaled organically as the company grows, franchising generally requires a significant up-front investment. Then there’s the fact that many franchises don’t show a profit for the first year or more, and preparing financially for this situation is something that many franchisees tend to overlook. If you’re considering franchising, it’s important to seek out information from independent, unbiased sources, and make sure you look into the risks and benefits objectively. Taking the time to conduct thorough research and becoming well-informed can help to mitigate a number of problems right from the start.

Ask yourself: Will you enjoy it? Is the industry something you are passionate about? While being a franchisee can be a great opportunity for some people, for others it’s a terrible idea. Most franchise contracts run five to ten years; that’s a long time to be locked into a job that you hate. If you don’t relish the thought of following someone else’s system, and immersing yourself full time into running a business, franchising isn’t for you.

Are you a people person? Especially in Retail Do you work well with others? Franchising means spending a significant amount of time interacting with your franchisor, fellow franchisees, customers, employees and vendors, and great interpersonal skills are a requirement. If you find dealing with others to be drudgery and don’t have a track record of great relationships, you’ll want to pass on being a franchise owner.

Are you willing to follow the system? Franchises are systems-based businesses, and in order to find success as a franchisee, you have to be prepared to stick with the system. If franchises didn’t have rules, they wouldn’t be franchises; they’d be independent small businesses,. The very essence of a franchise is consistency. If you’re not happy to follow someone else’s blueprint, you may be better suited to a different type of venture.

Can you afford it?

Do you know what you’re in for?

Buying a franchise because you need a job is one of the worst reasons to start a franchise. Franchises are expensive, and require a significant amount of funding up front before you can get started. You’ll have to cover the start-up costs, and have enough capital to fall back on until the franchise begins to make a profit. In many cases, this is at least a year. Think very carefully before you cash out your life savings, pensions and investments.

First and foremost, make sure you have realistic expectations. Franchises are a business in a box, and you’re buying into an already successful business model, but that doesn’t mean that it’s going to be all smooth sailing, and it certainly doesn’t imply that it will be easy. In order for your franchise to be a success, you’re going to have to put just as much work into the business as you would when starting an independent business. Make sure you’re willing to put in the time and effort before you start.

Franchising can be an amazing opportunity, but it certainly isn’t for everyone. Before taking the leap make sure you’ve thoroughly researched every nuance of this business model, and aren’t operating under the persuasion of an over-eager seller. At its core, franchising can be a great way to capitalise on a need in the market, and is ideal for those who want to enjoy running their own business, without spending the time and pain of trying to grow a company on their own.

page 30 | Hardware Edition 2017

FRANCHISES

Creative ways to get feet into your store by Glynis Dietrechsen

visited Jack’s Paint and Hardware in Blackheath, Randburg to hear what their secret has been in bringing more feet into the store.

In addition they have four lovely ladies who will go out to the consumer’s home to assist in choosing the right paint colours and techniques to suit their décor and lifestyle.

As soon as you enter their doors you find yourself in a decorating haven with beautiful displays of paints in various textures, décor ideas and wall paper displays. One can get truly lost in this unique store. The staff are helpful and attentive to your needs. This is customer service at it’s best!

They are constantly upgrading their paint pallets to keep in line with the latest trends. Having chatted to Linda on what they were finding with regard to the trends she informed me that grey is moving out and greens and yellows are back. However, grey will stay as the basic canvas. Jack’s takes one colour grey and create over twenty different grey variations. They custom design paint hues.

I chatted with Bernard Watson who has been in the paint industry for twenty years – the last ten years managing this store, as to what makes his shop such a success. Being part of the community and offering excellent service and advice, seems to be the number one priority.

They have recently added inspiration for edible container gardening. Linda has a communal vegetable garden in her parking lot as part of her social responsibility.

What’s on offer: Mosaic classes – After having excess stock the store decided to start mosaic classes and these courses have grown in attendees over the last few years. There is no charge for the class, just for your products. They also offer children’s art classes; chalk paint workshops; wallpaper hanging techniques and paint techniques for consumers to understand the various finishes. Bernard also teaches painters and contractors. This is a wonderful opportunity for job creation. He also provides one-on-one on-site technical consultations for consumers and their contractors.

page 32 | Hardware Edition 2017

Wallpaper display

FRANCHISES

Why own a DIY Depot franchise?

y using the power of recognition of the DIY DEPOT Brand, your customers will associate you with the leading building materials and hardware group in South Africa. The added value of being affiliated with the DIY DEPOT Group is that your customers will experience world class service as a result of having outstanding product, solutions and knowledge and offering expert advice and value for money. By combining the buying power of more than 140 stores nationwide, DIY DEPOT is in a position to offer you competitive deals on quality product in the DIY, Home Improvement, Building Material and Garden Markets. This allows you, as a member to be extremely competitive whilst ensuring a healthy margin. DIY DEPOT not only continues to build the power and pull of the brand through dedicated carefully planned product

promotions, the business has a focused, multi-media brand development and maintenance strategy. DIY DEPOT keeps up to date with trends in the market place and as such is committed to developing all the facets of communication platforms and media including the new technologies like Mobile and Social Networking. Together with a dynamic website, the digital media, coupled with the product promotions and brand advertising through magazines and where possible radio and TV, makes a powerful marketing package for the members. There are numerous other benefits offered like group credit card rates for stores, annual rebates for purchases through the DIY DEPOT Group, DIY DEPOT IT Support, as well as continual innovation and improvements made at a national level in areas that potentially add value to and reduce costs for the members and the DIY DEPOT Businesses.

PUT YOUR BUSINESS ON THE MAP

Why own your own DIY Depot Franchise? Join the hardware and building materials group that offers a business solution that is simple, easy to implement and supported by a committed team of professionals! At DIY DEPOT we pride ourselves on our ability to support your business with a strong brand and identity that is supported through committed team members, a training programme that covers the business aspects from A-Z, a dedicated and customized marketing and advertising strategy and great value deals from our strategic supply partners.

✓Dynamic ✓Committed ✓Knowledgeable

DIY DEPOT builds relationships… With our members, our customers and our suppliers! If you would like to learn more about DIY DEPOT or join our family, contact Pieter Steyn | 076 202 5948 or pieter.steyn@diydepot.co.za contact Mark Reeves | 082 778 6064 or mark.reeves@lrbrands.co.za contact Alan Reeves | 082 778 6062 or alan.reeves@lrbrands.co.za

facebook.com/DIYdepot

0032355_Diy Depot Hardware Edition - business on the map.indd 1

@DIYdepot

0032355

find out more www.diydepot.co.za

2017/02/24 10:33 AM

Hardware Edition 2017 | page 33

GARDEN & OUTDOOR

Lawns and weeds M

ost lawns suffer from weeds at some time and a few weeds can even be tollerated, but to keep them at bay and your lawn looking its best follow these tips: Don’t allow weeds to seed If dandelions and sheep sorrel are carrying seed heads, pick them off, collect them in a plastic bag and dispose of them so that they cannot germinate. Keep the lawn healthy Leave fine clippings on the lawn after mowing as a mulch to feed the lawn. There are many makes of spring and autumn fertiliser. Follow the manufacturers instructions carefully and do not use an autumn fertiliser in spring or vice versa. Alternatively, apply a diluted mixture of liquid seaweed. Use it in a hose-end feeder, at the rate of half a milliliter to a litre of water (it is used on golf greens and race tracks). Another way to give your lawn a tonic is to mix equal amounts of sieved sharp sand and sieved garden soil as a top dressing. Apply 1,5 kg per m2 (3 lb per sq yd), working it into the lawn with a stiff garden broom. Maintain the length of the grass Keep the grass about 20-40mm long, to allow it to grow healthily and prevent bare patches that are quickly colonised by weeds. Mow the lawn regularly Constantly cutting back the weed’s foliage slows their rate of growth.

Getting rid of weeds Bur Clover And Chickweed Because the weeds lie flat in the lawn, they are unaffected by mowing. Try to remove them by hand or use a selective chemical weed killer. Cats Ears and Quickweed These weeds must be removed by hand. Dandelions, Buckhorn and Bindweed Though mowing can weaken them, most will need to be treated with a spot weed killer or removed by hand. A strong, narrow weeding trowel is the best implement for handweeding. Choose a trowel that is appropriate to the soil type: working in heavy clay will bend most tools, so choose a sturdy one; in sandy ground, use a long, double toothed garden fork to loosen the weed’s roots. Thistles Regular mowing will severely weaken them to the point that most will die.

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What weeds can tell you about a lawn Sometimes weeds are a useful sign that your lawn maintenance is inadequate. Here’s what they mean: Chickweed Indicates bad drainage. Spike the area with a garden fork, moving it about to open up the holes. Remove as much as possible by hand. Spray weed killers based on natural fatty acids. Dandelion Indicates acid, unfertile soil. Remove by hand or use a selective weed killer. Dress lawn with agricultural lime. Sheep Sorrel A perennial with creeping roots – pervasive. Improve drainage and dress lawn with thin coating of agricultural lime. Winter Grass Indicates bad drainage. Grows in winter in moist, shady spots. Spreads rapidly. Remove by hand or spray with a pre-emergence herbicide. Improve drainage.

GARDEN & OUTDOOR

Water and the garden W

ater disappears fast in sandy soil, resulting in any nutrients in the soil being leached out. Clayed soil, which drains poorly, causes plant roots to rot, or gets so hard that water runs off uselessly. Regularly add large quantities of compost and old kraal manure, which will lead to fertile and arable loam soil with a high organic content, a coarse texture and good drainage and water retention ability.

■ Mow the grass regularly and not too drastically. Never remove more than a third top growth.

Other alternatives to a thirsty lawn

Select A Wining Plant Team

■ Replace lawn areas not used intensely as relaxation areas, with other features, such as solid paving, a stepping-stone and gravel combination, a steppingstone and groundcover combination, or even plain gravel.

Plants with inherent water-saving habits often have the following features:

■ Choose indigenous grasses, such as buffalo grass. There are also seed mixtures specifi cally intended for South-African conditions, that will grow in full sun and even in light shade.

■ Leaves with a waxy surface, and those that fold shut in times of drought.

■ Water the lawn less frequently but for longer periods so that it gets thoroughly wet and the root system is forced to go deeper in search of water.

■ Keep the shade of the lawn simple so that a sprinkler can reach everywhere and no dry patches will develop. ■ Fertilize the lawn with slow-release fertilizer, or an organic lawn tonic that release the necessary nutrients in small doses.

■ Grey-coloured foliage. ■ Hairy leaves.

■ Narrow and needle-like foliage, ■ Plant types of which the underside of the leaves have a lighter shade and that turn their leaves upwards to defl ect the worst heat of the sun in times of drought.

Useful tips Use Mulches Organic mulches keep the soil cool and moist longer and turns into healthy garden soil. Replace organic mulches frequently. Keep this type of mulch at least 15cm away from the stem or side-branches of plants to avoid rotting. Use the following: pieces of tree bark, pine needles, lawn cuttings, compost, newspaper, straw, peach stones, nutshells and autumn leaves. Inorganic mulches can also be used, last longer and can consist of ornamental stones, pebbles and grave. Water this way Early in the morning or late afternoon is best. For longer and less frequently, rather than for a few minutes each day. An irrigation system connected to a computer or to a tap with a timer provides the forgetful with reassurance.

Zone Your Garden Group plants according to their respective water needs. ■ Plant a frame work of relatively hardy indigenous species that adjust to your specific climate. Then use other attractive shrubs that need more water and attention to fill remaining spaces. ■ Plant your favourite colourful exotics, such as seasonal annuals, in pots or in smaller, more intense splashes of colour in the front of your fl owerbeds, where you can easily reach them with a watering can. ■ Use large patches of hardy ground-covers that are fast growing, such as sourfi gs (Carpobrotus) and Plectranthus Neochilus, and indigenous annuals that you can sow yourself, to provide colour and texture. These need little water and maintenance.

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The Practicality Of Locally Manufactured QUALITY HOSE

Hose remains one of the most energy efficient and cost effective means to convey liquids, fluids and air from one point to another! Reinforced Hosing has been manufacturing high quality reinforced hose products, in South Africa, since 1998.

cut and abrasion resistance they are available in standard lengths.Mining Hose is manufactured to the highest standard possible â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SANS 1086: 2007

Their range of flexible reinforced hose products will meet all your requirements - from garden hose and agricultural dragline to gas hose, mining hose and clear tubing.

GAS HOSE Orange LP gas hose is SABS approved .Operating temperatures are from 0OC to +50OC. Available in pre-packed lengths of 2 metres, ready for merchandising.

All products are locally manufactured from virgin raw materials, with rigorous quality control throughout the whole process. This attention to detail allows Reinforced Hosing to offer you long design lives on all their hose.

AGRICULTURAL DRAGLINE Manufactured from virgin raw materials the outer is ribbed which offers excellent abrasion resistance and the hose is UV resistant. Two hose types are available. Firstly a 5 year design life and secondly a 10 year design life.

All peinforced Hosing products are now available under the well known and reliable WATEX brand! The WATEX range consists of the following: GARDEN HOSE - 12 year life warranty - 8 year life warranty - 6 year life warranty Each is available in the very popular 12mm diameter with lengths of 20 meters with the 12 and 6 year warranty hose also being avalable in 20mm diameter and 30 metre lengths with the option of fittings being included or not. BUILDERS HOSE Specifically manufactured for the tough conditions of Africa and the trade, this hose is black and ribbed to ensure a durable 5 year life. It has a burst pressure of 4000kPa and comes in 30mor 50m lengths. Diameter is 20mm. MINING HOSE Manufactured from virgin raw material to ensure quality all mining hose is reinforced.Available as a standard (orange), medium (blue) or heavy duty (green) hose with a range of diameters to choose from (10, 12, 20, 25, 32 and 50mm). Durable & flexible with high

Lengths available from 30m or to client requirements. ROCK DRILL HOSE Manufactured from virgin raw material to ensure quality the hose is reinforced to very heavy duty standard. It is available in red with a range of diameters to choose from (12, 20 and 25mm). It is a durable & flexible hose with high cut and abrasion resistance. FIRE HOSE Due to the nature of application, all fir hose is manufactured from virgin raw material to ensure quality. It is also reinforced and available in red with 20 mm diameter. Fire hose is also durable & flexible with high cut and abrasion resistance.

gases and chemicals. Superior clarity is guaranteed. Clear reinforced tubing Thin and thick wall is produced for high pressure applications such as air & oil. These offer a high resistance to gases and chemicals and also come with superior clarity. Air & water reinforced hose Manufactured from virgin raw material to ensure quality and good flexibility these come with high burst and working pressures characteristics. All offer good resistance to fuels, gasses and chemicals. Specifications for all the industrial hose and tubing is available on request. FITTINGS All WATEX fittings are manufactured from high quality ABS plastic. This offers excellent UV resistance. The range is available on their website at www.watex.co.za. PACKAGING DESIGN Reinforced Hosingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in-house production facilities enables them to offer clients custom designed and printed packaging. With decades of experience, they are more than capable to offer expert advice on branding and design, suitable for any retail environment.

INDUSTRIAL HOSE & TUBING All industrial hose and tubing is manufactured from virgin raw material to ensure quality.

SABS CERTIFICATION Being at the forefront of hose manufacture in South Africa Reinforced Hosing, with their WATEX Brand proudly sports SABS certification on most of their products - especially where a safety issue is paramount.

Clear tubing Manufactured to two basic standards - thin and thick wall for low pressure applications such as fountain pumps & laboratory tubing. Good flexibility is assured as is a high resistance to

ACCESSIBLE Serving clients is a priority for a company that has been around since 1998. Ensuring excellent service is part of their nature and timeous delivery is a priority. Contact them for professional service!

Reinforced Hosing (Pty) Ltd • Tel: 011 769 2600 • www.watex.co.za

QUALITY GARDEN HOSE & FITTINGS

BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL

8 Year Warranty Garden Hose • 12mm diameter • 20 metre lengths • With fittings • Available in three bright colours

12 YEAR WARRANTY

6 YEAR WARRANTY

PLUS • 12mm OR 20mm diameter • 20 metre OR 30 metre lengths • With OR without fittings

BUILDER’S HOSE • 20mm diameter • Lengths of 30m or 50m • 5 Year design life • Burst Pressure – 4000kPa • Professionally packaged • Shrink wrapped • Bar-coded

Designed and manufactured for hardwearing outdoor industrial use

Visit our website for more details and other quality products that will add value to your business 4883 Watex Hardware Edition July’17

GARDEN & OUTDOOR

Food of the Future for the Retailer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; by John Sandison

n 1798, Robert Malthus an English economist, predicted that population growth would be curtailed by the inability of agriculture to keep pace with food demands. This controversial assumption has so far proved to be false, simply because up until now agricultural development has outpaced the demand for food. In some cases the technological advances in agriculture were so great that some countries such as the United States, and Rhodesia in the last century, were able to export huge quantities of surplus food to those countries in dire need of it. Advanced food technology has ensured, in the main, that the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s populations are fed. Those countries we hear and read about that maintain starving populations usually do so through corruption or a desire for control.

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Hydroponics is another technological advance that will ensure that enough food is produced to feed the countriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; populations, and ensure that food is available at an accessible price. A return to the practices of the 19th century using compost and manure might be very laudable from an ecological point of view but it is not cost-effective and cannot be implemented on a scale of sufficient size to feed large populations. If organically grown foodstuffs could be grown cheaply and on a large scale it would be a different matter.

GARDEN & OUTDOOR Hydroponics is a method of growing food using water soluble fertilisers and an inert growing medium such as composted pine bark or perlite. There is no soil involved in hydroponics and the plants derive their nutrition solely from the nutrient feed. A constant pH of 5.5 to 6.0 must be maintained at all times to ensure maximum nutrient uptake by the plants. Nutrient fertilisers are supplied by the fertiliser companies in the form of Calcium Nitrate on the one hand and a balanced cocktail of 11 other macro and micro nutrients, so calculated to supply the plants with perfect nutrition. This is something that traditional soil based agriculture seldom can achieve, as the distribution in the soil of the 13 minerals required for a plant’s nutrition is completely random. It is also dependent upon rainfall or irrigation to ensure the plant’s appropriate development.

to humans from consuming chemical laden fruits or vegetables in hydroponics is no longer a threat. This could also now be the case in traditional agriculture but some farmers are slow to recognise the advantages of using biologicals and a lifetime of habit sticks them to tried and trusted methods, albeit old fashioned ones. Another myth that needs dispelling is that Hydroponic fruits and vegetables do not have as many vitamins in them as their soil-grown equivalents. If the nutrition in hydroponics is perfect, then the equivalent soil based nutrition could never match it, due to the reason mentioned earlier and the levels of vitamins found in Hydroponic grown vegetables are as high and in some instances higher than their agricultural equivalents. Hydroponic suppliers fulfil the retailers’ most stringent requirements for quality, quantity, reliability and price.

In hydroponics, water is part of the food distribution system so this problem never arises, and incidentally, hydroponics uses approximately one third of the water consumed by agriculture because with the latter there is much water wastage past the root zone back into the water table. Unlike Australia for example, South Africa is a waterstressed country (Increasing population outstrips the natural geographical rainfall) and agriculture is one of the biggest users of water so the worrying prediction is that in the-not-too-far-distant-future we will run short of water unless stringent water-saving measures are taken. Future food security can be achieved by concentrating on developing hydroponic farmers into large scale suppliers. We are consistently reminded by our health experts to eat salad greens, cruciferous vegetables, carotenoids, fruit, nuts, etc. Yet a simple check of many South Africans’ daily diet will reveal that very few avail themselves of this advice, either because of economic reasons or because of a lifetime of habits eating carbohydrate based foods. Either way, retailers, who make their profits from high volumes and low mark-ups, would be do well to enlist hydroponic farmers among their suppliers for these are precisely the people that will be able to fulfil the food tastes and needs of the market in the future. Chemical sprays against pests and diseases in hydroponics is now also largely a thing of the past as biological remedies are fast taking over from previously chemical based substances. This means that the danger

John Sandison of DaisyFresh Hydroponics holds a certificate in advanced hydroponics and is a hydroponic consultant and educator. DaisyFresh holds monthly courses in hydroponics and builds greenhouses for hydroponic farmers in KZN. Contact: Tel. 031 764 2335 Cell: 083 690 2503 www.hydroponicssouthafrica.co.za

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GREEN BUILDING

Green building trends

ith South Africa facing one of the most severe droughts in recent years, ongoing issues with Eskom and the ever increasing costs of these commodities, it’s no surprise that the country is enthusiastically embracing green building. In fact, the World Green Building Trends 2016: Developing Markets Accelerate Global Green Growth - SmartMarket Report predicts that South Africa could become a leader in the green building sector in the next three years. The impact of buildings on the environment is astounding, with the global construction industry currently accounting for 40% of the world’s energy consumption and waste generation and 12% of its fresh water usage. The residential property market is a particular area of focus as, according to UN statistics, there will be a 300% increase in South Africa’s urban population in the next 20 years. Perhaps, like many others, you are concerned that your household is contributing to climate change. Maybe you are looking for a way to reduce your spending on electricity and water. You might want to be less dependent on the electricity grid. Or all of the above. Whatever your reasons, the guide below provided by the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA)*, will show you what is possible and how your whole family can benefit while the environment thrives too. Getting started Understand your consumption and costs. To set goals and monitor your progress, you first need to know how much electricity and water you have been using and how much waste you’re generating – this is your baseline. Gather your last 12 months of water and electricity bills. If your electricity is pre-paid, use your voucher receipts or phone your electricity provider for a record of your purchases. If you always purchase online, the website should be able to show your history.

You are not looking for rands, but kilowatt hours of electricity (kWh or “units”) and kilolitres (kL) of water. Add up your one-year total of each, taking note of how consumption shifts with the seasons. It’s good to have a record of a few different baselines: • The annual total • The monthly average by season • The daily average (divide by 365) • The kWh/m²/year number This last number is great for comparing one home with others of different sizes. My Green Home has a guide for calculating your kWh/m²/year number (link to: http:// mygreenhome.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/ How-to-calculate-your-Per-Square-Metre-Consumption29-April-V6_revCB.pdf) or you can use 49M’s online calculator (link to: http://49m.co.za/) even if you only have your kWh info for one month. Do a home eco-audit You can get a free analysis in a couple of hours, which will help you figure out where electricity is being used in your home. Eskom has an online Comprehensive Energy Audit Calculator. When you’re finished, a pie chart shows how much electricity in your house goes for lighting, geyser, kitchen, laundry, pool, etc. You will also see suggestions for where you can save.

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GREEN BUILDING Set your goals Once you know how much water and electricity you consume, you can set savings targets for water, electricity and waste consumption. Over time, any household that follows most of the No Cost, Low Cost and Invest to Save ideas below can target a 40% reduction in energy consumption; 20% reduction in water usage; and a whopping 75% reduction in waste sent to landfill.

Start saving with these tips No cost:

Low cost:

Invest to save

o Turn your geyser down to 55 – 60 degrees Celsius

o Replace your light bulbs with LED’s

o Install dual-flush toilets in your home

o Give your pool pump a break: 4 to 6 hours in summer, and 2 to 3 hours in winter is plenty

o Replace taps and shower heads with low flow fittings

o Install a solar water geyser or heat pump

o Put heat where you need it by only using targeted heat sources such as hot water bottles, electric blankets and heaters with timers or thermostats

o Buy a more efficient, variablespeed pool pump

o Reduce the ironing pile to only the necessities o Keep your clothes out of hot water – always select the coldest setting on your washing machine o Take a short shower and avoid bathing o Make use of your city’s recycling facilities to put your paper, cans, glass and plastic back into the system

o Stay secure with motion sensor lights outside o Wrap up your geyser with a geyser blanket for insulation o Keep your greens in the garden by recycling fresh kitchen and garden waste into compost

o Give your fireplace a window – closed combustion fireplaces are more efficient than open ones o Protect your home with adequate ceiling insulation o Go green with gas cookers and heaters o Choose efficient appliances that make the grade – go for A+ or A++ ratings

No home is perfectly green, but if each home is more efficient than it was the year before, we are making progress. This guide has been kept brief, but there are many more ideas for saving energy and water and reducing waste at www.mygreenhome.org.za *One of over 95 members of the World Green Building Council, the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) works with its membership community to inspire a built environment in which people and planet thrive. www.gbcsa.org.za

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GREEN BUILDING

Global trends towards roof top gardening

etailers can really cash in on this new trend encouraging not only flat dwellers to grow vegetables on their balconies, but also to engage with other dwellers and the owners of the buildings to participate in a community growing place. Garden nurseries, as well as hardware stores, can run courses on these different areas where consumers can grow their own produce. This can also apply to high rise office blocks whereby companies can turn them into park like areas for staff to take their lunches or time out. Equip them with concrete table and chairs and create a wonderful work environment. In doing so residents and companies can play their part in reducing pollution, such as carbon emissions, and energy costs to the buildings. The most common small scale urban growing is vegetables and herbs in raised beds or containers. One of the challenges of roof top gardening is the wind factor and intense heat. Here windbreakers by way of trees can be placed around the parameters of the building. The advantages of urban gardening and green roofs are: • Dwellers living in blocks of apartments can come together as a community to feed their families. • Frail care hospitals can use their roofs to grow their own produce. • Urban gardening reduces heat build up as the sunlight is absorbed by the roofs. This can reduce company air conditioning costs. Having vegetation on the roof reduces heat retention. • Companies with canteens can grow their own produce. • Companies can utilise their rooftops for feeding programmes thereby doing their part in social responsibility. • Help unemployment by employing staff to develop these roof top gardens.

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• Roof top gardening does not only have to include produce, but can be used to create beautiful landscaped gardens thereby enhancing the city. • By using compost barrels, all wastage and refuse can be turned into organic compost, thereby reducing the amount of refuse being taken to dumps. Rain water run off is a problem in most cities and usually wasted. Green roofs can help in reducing run off considerably as the plants will use the water to support growth. Cities worldwide are undertaking the greenification of their rooftops with keen enthusiasm and offices are actively engaging their co-workers in gardening and making a statement with a better working environment.

GREEN BUILDING

Dare to lead

he Green Building Council SA (GBCSA) leads the transformation of the South African property industry to ensure that buildings are designed, built and operated in an environmentally sustainable way. The Green Building Council’s purpose is to inspire a built environment in which people and planet thrive. Buildings are one of the main contributors to climate change. Building green is an opportunity to use resources efficiently and address climate change while creating healthier and more productive environments for people and communities.

Better buildings today leave a greater legacy for tomorrow GBCSA is committed to encouraging and fostering innovative out-of-the-box thinking about all aspects of the sustainability chain. In keeping with this philosophy, GBCSA has created a unique and extremely popular platform at the Convention, where entrepreneurs, young guns, inventors and innovators can present their ideas direct to a target audience of industry leaders. www.gbcsaconvention.org.za

The Green Building Convention The Green Building Convention is the definitive event on the sustainability calendar and will take place from 9 – 11 October 2017 in Cape Town. For the last nine years, the Green Building Convention has built a reputation as the not-to-be-missed event for top professionals in the building industry. Now the tenth year promises to be the best of all – an exclusive gathering of top minds and leading experts. There will be an opportunity to hear from top global experts and exchange ideas with the power to transform. Tour some of the top-rated green buildings in Cape Town and hear innovators and specialists debate key issues facing the industry.

About the Green Building convention For ten years, the Green Building Council has lead the way in inspiring sustainable building practices in South Africa, bringing together industry leaders, experts and frontline professionals dedicated to building a better future.

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HAND TOOLS

Different types of pliers and their uses by James Christopher

f you are a workman or technician, you’ll need several types of pliers to complete your task. Pliers are valuable tools capable of clutching and trimming objects with relative ease. Their jobs include wire gripping, cutting, and bending. There are numerous different types of pliers, each with distinctive features that suit them to various tasks and jobs. If you are having a hard time deciding on which type to use for your project, below is an explanation of the different types of pliers, what makes them different from each other and the jobs that every type works best for.

Long Nose Pliers As their name suggests, they have a long and lean outline that allows them to squeeze easily into tight spaces to grasp or manipulate wires. Ideal for making exact bends in the wire, these are vital to electricians when it comes to looping wires prior to connecting them to receptacles and any other fixture. Needle-nose and lineman’s pliers both belong to this category. They can be used any time precision counts. Their jaw tips make them the best choice for zeroing in on points along the wires.

Pump Pliers Intended to work more like a wrench, these pliers are what most individuals are highly likely to picture when they hear the word pliers. You’ll find these in almost every toolbox. Pump pliers are made for gripping and turning the bolts, nuts, and pipe fittings that are hard to budge. These pliers are perfect for undertaking plumbing jobs and various household repairs that may be difficult to complete.

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Electronics Pliers These pliers are intended to be used to cut the delicate electronic components such as circuit boards. Extremely fine, tiny, and narrow jaws allow you to get in close for very exact trimming and tip cutting. Whereas other pliers are normally between six and ten inches in length, electronics pliers are just about five inches long, so they can fit perfectly in your palm, giving you maximum cutting control. You can use these pliers when you need to make extremely carefully controlled cuts on the circuit boards. They are also ideal for trimming the delicate wire used in making jewelry.

Cutting Pliers Made with sharp cutting edges and some serious cutting power, these pliers have one primary job. They are intended to cut through materials such as heavy gauge electrical wire and even small metal hardware. Unlike other wire cutters, these pliers are hardened enough to reduce the vibrating snap you feel when you cut wire. They have additional power that enables you to cut through thicker materials with much less effort. You can use these pliers when you have to shear through thick wires that won’t yield to the usual household wire cutter.

HAND TOOLS

BENRAY leading the way BENRAY is a wholesale distributor of power tools, hand tools, accessories, abrasives, generators and hardware. Supplying over 650 hardware stores, chain stores and industrial resellers across Southern Africa. Benray has been serving the South African industry with quality products and reliable service since 1988.

ENRAY Tool Wholesalers is one of South Africa’s leading suppliers of power tools. With 29 years as a wholesaler of tools and hardware BENRAY has established a strong reputation, supplying retailers in South Africa and six other Africa countries. BENRAY has a network of retailers across Southern Africa that distributes their products. Retailers include: independent stores, chain stores and industrial resellers. BENRAY is a listed vendor with all the major retail chains in South Africa; distributing products from three branches in South Africa and employing over eighty people.

In 2009, BENRAY was appointed as the exclusive importer and primary service agent for DEWALT power tools and accessories. They have established a network of 120 DEWALT dealers and service agents across Southern Africa. In 2011 BENRAY won the award for the ‘Service Agent of the Year – Middle East and Africa’. Their range of power tool accessories consists of drill bits, annular cutters, jigsaw blades, circular saw blades and hole saws. BENRAY has established a partnership with Shenzhen Jasic Technology Co to manufacture OEM brand of welding machines and helmets.

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HAND TOOLS

Hammers The following is a brief overview and description of the various hammers available and their individual application: • Curved-Claw Hammer Used for driving common or finishing nails, but concrete nails or case-hardened cut nails can damage it. • Soft-Face Hammer Will not mar surfaces. It is used for joining, seaming, panelbeating and for assembling and dismantling wood or soft metal projects. • Bricklayer’s Hammer Usually has a square flat face for setting bricks in mortar and a chisel-shaped face for scoring and cutting bricks and chipping away excess mortar. • Ball-Peen Hammer It has two faces. One is flat, for striking cold chisels and punches. The other, the peen, is rounded or ball-like, for bending and shaping soft metal. • Ripping Hammer It is excellent for prying apart or tearing out boards, lath or sheet materials. • Upholsterer’s Hammer It holds and sets tacks, small nails and brads and is used on cabinetwork, moulding, trim and upholstery. • Cross-Peen, or Warrington Hammer A traditional cabinet-maker’s tool. • Jeweller’s Hammer Ideal for working on models, miniatures and jewellery. • Sledgehammer Breaks up concrete or drives heavy spikes, stakes or chisels into stone, brick or the ground by the sheer weight of its solid steel head. • Heavy-Duty Framing Hammer A construction tool for assembling and dismantling framing members.

• Carpenter’s Wooden-Head Mallet Used mainly for assembling woodworking components and striking chisels, is also good for installing metal parts on equipment without marring them. • Carver’s Mallet Drives chisels and other carving tools into wood or stone. • Two-Faced Mallet The round face is used for shaping sheet metal into bowls or other concave shapes. The wedge face shapes, or ‘raises’ metal over a solid stake. • Club Hammer Is often used by brick and blocklayers.

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HAND TOOLS

• Rubber Mallet

• Chasing Hammer

Is used primarily in assembling components and beating out dents in metal.

Drives chisel-like tools into the top surface of sheet metal to indent decorative designs into it.

• Dead-Blow Hammer

• Embossing Hammer

The head is filled with steel shot and oil that absorbs energy when the hammer impacts, eliminating any rebound in demolition and assembly work.

Is used to get into awkward areas and to imprint decorative bulges in the metal.

• Rawhide Mallet

Flattens and toughens sheet metal as it adds texture to it.

Has the same uses as a carpenter’s wooden-head mallet. • Raising Hammer

• Planishing Hammer • Forging Hammer Is used to shape metal rods or bars.

Shapes deep metal objects, such as bowls or vases. • Setting Hammer Used for forming sheet metal and a flat face for flattening seams without marring the surface of the metal.

• Blacksmith’s Hammer Is a traditional tool for shaping heated metal on an anvil and is also used for driving spikes, stakes, rivets and hardened nails, for striking cold chisels, and for any job that requires a heavy striking face.

Basic tool box

ou will need to advise your consumer on the basic necessaties in your DIY toolbox. This is a perfect way to up-sell your consumer in purchasing more products for their toolbox. Every toolbox needs all or some of the following items: Adhesives - various

Paint scraper

Craft knife

Pencil and eraser

Duct tape

Penetrating oil for dissolving rust

Fuse wire

Picture wire

General filler

Pliers

Glue gun

Sandpaper

Goggles

Saw

Hammer

Screwdriver set

Heavy duty work gloves

Scissors

Insulation tape

Screws - various sizes

Level

Set of spanners

Lubricating oil

Torch

Masking tape

Wire cutters

Measuring tape

Wood glue

Nails - various sizes

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HOME SECURITY

How secure are you? Yale or Rimlocks

Roofs

These are often fitted for extra security, but the basic model can be opened with a knife blade or a credit card, so it is better to fit a night latch (with key holes on the outside and inside). Once the key locks the door from the inside it cannot be opened from the outside.

These can often be a easy source of access, particularly on garages. Either tack through fencing wire to the rafters to seal off the roof area above or fit a bolt to the underside of the trap door if there is one.

Double Cylinder locks These locks can only be opened with a key. This means that an intruder cannot simply reach in through a broken window pane and unlock the door. Safety Chains These are strongest when mounted with the longest steel screws possible and some can be connected to an alarm which sounds if the door is forced.

Sensor Lights These are useful for driveways and enclosed or dark areas. An invisible infra-red beam transmitted by light triggers a switch if the beam is broken by a moving object. The angle of cover can be varied from 90 to 220 degrees. Make sure that the light is guaranteed, as they are expensive and can sometimes be temperamental. A detector unit, which can be fitted to some existing lights, switches on when anyone approaches the house.

Peepholes These give a wide-angle view of the area in front of the door and enable you to see who is standing there before opening the door. It is best to fit the peepholes at the height of the shortest person in the house hold.

Fitting a Yale lock

Time Switches

• Fit the two connecting screws through the mounting plate and door. These pass through a brass or chrome ring and into the lock cylinder.

This is a useful way of making a house appear occupied, particularly when you are away. They switch a circuit on or off to up to 16 times every 24 hours and should be wired to the distribution board by a qualified electrician. Timer switches, which operate on a socket with the appliances plugged into them, are also available.

• Hold the mounting plate on the door at face height or above other locks, mark the centre hole and drill a hole for the barrel.

• Push the flat connecting bar on the lock cylinder through the centre of the mounting plate. • Fit the lock case to the inside of the door, moving the connecting bar so that it works the latch mechanism, and screw the case onto the mounting plate. • If the connecting bar is too long you will have difficulty turning the lock. To rectify this, remove the inside lock case and use a pliers or snips to remove a few notches from the bar. • Mark the door frame with piece of chalk where the latch meets the frame. • Close the door and move the latch to make a mark in the chalk. This will show you where to fit the staple. • Mark the position of the staple, and chisel or cut out a recess, checking every so often to see that it fits neatly. • Drill the necessary holes and screw it into place.

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LADDERS

The right steps

any DIY projects around the home require the use of a ladder. As with tools, it’s important to use the right ladder for the job.If you use a ladder that is too short you may end up perching on the top rung, or the second last rung, which is an accident waiting to happen. Using a ladder that’s too long will mean that you will have to work ‘around’ the ladder, which is equally dangerous and will put unnecessary strain on your body. When shopping for a ladder, opt for the best quality you can afford. High quality ladders are sturdier, safer, easier to use and, with proper care, should last a lifetime. 1,8m ladder The 1,8m ladder is long enough to reach light bulbs or paint the ceiling. It’s light, which makes it easy to move around. It fits easily into a car, simplifies painting of interior walls, makes it easy to reach cupboards and shelves, as well as to hang pictures and you can even use it to save a cat stuck in a tree. Three-rung ladder The compact three rung ladder is everyone’s best friend in and around the house. In addition to the fact that it is lightweight, you can store it in a wardrobe or stand it in the kitchen next to the sink so that it’s easily within reach for moments when you need to grab an item off a shelf that is just out of reach. Aluminium Aluminium ladders are sturdy, relatively lightweight and resistant to corrosion and weathering. They are also moderately priced. An important factor to consider is that aluminium conducts electricity and can be extremely dangerous if used around electrical wiring.

Wood Wooden ladders are the least expensive and, as long as they are dry, they are safe for use around electricity. They do, however, tend to be less stable in larger sizes. They are heavier than aluminium or fiberglass ladders and are more prone to damage from impact or from the elements. Never paint a wooden ladder as paint hides cracks and flaws in the wood that could indicate serious problems with the structure of the ladder. Fibreglass Fibreglass ladders are sturdy and are the most weather resistant. They are safe for use around electrical wiring. Fibreglass ladders are the most common choice for professional use, but they are usually the most expensive.

Safe Setup Use w Read the instructions. w Inspect the ladder before use. w Set it on solid ground. w Make sure that the ladder is level. Never place loose objects under the feet to try and level it. w Set the ladder at the right angle. The proper angle for an extension ladder is achieved by setting the base out approximately one quarter of the ladders height. w Don’t overextend your reach. Set up the ladder as close to your work as possible, and move it as necessary. w Lock the braces properly. When using a stepladder, open it out all the way and make sure that the cross braces are locked. Never use a stepladder in a folded position.

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LIGHTING

Counting cents to keep the lights on

eeping the lights on is costly. With the price of electricity increasing significantly this year, it has become imperative to find ways to cut power costs in and around the home. The good news is that simply converting your existing conventional globes (or lamps) to LED is one of the most effective ways to reduce your electricity bill, says Eben Kruger, Marketing Manager at Eurolux. LED is the answer While the unit price of LED lamps are marginally more than conventional lamps, the long-term benefits of switching to LEDs far outweigh the relative difference in unit cost per lamp. “The big thing about LEDs is that you’re guaranteed similar light for longer, at a much lower cost,” Kruger explains. The numbers don’t lie (unfortunately, in the case of the electricity price increase!), so it is useful to consider the following equation to understand how switching to LEDs results in greater savings in the long term.

Conventional halogen lamps vs LED The average household halogen lamp uses 42W of electricity, compared to the average LED lamp of just 6W, but still produces a similar light and brightness. Effectively, this means that while the LED costs more per unit, it uses 7 times less electricity. Plus, it also offers 15 000 lighting hours, as opposed to the ordinary halogen lamp’s less significant 2 000 hours. Therefore, 1 LED lamp equates to the work of 7 halogen lamps. In other words, to get 15 000 hours out of an ordinary halogen lamp, you would require 7 of them at a total cost of R245, versus 1 LED at just R39.

That’s certainly a significant saving in electricity costs over the lifetime of the LED lamp.

page 50 | Hardware Edition 2017

This example applies to just one lamp, but considering that the average 4-bedroom suburban home can be fitted with over 50 downlighters, the numbers make an even bigger impact. More than money As a general rule, LEDs are 80% more cost effective than conventional halogen lamps, but there is the added benefit of it being more environmentally friendly as well. Because the number of light hours is almost 8 times that of an ordinary halogen lamp, you’re using less LED lamps as the first environmental saving. Secondly, LED lamps use less power per unit, as explained, thus reducing carbon emissions from power plants. In fact, the annual energy consumption of a LED lamp can be up to 30 times lower than its conventional counterpart. Furthermore, halogen lamps release as much as 90% of their energy as heat, while this number for LEDs is just 5%. So switching to LED makes sense on multiple levels – saving money and electricity, as well as our environment.

For more information on LEDs, please contact Shaun Bouchier on 021 528 8400 or shaun.bouchier@eurolux.co.za

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PAINT

Painting problems and their solutions

here are, naturally, quite a few things that can go wrong with painting. But if you’re careful and know what you’re doing, these problems can easily and quickly be avoided or repaired. A look at a few of the most common painting problems and their solutions:

BUBBLES – occur as a result of loss of adhesiveness and paint lifts from the underlying surface.

Possible causes • Painting a surface that has baked in the heat of direct sunlight. • Application of an oil-based or alkaline paint to a damp or wet surface. • Damp or moisture escaping through outer walls. (The chances of this are greater with an oil-based or alkaline paint than with a rubbery latex paint). • Exposure of a rubbery latex paint surface to dew, high humidity or rain, shortly after the paint has dried – especially if the undercoat has not been prepared. Solution If the bubbles sag, try to remove the cause of the moisture. Repair the sealer on joints and openings (make them waterproof), and if air vents or fans are installed, try to ensure that air vents face to the outside. If the bubbles do not sag, scrape the surface, apply the new undercoat on the raw surface and paint again with the good rubbery (latex) outside paint.

CRACKS AND FLAKING – at least one layer of paint that dries, cracks and flakes off. It starts as fine hair cracks but will soon flake right off. Possible causes • The use of a poor quality paint with insufficient binding and flexibility. • Paint thinned too much, or applied too thinly. • Weak preparation of a surface, especially if paint is applied to raw wood. • Escape of damp or moisture through outside walls – the chances of this are greater with an oil-based and alkaline paint than with latex paints. • Using latex paint in windy conditions causes the paint to dry too soon. Solution If only the top layer of paint flakes, it can be removed with a scraper or steel brush. Sand it lightly, and paint on an undercoat. In the case of widespread flaking (down to the surface), all the paint must be removed with a scraper, sander or heat-gun. Apply a new undercoat and paint with high-quality exterior paint. page 52 | Hardware Edition 2017

POOR COLOUR RETENTION – the faster or

most excessive fading of paint colour is often found on surfaces facing north. Fading or poor colour retention may be the result of flaking of the top layer of paint. Possible causes • Applying interior paint on exterior walls. • Using poor-quality paint. • Using bright paint colours, such as red, yellow or blue, which are highly sensitive to UV radiation. • If white paint which is not meant to be mixed with pigment is tinted, or as a result of the excessive tinting of a light coloured paint. Solution If the fading or poor colour retention has been caused by flaking, as much of the powder deposit as possible must be removed. If it is to be repainted, it is advisable to use good exterior paint.

MOULD OR FUNGI – the appearance of black, grey or brown areas, or fungi, on the painted surface.

Possible causes • Fungi form mostly where it is damp and where there is little or no direct sunlight, for example against walls facing south and on the undersides of eaves. • The use of poor-quality paint, containing too little fungicide. • No application of undercoat on raw wood. • Paint that is applied over paint already affected by fungi. Solution Treat the area with a mixture of water and bleach, in the ratio 3 to 1, and leave for 20 minutes to dry. Apply more when it is dry. Wear gloves and safety goggles when working with bleach. Rinse off well. Apply a latex undercoat, followed by a good latex exterior paint with a matt, silky, semi-gloss or gloss finish, depending on the desired appearance. Install a fan in areas with high humidity.

NAIL HEADS THAT RUST – red-brown stains and

patches on a painted surface.

Possible causes • The appearance and seepage of matter through the paint – caused by ungalvanised nails (not recessed and sealed with putty) that have begun rusting. • Galvanised nail heads that have begun rusting after having been sanded or because of excessive weathering.

PAINT Solution If a new outside structure is to be painted, it is advisable to recess ungalvanised nails. Seal them with highquality water based acrylic or with acrylic silicon. Every nail head must be individually treated with undercoat and then painted with high quality latex paint. If outside areas are repainted and rust does occur, rust marks can be washed off and nail heads sanded. Follow the steps in the first solution above.

OVERLAPPING – the appearance of a too-high

gloss or a duller colour, where wet and dry coats overlap each other during the painting process. Possible causes • The inability to maintain a constant ‘wet edge’ during the painting process. • The use of poor quality paper. Solution Maintain a constant ‘wet edge’ when paint is applied. This can be achieved by constantly painting upwards to the unpainted area and then back to the already painted part. This ‘wet to dry’ technique, instead of ‘dry to wet’ ensures an even appearance. By using a good quality acrylic latex paint, as the binding agents and pigmentation in it make overlapping less visible. If the surface is porous it must be given an undercoat, which will prevent the top layer from drying fast and reduce the ‘wet edge’ period. Alkalines paints have excellent ‘wet edge’ features.

PEELING – the loss of paint as a result of poor binding or adhesion.

Possible causes • Damp and moisture that show at joins and seams – this is found on walls and roofs that have not been well sealed. • Moisture that escapes through outer walls, especially where oil based paints have been used. • Insufficient preparation of the surface. • The application of an oil based paint on a wet surface. • The use of poor quality paint. • Early formation of bubbles. Solution Identify and eliminate the cause of the moisture. Prepare the surface by removing all loose paint with a scraper or wire brush, sand the uneven edges and apply a suitable undercoat. Paint with high quality latex paint for exterior use to ensure good binding and water resistance.

POWDERING OR CALCIFYING – formation of

fine powder on the paint surface.

Possible Causes • The use of a poor quality paint with high pigmentation. • The application of interior paint for exterior use. Solution Remove as much of the chalky powder as possible. Scrub with a hard brush and rinse off thoroughly. If there is still quite a lot of powder left, apply a high quality oil based or acrylic latex undercoat. If there is little or no powder left and the paint looks good, no new undercoat is necessary before the new layer of paint. Then paint with a high quality exterior paint.

SAGGING – The downwards formation of droplets immediately after application. Possible Causes • Applying too thick a layer of paint. • Applying paint during excessively damp or cool weather conditions. • Applying paint that has been thinned too much • Applying spray paint while holding the can too close to the surface or object. Solution If the paint is still wet, use a roller over it to spread the extra paint. If the paint is already dry, sand it off and paint again. Do not try to thin the paint. Preferably do not paint in damp and cool conditions and do not apply paint too thickly on a small area. Two layers of paint are better than one thick layer.

WRINKLING – A coarse, wrinkled paint surface appears when the paint forms a ‘skin’.

Possible causes • Paint is applied too thickly, especially where alkaline and oil based paints are used. • The application of paint in very hot conditions. • The exposure of wet paint to rain, dew, mist or high levels of humidity. • The application of a paint top coat over a first layer of paint that hasn’t dried. • The application of paint over a dirty surface, for example grime or wax. Solution Scrape or sand the areas to remove the wrinkles. Apply an even layer of high quality exterior paint. Make sure that the undercoat or first coat is properly dry before applying the final layer. Apply paint according to the supplier’s recommendations. Hardware Edition 2017 | page 53

PLUMBING

Stopping a leak

n most cases it’s best to call in the expert, but there are a few steps to take once you have noticed you have a leak. Firstly locate the mains stopcock outside your property and turn till it the water meter stops. Leaking Geysers • Switch off the electricity mains and call a plumber. • Turn off the stopcock at the geysers inlet and open all the hot water taps (or remove the drainage plug from a non-gravity geyser) to drain the geyser. • Once the leak has been repaired, first turn on the stopcock, then switch on the power. Leaking Pipes • In an emergency, turn off the water supply at the stopcock to prevent flooding and open all the taps to drain the pipes.

• Isolate the leak. • To make a temporary repair, slit a piece of hosepipe and slide it over the pipe, wiring it tightly on either side of the hole. • Alternatively, press a large lump of putty around the pipe and over the hole, or apply commercial sealant (speed up setting time with a hair-dryer). A plumber will permanently repair the pipe by cutting out the burst part and replacing it with a slip coupling. This slides onto one end of the cut pipe and backs up onto the other end. Dripping Taps • Turn off the water supply at the main stopcock and open the tap to drain water. • Put in the plug and line the sink with a thick cloth or towel to prevent damage and to hold the screws. • Remove the tap cover: it may pull off or be screwed in under the handle or ‘H’ and ‘C’ covers. • Unscrew and carefully lift off the headgear. Never force the tap head as this could crack the basin. • Remove the old washer, making sure that there are no pieces left in the tap. • Fit a new washer that is the same size and make as the old one.

page 54 | Hardware Edition 2017

Overflowing Toilets This normally happens because they are blocked or because the ball is faulty. • Before you start exploring the causes, turn off the cistern’s water supply (there is usually a stopcock on the wall) and drain it by flushing the toilet. • If you suspect that the ball is leaking, unscrew it from the arm and shake it. If there is water inside, replace it. • In an emergency, tie the lever arm (which holds the float) to a piece of wood laid across the cistern until it can be repaired. • If water is trickling from the overflow pipe on the outside wall, the ball valve washer may need replacing or cleaning out. Call in a plumber as this is an intensely fiddly job. Leaking Toilet Leaks from around the outlet joint are usually a sign that the putty in the joint has dried out. • Clean out all the old putty with a screwdriver and wind waterproofing tape a few times around the pan outlet before cutting it off and packing it in and around the soil pipe socket. • Seal with non-setting mastic and bind with more tape. • In the long term, a new connector will have to be fitted.

PLUMBING

Septic tanks & pit toilets

IOSPLASH is a non-toxic, non-hazardous organic treatment for septic tanks and pit toilets. Unlike other chemicals BIOSPLASH is totally organic and is a blend of freeze dried bacteria and enzymes designed to maintain and extend the life of septic tanks and pit toilets. BIOSPLASH IS NOT HARMFUL TO PEOPLE, ANIMALS OR WATER-BODIES.

Septic tanks BIOSPLASH prevents the septic system from blocking up and reduces odours associated with septic sewerage systems. For maintenance of the septic system simply flush one 100g sachet down a toilet once a month. For initial use add two 100g sachets to 4 litres of warm water and pour directly into the first chamber of the septic tank. Biosplash for Pit Toilets Not only does BIOSPLASH prevent the pit toilet from blocking up but also reduces the odours associated with pit latrines. Simply mix a 100g BIOSPLASH sachet with 5 litres of warm water (not boiling) and allow to sit for 10 minutes

ent m n o r Envi ndly Frie

before adding to the pit toilet. For problem pits, stir in the mixture with a stick and discard the stick afterwards. Dose twice a month for problem pits and once a month for other pits.

BioSplash

a non-toxic, non-hazardous organic treatment for Septic Tanks and Pit Toilets BIOSPLASH is formulated from a blend of freeze dried bacteria and enzymes designed to: • rapidly digest and liquify organic waste • reduce flies by attacking larvae • reduce foul odour • reduce pump-out frequency of the Septic Tank • extend the life of French Drains. BIOSPLASH is environmentally friendly and not harmful to people, animals or water-bodies.

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Hardware Edition 2017 | page 55

PLUMBING

Marley drainage systems The leading-edge in drainage, waste and vent systems

iscover the advantage of plastic piping solutions for drainage and sanitary applications with Marley Pipe Systems. Durability, ease and safety of installation, as well environmental soundness and cost-effectiveness are what make Marley’s comprehensive range of uPVC systems the preferred choice and a viable alternative to traditional materials. Rodding Eyes Forming part of the Marley Underground range of uPVC pipes and fittings, Marley Rodding Eye assemblies are designed to be fully tamper proof and provide all the benefits of uPVC, including ease-of-installation, high impact resistance and corrosion resistance as well as excellent flow rates. Available in 90° and 45°.

Non-return Sewer Valve Marley Flood Valve/Non-return Sewer Valve forms part of the REDI range of heavy metal free large bore fittings which are moulded with rubber rings for a secure and reliable seal. Designed for non-pressure applications in underground drainage, featuring lockable stainless steel butterfly flap for ease of maintenance. Size: 110mm & 160mm. Access Heels All the Access Heel junctions and bends that form part of the Marley Waste range of products for use in drainage installations are manufactured with a premium seal for maximum joint integrity. No special tools are required to establish joints and minimal training is required to install.

Vent Valve Marley is proud to be the only company in South Africa to manufacture Vent Valves that carry the SABS mark of quality assurance. Vent valves are ideal for use in soil and waste installations and are provided with stainless steel springs to ensure durable and reliable performance. Size: 110mm. Strap on Boss uPVC solvent weld Strap on Boss designed for easy connection to 110mm soil pipe, designed for domestic waste water installations. It is easy to install and offers benefits of corrosion resistance, durability and excellent flow rates as well as UV stabilisation to prevent weathering and oxidation. Size: 110mm.

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www.marleypipesystems.co.za page 56 | Hardware Edition 2017

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POOL CARE

Pool maintenance

our swimming pool represents a substantial investment. Even the most simple pool is a complex union of equipment that circulates, filters, sanitises and, in many cases, heats, cascades or sprays the pool’s water. A certain amount of maintenance is necessary to keep these systems running smoothly. It’s easy to keep your pool in top operating condition and the water looking sparkling clear and inviting. Most common pool care problems can be avoided if you follow these easy keys to pool care:

Cleaning The walls and floor of your pool needs to be brushed regularly. All swimming pools have certain areas that have little or no circulation. This is where algae and bacteria can begin to grow. At least once a week, the walls and floors should be brushed and vacuumed to remove debris that the filter misses. Some pool owners use an automatic pool cleaner or retain a weekly service – but brushing is a must! Testing Every pool has certain chemical characteristics, which must be regularly measured. The two most important are the pH and the level of active sanitiser. By testing these two factors at regular intervals, you’ll be able to understand how bather load, weather and product application affect the water. Test your pool’s water about once a week. Proper Water Maintenance The final step in a total pool maintenance programme is the proper application of product to your pool water in a timely manner. Your objectives are: • Provide A Sanitary Swimming Environment

Circulation To ensure maximum effectiveness of the sanitiser the water must be circulated. The more your pool’s water is in motion, the harder it is for bacteria and algae to take hold and grow. Another advantage is the more water that is passed through the filter, the more debris is captured. Filtration The filter is one of the most important pieces of equipment of your pool’s system. Its function is to physically remove both visible debris and most microscopic matter. A filter usually should be backwashed, which is the removal of material trapped on or in the filter media, at least once a week for five minutes and rinse for one minute, or when the pressure gauge indicates that the pressure is too high. Because backwashing does not remove oils and deeply imbedded debris, every filter needs to be chemically cleaned twice a year.

page 58 | Hardware Edition 2017

• Chemically balance the water to protect the equipment and the pool. Unbalanced pool water can permanently damage both.

POOL CARE

Pool filter

he pool filter has a big responsibility. It must remove the undissolved debris from the water. The more debris it removes, the more effective the other products are on focusing on bacteria and algae. If the water is poorly filtered, some products are consumed much more quickly. When these products are exhausted, algae and bacteria begin taking over. There are several things to consider to operate your filter at its best. Properly sizing the filter to the pool Filters are sized to a pool in two ways: • Allowing for adequate filter surface area based on the size and volume of the pool. • Matching the filter size to the pump’s capacity. Allow the filter to run long enough Many pool owners find it less expensive to operate the pump and filter 24 hours a day, than to have to deal with the cost and inconvenience of the problems associated with inadequate filtration. A compromise could be struck somewhere between the two: • In summer, operate the system a minimum of 10-12 hours a day. • In the winter, your filter system should run 6-8 hours a day.

Routinely clean the filter Routine cleaning of the filter, to remove loose dirt and debris, should be performed as dictated by the increasing pressure in the filter. An operable pressure gauge is an invaluable tool to indicate when it is time to wash this debris off the filter. Although it is necessary to backwash the filter weekly for at least five minutes. Additionally, twice a year, it will be necessary to chemically remove oils, and other stubborn residues with liquid filter cleaners. Keep the water balanced to prevent scale formation Proper water balance will ensure the water is neither corrosive nor scale forming. The pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and water temperature all have a role in determining the overall water balance. Scale formation is likely to show up in heaters and filters first, then inside plumbing and on pool surfaces. When scale forms in the filter, the filter becomes clogged and is incapable of adequately filtering the water. Though this condition is not likely to happen overnight, any one of these water balance parameters if not maintained in their respective ranges could cause scale to form. Water testing can be done using a home kit or many pool shops offer this service. The optimum pH for your pool is 7.4.

Hardware Edition 2017 | page 59

POWER TOOLS

The dangers of power tools

etailers need to educate their floor staff on the dangers of power tools and where they can encourage consumers to purchase the required safety gear. Appropriate protective equipment such as safety goggles and gloves should be worn to protect the handler against hazards while using power tools. Power tools must be fitted with guards and safety switches. The type of power tools are determined by their power source, electric, pneumatic, liquid fuel, hydraulic and powder actuated. Safety measures • Never carry a tool by the cord or the hose. • Never yank the cord or hose to disconnect it from the receptacle. • Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil and sharp edges. • Disconnect tools when not using them, before servicing and cleaning them, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits and cutters. • Keep all people not involved with the work at a safe distance from the work area. • Secure work with clamps or a vice, freeing both hands to operate the tool. • Avoid accidental starting. Do not hold fingers on the switch button while carrying a plugged-in tool. • Maintain tools with care. Keep them sharp and clean for best performance. • Following instructions in the user’s manual for lubricating and changing accessories. • Be sure to keep a good footing and maintain balance when operating power tools. • Wear proper clothing – loose ties, jewellery can become caught in moving ties. • Do not use electric tools in damp or wet locations, unless they are approved for that purpose. • Ensure that cords from electric tools do not present a tripping hazard. In the construction industry, employees who use electric power tools must be protected by ground-fault circuit interrupters or an assured equipment grounding conductor program.

page 60 | Hardware Edition 2017

General duties of employers towards workers The employer must provide and maintain all the equipment that is necessary to do the work, and all the systems according to which work must be done, in a condition that will not affect the health and safety of workers. To ensure that these duties are complied with, the employer must: • Identify potential hazards which may be present while work is being done, something is being produced, processed, used, stored or transported, and any equipment is being used • Establish the precautionary measures that are necessary to protect his or her workers against the identified hazards and provide the means to implement these precautionary measures • Provide the necessary information, instructions, training and supervision while keeping the extent of workers’ competence in mind. In other words, what they may do and may not do • Not permit anyone to carry on with any task unless the necessary precautionary measures have been taken • Take steps to ensure that every person under his or her control complies with the requirements of the act • Enforce the necessary control measures in the interest of health and safety • See to it that the work being done and the equipment used, is under the general supervision of a worker who has been trained to understand the hazards associated with the work • Such a worker must ensure that the precautionary measures are implemented and maintained.

POWER TOOLS

About CIB Partners

IB Partners is a distributor of industrial and construction brands of power tools, hand tools and accessories. Their vision is to be the preferred distributor of global brands for the industrial retail channel.

The three key fundamentals of the business are: Focused Distribution: to supply only the industrial retail channel. Focused Brands: to work with a limited group on global manufacturers of industrial and construction brands. Strong Partnerships: to develop deep partnerships with our customers and suppliers.

Principle Suppliers CIB Partnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; strategy is to work with a limited group of global manufacturers of industrial and construction brands.

Stanley Black&Decker Stanley Black&Decker is the first global manufacturer to partner with CIB, being appointed as their preferred distribution partner for the industrial retail channel. Stanley Black & Decker is a world-leading provider of tools and storage, commercial electronic security and engineered fastening systems, with unique growth platforms and a track record of sustained profitable growth.

About the Bright Water Investments Group CIB Partners majority shareholder is the Bright Water Investments Group, an industrial business employing more than 300 people. With eight group locations in South Africa, Bright Water Investments offers a wide range of products to its customers within the construction, DIY, manufacturing, mining and public sectors.

Hardware Edition 2017 | page 61

POWER TOOLS

Metal cut-off grinder enhances Bosch’s benchtop power tools Bosch’s extensive range of benchtop power tools for woodworking or metalworking has been enhanced even further with the addition of the robust GCO 2000 Professional metal cut-off grinder.

rofessionals in the metalworking trades now have a tool that delivers fast work progress, even in tough applications, Campbell Mhodi, Bosch Professional Power Tools Senior Brand Manager, explains. Special features include an extremely robust lever and spring construction, and a powerful 2 000 W motor with starting-current limitation, in order to enhance productivity, quality, and efficiency on any project tackled. The Bosch GCO 2000 Professional works quickly and reliably when cutting metal profiles like rectangular or steel pipes. The tool is driven by the tried-and-tested Bosch angle grinder motor, which means it achieves a superior lifetime. The metal cut-off grinder’s quick clamping mechanism with continuously variable miter angle setting up to 45° enables fast work. Moreover, a vertical D-handle for ergonomic handling, together with an integrated carrying handle for easy transport, ensure additional comfort when used in the workshop or on the construction site. The tool has a cutting-disc diameter of 355mm, a cutting-disc bore of 25.4mm, and a no-load speed of 3 500 rpm. Its cutting capacity is 150mm x 70mm (at rectangle 0°), 80mm x 80mm (at square 0°), and 100mm x 100mm (at L-profile 0°). The GCO 2000 Professional is supplied complete with a ring spanner and two cutting discs. Easy disc and tool change is possible thanks to Bosch’s unique spindle lock feature.

The Bosch Group’s strategic objective is to deliver innovations for a connected life. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is ‘Invented for life’. Connect with Bosch Power Tools on Social Media to receive the company’s latest news: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ BoschProfessionalPowerToolsSA/ Twitter: twitter.com/boschpro_sa?lang=en Instagram: www.instagram.com/boschpro_sa/?hl=en

Bosch Power Tools Contact Details: Campbell Mhodi Bosch Professional Power Tools Senior Brand Manager Tel: (011) 651 9600 Email: Campbell.Mhodi @za.bosch.com Web: www.bosch.co.za

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POWER TOOLS Industrial

Metabo revolutionises battery pack technology 67 percent more power opens new application areas

ith its new LiHD battery pack technology, Metabo presents a quantum leap on the way to independence from mains power. The completely newly designed battery packs with high-performance cells deliver up to 67 per-cent more power and thus enable completely new applications – including amongst other innovations, the world’s first 230mm twohanded cordless angle grinder with the power density of a 2,400 Watt mains-powered angle grinder. Metabo was the first manufacturer to set standards in battery pack run times by increasing the battery pack capacity to at first 4.0, and then to 5.2 ampere hours in recent years. The Nürtingen company is now entering new application dimensions with their LiHD battery pack technology. With LiHD, Metabo again, not only increases the run time by up to 87 per-cent, but also opens up a new chapter in the history of the battery pack in terms of performance. The LiHD battery pack technology in combination with new high-performance cells delivers up to 67 percent more electrical power with its capability to handle high currents, and thus opens application areas, which were, up to now, only previously possible with mains-powered options. In parallel to this, many existing battery pack machines will become more compact in the future, as the flat, single-row LiHD battery packs now have similar power to previously large lithiumion battery packs. “The introduction of LiHD is, from a technological point of view, a similarly important milestone as the transition from nickel-cadmium to lithiumion battery packs in 2005”, says the Metabo CEO Horst W Garbrecht during a press talk in May. “Even back then, new application areas for battery-powered powered tools became possible, and the existing battery pack machines could be constructed in a lighter and more compact way. The advantage compared to the technology transition at that time is that our new LiHD battery packs are hundred percent compatible with all current cord-less tools and chargers from Metabo. We hereby give industry and trade professionals the security to invest in a sound interface with Metabo”, explains Garbrecht.

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The large cordless angle grinder is only the beginning In the meantime, Metabo offers more than 50 machines in the 18 Volt class. LiHD brings a significant plus in terms of performance and run time for all these devices. For example, the new battery-powered compact angle grinder with brushless motor, which Metabo will be introducing to the market in June, operates at the same performance level as a 1,000 Watt mains-powered machine. Furthermore, Metabo presents the world’s first 230mm diameter, two handed, battery-powered angle grinder, as the first example for applications which will only become possible in cordless versions thanks to LiHD. With 36 Volt LiHD technology, the machine is as powerful as a 2,400 Watt mains-powered angle grinder and thus suited for applications under harshest conditions which were previously reserved only for powerful mainspowered machines. Numerous further yet previously unimaginable cordless tools, such as cordless SDS-Max hammers, large circular saws, table circular saws or even battery-powered wall chasers with integrated extraction will be feasible in the future thanks to LiHD. At the same time, the new technology makes existing cordless tools so powerful that for the first time, users can work continuously with cordless even in industrial production environments without sacrificing any performance. This is also exemplified by the new brushless 18 Volt cordless angle grinder.

POWER TOOLS

Industrial

“Our new cordless angle grinders are only the start of many new cordless applications now only possible thanks to LiHD. We continue to consequently follow the vision of a cordless construction site and workshop - and have now come an important step closer to this target with LiHD.” The cordless crosscut and mitre saw KGS 18 LTX 216 show how even the current devices profit from LiHD. LiHD lets the user progress faster: The cutting speed in 26.5 x 6.5cm soft wood is with a common 5.2. Ah-Li-Ion battery pack at around 10 millimetres per second; with LiHD battery pack, on the other hand, up to 18 millimetres per second can be achieved.

Ideal use of high-performance cells The LiHD technology is based on new high-performance cells and a battery pack, developed by Metabo, which is ideally adapted to the cells. “Amongst other things, we have given the electromechanical layout of the battery pack a completely new design and reinforced the conductors”, says Volker Siegle, Director of Product Development and Quality at Metabo, during a press talk. “In connection with more active cell material we have significantly increased the power the machine can pull from the battery pack.” This means that the new LiHD battery packs deliver more energy, and the machines can also transfer this extra energy into work progress and run time. The massive power rails, capable of handling high currents, the enlarged contacts and the cell connectors made from a special copper alloy all conduct the power with much fewer losses than is the case with standard Li-Ion systems. Moreover, the new LiHD battery packs heat up much less in demanding continuous use, which

in turn has a very positive influence on the service life of the cells. Together with the fact that the LiHD packs have to be charged much less often due to the 87 percent longer battery run times, they are much more durable than standard battery packs. “A LiHD pack has double the durability compared to a standard Lithium-Ion battery pack”, confirms Siegle.

Three year warranty on all LiHD battery packs Like all Metabo battery pack solutions, the Nürtingen company has developed even the new LiHD battery packs on the basis of the proven Ultra-M technology. This guarantees a perfect interplay of machine, battery pack and charger. Thanks to AIR COOLED charging technology, the new LiHD battery packs are fully recharged within a very short time, and thus have the shortest re-deployment time among all competitor systems. The user can read the current charge state at any time on the capacity display. Just like all previous battery packs, Metabo grants a three-year warranty on the new LiHD battery packs. The new battery packs are available with either LiHD 6.2 Ah or LiHD 5.5 Ah. Additionally, Metabo offers a compact version with LiHD 3.1 Ah uniting maximum power and minimum size. The new LiHD battery packs are available with immediate effect with all relevant machines, as a set and also in the Pick+Mix system, where users can individually compile their required machines, battery packs, chargers and transport solutions, and thus only pay for what they really need. www.metabo.co.za

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LiHD. REVOLUTIONARY BATTERY PACK TECHNOLOGY FOR NEW EXTREME PERFORMANCE.

ROOFING Timber Truss

Prefabricated timber roof trusses

STRONG TIMBER CONNECTION MiTek Industries* is the leading Roof Truss System supplier in South Africa and the world. No need to go anywhere else! We are the world leaders in the industry, with 9 Engineers totalling 170 years’ experience (combined), we are also ISO 9001 accredited and backed with an international P.I.Insurance. We also offer full size prototype truss testing as an alternative truss design method. With a network of over 190 licensed truss manufacturers utilizing MiTek’s state-ofthe-art software we can provide a competitive and economic solution to even the most complex of roofs. With all our products and designs warranted, we offer total peace of mind.

creating the advantage

Inventors of the Nail-Plate System (Gang-Nail) 1956. MiTek Park,754 16th Road, Randjespark, Ext. 34, Halfway House,1685. Midrand (Head Office) Tel: + 27(0) 11 237 8700 Cape Town Tel: 021 905 0244 • Durban Tel: 031 700 6332 • Port Elizabeth Tel: 041 581 7525 email: marketing@mitek.co.za • www.mii.com/southafrica *MiTek

Industries South Africa (Pty)Ltd, a division of the worldwide MiTek Group.

eCo Fastener

MAKING THE RIGHT MAKING THE CONNECTION. RIGHT CONNECTION eCo Fasteners® are timber and steel fastening devices that provide strong and rigid connections to any building structure in which they are applied. The use of the appropriate fastener in the correct manner not only ensures strong connections, but also the structural integrity of the building. 100% compatible with Ulta-Span®, our light guage steel truss system, eCo Fasteners® are uniquely designed, durable, easy to use, load tested and marked for their respective applications. Thereby providing full compliance with CPA requirements. Accompanied by technical specifications and backup support from our dedicated teams of experienced professional engineers, DIY users and building professionals will find these fasteners offer multiple solutions and produce the safest connections of any building system. eCo Fasteners® are setting the benchmark in timber and steel construction. MiTek Park,754 16th Road, Randjespark, Ext. 34, Halfway House,1685. Midrand (Head Office) Tel: + 27(0) 11 237 8700 • Cape Town Tel: 021 905 0244 • Durban Tel: 031 700 6332 • Port Elizabeth Tel: 041 581 7525 email: marketing@mitek.co.za • www.mii.com/southafrica *MiTek

Ultra-Span (LGS) Truss

LIGHT GAUGE STEEL The low mass per m2 (between 2-10kg) of this roofing system ensures both savings on the supporting structure as well as on transportation and erection costs whilst also being vermin proof and non-combustible. Large sections of the roof can simply be pre-assembled on the ground and hoisted into position on the walls – making this one of the most viable systems with a large range of applications up to a clear span of 40m. Supported through a substantial network of licensed truss suppliers, Ultra-Span is equally ideal for all local and export applications where it can be pre-assembled or site assembled. The non-combustible solution. MiTek Park,754 16th Road, Randjespark, Ext. 34, Halfway House,1685. Midrand (Head Office) Tel: + 27(0) 11 237 8700 Cape Town Tel: 021 905 0244 • Durban Tel: 031 700 6332 • Port Elizabeth Tel: 041 581 7525 email: marketing@mitek.co.za • www.mii.com/southafrica *MiTek

Industries South Africa (Pty)Ltd, a division of the worldwide MiTek Group.

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creating the advantage

Industries South Africa (Pty)Ltd, a division of the worldwide MiTek Group.

creating the advantage

ROOFING eCo Purlin eCo Purlin is a steel hat channel purlin for use on both timber and steel trusses. With dimensions of 76mm x 40mm, it is manufactured from galvanized steel. The advantages are numerous, easy splicing, compact stacking and due to itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s light weight nature it is economical to transport and easy to handle on site.

eCo Purlin

eCo Batten

eCo Batten eCo Batten is a steel hat channel batten for use on both timber and steel trusses. With dimensions of 38mm x 19mm, it is manufactured from galvanized steel. The advantages are numerous, easy splicing, easy to handle e.g. a bundle of 10 battens is the same size as one 38x38mm timber batten.

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ROOFING

LEADING ROOF TRUSS SYSTEM SUPPLIER IN SA AND THE WORLD

Prefabricated timber roof trusses

• Light Gauge Steel Trusses • Steel Wall Framing

eCo Fasteners® are timber and steel fastening devices that provide strong and rigid connections to any building structure. A network of more than 190 licensed roof truss manufacturers across South Africa, provides a competitive and economic solution to even the most complex of roofing problems. This MiTek fabricator network, using MiTek’s state-of-the-art software programs, provides high quality, purposeengineered truss units to satisfy the need of an ever increasing complex roof MiTek Park, 754 16th Road, Randjespark, 34 market. The scope ofExt. MiTek’s services includes not only unrivalled expertise in terms of professional structural engineering service but also the extensive Halfway House 1685 Research and Development into all aspects of timber and light gauge Midrand (Head Office): T +27 11roof 237 8700 steel design and construction as well as a full range of manufacturing equipment - that makes MiTek a World Leader.

MITEK INDUSTRIES SOUTH AFRICA

Cape Town: T +27 21 905 0244 Durban: T +27 41 581 7525 World Leaders since 1956. E marketing @mitek.co.za W www.mitek.co.za MiTek Park,754 16th Road, Randjespark, Ext. 34, Halfway House,1685. Midrand (Head Office) Tel: + 27(0) 11 237 8700 Cape Town Tel: 021 905 0244 • Durban Tel: 031 700 6332 • Port Elizabeth Tel: 041 581 7525 email: marketing@mitek.co.za • www.mii.com/southafrica

*MiTek Industries South Africa (Pty) Ltd, a division of the worldwide MiTek Group. *MiTek Industries South Africa (Pty)Ltd, a division of the worldwide MiTek Group.

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creating the advantage

LEADING ROOF TRUSS SYSTEM SUPPLIER IN SA AND THE WORLD

Prefabricated timber roof trusses

• Light Gauge Steel Trusses • Steel Wall Framing

eCo Fasteners® are timber and steel fastening devices that provide strong and rigid connections to any building structure. A network of more than 190 licensed roof truss manufacturers across South Africa, provides a competitive and economic solution to even the most complex of roofing problems. This MiTek fabricator network, using MiTek’s state-of-the-art software programs, provides high quality, purposeengineered truss units to satisfy the need of an ever increasing complex roof market. The scope of MiTek’s services includes not only unrivalled expertise in terms of professional structural engineering service but also the extensive Research and Development into all aspects of timber and light gauge steel roof design and construction as well as a full range of manufacturing equipment - that makes MiTek a World Leader. creating the advantage World Leaders since 1956. MiTek Park,754 16th Road, Randjespark, Ext. 34, Halfway House,1685. Midrand (Head Office) Tel: + 27(0) 11 237 8700 Cape Town Tel: 021 905 0244 • Durban Tel: 031 700 6332 • Port Elizabeth Tel: 041 581 7525 email: marketing@mitek.co.za • www.mii.com/southafrica *MiTek

Industries South Africa (Pty)Ltd, a division of the worldwide MiTek Group.

SEALANTS

What kind of sealant?

ealants are more durable and flexible than many of the older type fillers. There are specific sealants for both interior and exterior work, so choosing the right one is essential for the success of the project. Acylic sealant A flexible filler for indoor or outdoor use, filling fine cracks and draught proofing round frames. Bituminous-rubber sealant A flexible sealant, used for gutters, down pipes and sheet roofing material because it offers high resistance to weathering. Very handy for sealing small leaks in guttering. Epoxy-based metal sealant A two ingredient pack. A chemical reaction takes place when they are mixed and setting times vary with temperature, so mix only what can be used in 5 minutes. This type of sealant is used for repairing fine cracks in metal gutters and down pipes and could be used in wood that is to be painted, in place of an epoxy-based wood filler. There is a choice of flexible finishes. Oil-based sealant A general purpose sealant that is used mainly to fill gaps round doors and windows. It is not as flexible as acrylic or silicone-rubber sealants. Inexpensive types can be shortlived, so choose carefully. Silicone-rubber sealant Even more flexible, but not safe to use on all materials, so check carefully. Some makes contain a fungicide and are used for sealing gaps round baths, basins and shower trays. Another type is used in place of putty when fixing glass into frames.

Sealing a bath

• If the area contains old sealant, remove as much of it as possible with the razor blade and clean the rest with the silicone-rubber solvent. • If the gap between the bath and the wall exceeds 6mm pack in a strip of expanded polystyrene and press it below the surface. • Make sure all surfaces are clean and dry. Use an old paintbrush to clear away dust and a hair dryer to hot-air gun to get rid of moisture if necessary. • Do not fill an acrylic bath with water until you have finished using an electric appliance, in case you drop it. • Run two parallel strips of masking tape, one along the wall and the other along the rim of the bath, on each side of the area to be sealed. • Fill the space between the strips with sealant, then peel them off while the sealant is still wet. Smooth the surface with a wet finger. • Sealants vary, so follow the marker’s directions closely. Fill gaps between a basin and the wall in the same way. • If the flexing of the bath, when it is used, is enough to be visible to the eye, cover the sealant with a flexible plastic bath strip, available in most DIY stores.

Filling gaps round window and door frames You will need, small trowel, old paintbrush, and appropriate sealant. Possibly: hot-air gun, lint-free cloth.

Filling a gap between the bath and the wall or tiles is a straightforward job. Acrylic baths, however, can present a problem because they flex as they are used. Before repairing an acrylic bath, fill the bath in order to weigh it down and open the gap to its maximum or alternative work within the bath.

External Frames

You will need silicone-rubber sealant plus, possibly razor blade, silicone-rubber solvent, old paintbrush, hair dryer or hot-air gun, masking tape, flexible plastic bath strip.

Rake out any loose material with a trowel and brush the gap with an old paintbrush. Fill the gap with acrylic sealant and smooth off with a wet finger.

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Dig out all loose material from cracks and dry with a hot-air gun. Fill the gaps with an exterior grade acrylic or siliconerubber based sealant, and smooth with a wet finger or a damp, lint-free cloth. Internal Frames

SEALANTS

Difference between adhesives and sealants

en Braven Sealants is a supplier of quality sealants and adhesives for use by the professional and home handyman alike. Den Braven distribute their products throughout southern Sahara, for use in a range of industries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from construction, plumbing, glazing and automotive, to the varied needs of the hardware retailer for the building and home handyman markets. It is important to know the difference between adhesives and sealants, to enable one to select the most suitable product for the job on hand. The main difference between adhesives and sealants is that sealants typically have lower strength and higher elongation than do adhesives. The main objective of a sealant is to seal assemblies and joints or gaps. Sealants need to have sufficient adhesion to the substrates and resistance to environmental conditions to remain bonded over the required life of the assembly. When sealants are used between substrates or surfaces having different thermal coefficients of expansion or differing elongation under stress, they need to have adequate flexibility and elongation (movement capability). Sealants generally contain inert filler material and are usually formulated with an elastomeric to give the required flexibility and elongation. Sealants usually have a paste consistency to allow filling of gaps between substrates. These sealant pastes normally cure (RTV-room temperature vulcanization) to form a durable and tough rubbery seal. Low shrinkage after application is often required. Durability, good weather resistance as well as UV and ozone resistance is also required in most cases. The adhesiveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main purpose is to bind one surface to another, not to seal the space in between the objects. Den Braven, with over thirty five years in the business and with sales teams based in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, are a phone call away to advise on their range and on any technical requirements or queries you may have.

Contact Den Braven Sealants Tel: 011 792 3830, email: sales@denbraven.co.za or visit their website at: www.denbraven.co.za Hardware Edition 2017 | page 73

SHELVING

Universal Storage Systems (SA) (Pty) Ltd One of the leading storage solution companies within South Africa

rom its head offices at 6 Kruger road, Strydom Park, Johannesburg, Universal Storage Systems offer steel racking, shelving and mezzanine storage solutions to the national and international markets. With branches in Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Nelspruit its dedicated agents and distributors take pride in the fact that across Southern Africa it has been of service to major brand leaders in the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s industry and commerce. Universal Storage Systems understand that Africa will continue to grow and eventually fully emerge as the next economic frontier. It is with this belief in Africa that has spurred Universal into ever expanding into other parts of Africa. Universal recognises the need for the supply of quality and cost-effective storage solutions both for existing clients and prospective clients. Whether your business is based in Africa or you are wishing to expand into Africa, Universal Storage Systems is there for you, wherever you do business. With the growing need to optimise space, Universal Storage Systems constantly push the boundaries of technology to set the benchmark in storage solutions. Its services include an integrated approach, which includes concept design and feasibility studies, product development

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and engineering at it manufacturing facility, validation testing through Storage Equipment Manufacturing Association-certified project managers, quality assured automated production through its ISO 9001 certification, project management and installation and after-sales service. Already encompassing every stage of storage solutions from design to project management and installation Universal Storage is also moving the margins when it comes to manufacturing and evolving racking and shelving material. From its beginnings in the 1980s, the company has undergone major changes; in 1994 with a new vision, new logo and new name, Universal Storage Systems embarked on an internationalisation programme which has been rewarded with successful and rapid growth. In 2013 it entered into a partnership with Investec Bank combining Universalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s management expertise with Investecâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial know-how. This strategic approach called for a new look and Universal Storage Systems (SA) (Pty) Ltd was born. Universal Storage Systems has their own manufacturing factory which is based in Johannesburg that includes its main equipment such as roll mills, presses, press breaks, welding equipment, a pretreatment facility and a powder coating facility.

WAREHOUSING & Logistics

9 Things to consider before starting a retrofit project

Commerce, omnichannel, speed, changing order profiles and new customer requirements â&#x2C6;&#x2019; your business has changed. The distribution centre you designed several years ago may not be the one you need today. Over time even small changes in your operations can erode efficiency. It may be time for a retrofit to take advantage of newer technologies, process changes and systems advancements that will optimise your operation for the needs of the business today and prepare your company for future growth.

Here are 9 things to consider before beginning a retrofit project:

Map your processes to determine whether upstream and downstream equipment and processes are sized to handle the impact of the new equipment. In an automated environment when you change any piece of equipment there are conveyors leading to and from the equipment

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that will be impacted. The speed of the conveyor has to be matched to the equipment in place. Existing processes may require additional work stations or additional labour. Can these be accommodated in the new design? All of these can be limiting factors when considering new equipment.

Consider the maintenance and rehab costs of re-using older equipment. There has been a lot of merger and acquisition activity among material handling equipment suppliers over the last few years. Is the equipment still supported by the original manufacturer or the company that acquired them? What is the cost of that support? Can you still get spare parts when you need them? Equipment warranties can also be voided by changes made during a retrofit. Make sure you fully understand the warranty and support of any equipment impacted by the retrofit.

Dedicate time and resources to change management as part of the solution to mitigate resistance to the new processes. Process changes can be more difficult than equipment changes. New processes standards must be taught and measured. Educating and training associates on the new processes is necessary no matter what but change management helps to lower resistance and ensure

WAREHOUSING

& Logistics

a smooth transition. Retrofits often require new operating methods used and procedures. The adoption of new methods requires getting staff involved early in the process and asking for their buy-in. Prototyping is a great way for the associates to “try-out” the new design in order to gain their buy-in. You need associates to take ownership for the change from the lowest levels of the organization all the way up through leadership. It’s best to roll-out changes slowly through a series of meetings and training sessions to ensure that everyone is on board and ready for the change.

Prepare for software systems changes and the need for upgrades especially in the controls software. The systems piece can become the biggest area of cost and complexity. In facilities with a well-defined systems architecture and understanding of the functionality that falls to each system (ERP, WMS and controls software), it’s easier to add equipment and make updates to systems. This is often the case with newer buildings but over time and for any number of reasons operations change and move away from the planned architecture. You end up with multiple systems in a single warehouse with overlapping

capabilities and no clear architecture. There’s always some level of risk around equipment controls and the handoff from one system to the next. Ask yourself: Is the I/O scheme (wiring of the equipment) to be connected together similar? Can they talk to each other? The way to mitigate the risk is by implementing a warehouse control software solution to make the equipment work together.

Plan for extensive testing at production volumes because that’s where you find the issues. The testing plan is critical to success. You want to set your testing time for a time when the operation is not running production but be sure to use production-like volume to properly stress test the system. Simulation software can help with testing capabilities before you start moving equipment. A simulation will help you understand the overall flow and look at downstream impacts before you do a full volume production test. WMS testing is another critical area. Suppliers often do functional, technical and stress tests on their individual pieces of the solution, but a fully integrated operational readiness test (ORT) is necessary to ensure various components of the solution work together and that you are ready for full production.

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WAREHOUSING & Logistics

Augment your existing resources. Project management is often a full-time job on complex retrofits; but even on smaller retrofit projects it can require significant time and energy. But companies rarely dedicate full-time resources to this critical role, and instead they add the responsibility for the project to a leader who already has a full-time job to do daily. Where possible consider off-loading some daily responsibilities from your project manager to other resources for the duration of the project so that they are able to give their full focus where it is most needed. When going from manual or low-level automation to more complex automated environments be sure that a maintenance team is in place to support it. New software may also require additional technical resources or skill enhancements to support.

Budget for contingency where there are known areas of risk. What will you do if it doesn’t work the first time you turn the solution on? The timing and sequencing of changes to the building, equipment, people, processes and systems must be clearly understood and agreed upon by all parties. You may want to seek outside help to gain a better understanding of some of the risk areas (controls, certain equipment types, etc.) and the long-term implications of the decisions you’ll be required to make. Alignment of all stakeholders both within your organization and those with whom you contract for work on the project is one of the most challenging aspects of any retrofit project.

Thoroughly document site conditions before you begin the design work with both structural design plans from the architect (where available) and extensive field measurements. Make sure that the slab and any existing mezzanines or platforms can compressor pneumatics are sufficient to sustain the additional load requirements and ceiling joists can support the additional weight of hanging conveyor and other equipment attached to them. Take the time to measure accurately in multiple locations. Don’t measure the distance between two columns of a platform and assume that the rest are placed uniformly throughout. If they’re not, your design can be way off or require significant re-work.

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Choose a partner who will take responsibility for the entire solution, rather than just their piece of it. If you have multiple equipment suppliers it can be hard to find one who will step up and take responsibility for the solution when the problem lies outside their own equipment and you want a partner who will be there to support you and your team after the solution is up and running. A partner who demonstrates they are in it for the long-term is one who has significantly invested in their controls software, provides a clear technology roadmap for development and provides 24/7/365 support for the entire solution.

Summary Retrofits are more complex than ever because technology is advancing rapidly. Solutions are more complex and the stakes are high when making changes in a facility that’s operating at or near capacity already. But a retrofit doesn’t have to set you back if you carefully plan and manage it well. Doing so can buy you several years in your existing facility and save you significant capital investment while addressing the changing business requirements of the operation.

WAREHOUSING

& Logistics

Holistic approach to logistics – are we there yet?

ost companies today recognise that managing logistics is a vital element of implementing business strategies and plans – with logistical planning now needing a holistic approach if future growth opportunities are to be fully grasped. But only a third of South African companies are positive that they are ready for these opportunities. According to SAPICS president Mungo Park, last year’s Barloworld Logistics’ supplychainforesight report revealed that 65% of the respondents to the survey were only ‘partially prepared’ or were in fact unprepared. “This suggests that our supply chain professionals still have a great deal of work ahead of them,” said Park. “However, we have plenty of skilled practitioners sharing their knowledge and valuable case studies to learn from – these were showcased at the latest SAPICS conference and exhibition.” The annual SAPICS event – a ‘must-attend’ on every supply chain professional’s calendar – was held in Cape Town from 4-7 June; and logistics was once again high on the agenda with a number of speakers, workshops and site visits focused on this field. Among the presentations was the updated, 2017 report of supplychainforesight, which was given by Barloworld Logistics’ managing executive: business development and marketing, Kate Stubbs. This vital report tracks the emerging, unexpected and dramatic trends in South Africa’s fast-changing business environment. It also highlights the uncertainty pervading today’s environment, raising the urgency of developing the skills to implement, manage and successfully bring to fruition the necessary changes identified in the opportunities ahead. Imperial Logistics’ chief business development and strategy officer, Cobus Rossouw, facilitated a panel discussion on how to achieve a competitive advantage in the supply chain environment. Customs administration fell under the spotlight in a presentation by DSV South Africa’s customs manager, Graeme Lennie – who is often surprised that few people in the logistics profession really know enough about this field. He questioned whether supply chain professionals are ready for the new customs legislation that will be

implemented in 2017, and revealed ‘customs selfcompliance’ in an interactive session. Lennie also hosted a three-hour workshop on day two of the conference, which was open to delegates at no extra cost. Logistics specialists appreciated the interesting site visits, like the one to Woolworths’ impressive consolidated Foods Supply Chain Distribution Centre in Montague Gardens, Cape Town. A visit to Durbanville Hills wine estate also gave insight into their Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) concept, including harvesting and transportation of grapes, while a trip to SAB’s Newlands Brewery came with an overview of its supply chain operations. An informative exhibition of the latest supply chain products and services took place alongside the conference. Short workshops on the first and second days of the conference provided valuable capacity-building opportunities to delegates. There was also longer, indepth workshops on day three, included in the conference registration fee.

About SAPICS – your supply chain community SAPICS is a professional knowledge-based association that enables individuals and organisations to improve business performance. SAPICS builds supply chain management excellence in individuals and enterprises through superior education and training, internationally recognised certifications, comprehensive resources, and regular face-to-face networking opportunities for a countrywide community of accomplished industry professionals. This community is ever expanding and now includes associates in other African countries. SAPICS is also the proud exclusive Premier Channel Partner for Sub Saharan Africa for APICS and a representative of multiple international organisations, including the Demand Driven Institute (DDI) and the Institute of Business Forecasting & Planning (IBF). Website: www.sapics.org.za

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WAREHOUSING & Logistics

Warehousing – looking to the future

Automated small parts warehouse

s the consumer society grows, it has developed an insatiable appetite for a greater range of products, reduced lead times and better customer service – creating a host of challenges for the warehousing industry. To meet these challenges organisations need to build increasingly sophisticated facilities – with improved processes, more (better managed) inventory, better visibility, better planning, and better infrastructure. The rise of the internet of things, smart systems, and smart machines is entering a new phase as these technologies advance. Presently fancy automated “future” warehouse concepts are built around the predictions of

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a few passionate, protagonists – but soon a whole new world of smart systems is going to start permeating our processes. So what will the warehouse of tomorrow look like? Will it be completely different to the warehouse of today? Will we run facilities that are highly automate – with a few propeller heads sitting in remote terminals running these facilities? Perhaps there will only be space for maintenance personnel – with robots replacing all the workers. Will our new warehouse be a mass of conveyors with hundreds of robots doing the fetching?

WAREHOUSING

& Logistics

Do we look to the “1st world” countries to see how ecommerce has changed the way we see warehouse development – with new multi-channel systems that react

•

faster to much smaller orders? Or will everything stay the same – and all we will see is bigger, improved centralised operations? While we can dream about fully automated facilities – where humans only feed the system to keep it alive, in reality the warehouse of the future is likely to have some of the following features:

•

We will see a substantial realignment of industries. For example, as we grow e-commerce and a host of new businesses, the Supply Chain industry is in a continued state of flux. And change means new opportunities – to service new markets – with new equipment and improved infrastructures.

•

There will be demand for new jobs, skilled people, more equipment, better systems, increased automation, better vehicles and all sorts of improved planning techniques.

We will see significantly improved IT networks. Better and faster and more accurate interfaces with

Cont/d.

workers to drive them to be more accurate and more efficient.

•

We will have better communications with our customers and suppliers.

•

We will see some growth in automation of repetitive tasks – but with SKU and changing customer profiles – it is going to become more and more difficult to automate tasks such as picking.

•

Transport (the largest component of the supply chain will remain the prime cost in the supply chain) and will remain highly manual - and warehouses will interface accordingly.

•

We will seeing more & more centralisation (consolidation) and improved facilities.

•

Third parties will become more customer focused and will increase market share.

Baxter - the general purpose robot

Hardware Edition 2017 | page 81

WAREHOUSING & Logistics

•

We will have better processes – with less constraints – and much more visible reactive systems.

•

We will have more & better standby power (solar, wind, etc) – and as ESKOM “dies” - we will create our own safe environment (water, power, sewerage, etc).

•

Our facilities will become more environmentally friendly.

•

System will become self-learning – and perhaps the biggest change will be machinery and systems with a large degree of artificial intelligence.

LET’S

TALK

While, I do not see massive moves in the short term to automated systems, clearly a major challenge facing the warehousing industry is the cost and related inefficiency and stability of the labour force in South Africa. As labour becomes more difficult to manage and theft becomes a bigger and bigger constraint, companies will focus more on automation. As automation becomes more cost effective (especially in warehousing – where automation is relatively simple to implement) we are going to see is a far leaner and more efficient supply chains in the future supplemented by increased automation and facilities that are far more labour efficient and more customer friendly.

EXPERTISE FOR EVERY SECTOR The expertise of SSI SCHAEFER: specialist know-how and many years of experience in producing customised solutions.

SIX REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE SSI SCHAEFER: • Security: As a financially independent family business we are committed to long-term solutions – you can trust that we will be there for you tomorrow and in the years to come.

• Reliability: Thanks to our world-wide Customer Service & Support network we are able to ensure flawless operation of your system sustainability.

• Efficiency: Our solutions are scalable and grow with your needs. Investing in a solution by SSI SCHAEFER is investing in the future.

• Know-how: Our solutions are always up to date with the latest technological standard and can be smoothly integrated into the existing (IT) landscape.

• Quality: As a specialist of automation systems, we provide single source solutions of our own production. This guarantees that you will receive perfectly matched high-quality solutions. WAREHOUSE TECHNOLOGY & CONTAINER SYSTEMS

INTEGRATED AUTOMATED SYSTEMS

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LOGISTICS SOFTWARE

• Internationality: As a globally acting company we are locally available to our customers all over the world and speak their language. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RECYCLING

T: +27 11 707 2600 e: info.za@ssi-schaefer.com

ssi-schaefer.com

SHAPING SUPPLY CHAIN & LOGISTICS IN SOUTH AFRICA SINCE 1987

Operations Training Operational Systems Project Management Supply Chain Strategies Best Practice Standards Facility Design and Development Warehouse Management Systems Materials Handling Systems Design People and Productivity Optimisation Centre of Market and Location Analysis

www.ils.co.za

Tel: +27 21 816 2000 +27 11 656 1100

WAREHOUSING & Logistics

Dawn Logistics

awn Logistics is a division of Wholesale Housing Supplies Pty Ltd, which is a member of the Dawn Ltd Group.

Superior distribution services Dawn Logistics specialise in just-in-time break-bulk distribution across southern Africa. Their fleet of 260 vehicles and trailers travels more than 10.5 million kilometres each year, delivering in excess of 2.4 million orders, on schedule, to valued customers in South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland and Botswana. The entire fleet boasts satellite tracking that is remotely managed for delivery routes from a central control hub in Gauteng, and monitored in real-time at branch level. This not only ensures that drivers, vehicles and loads are protected, but also enables constant monitoring of the vehicles in transit, enhancing reliability and boosting service levels.

Driving operational excellence Their goal is to provide consistent, reliable service to our customers that ensures every delivery reaches its destination safely, securely, and on time. Customer service is a cornerstone of Dawn Logistics success, and they strive to consistently meet above a 98% service level.

Bringing quality to life Getting goods from A to B on time.

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Dawn Logisticsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; quality standards are further maintained through industry certifications. These include accreditations for the Road Transport Management System (our depots are all RTMS accredited); South African Safety Quality Assessment System; Hazchem, to move hazardous goods; and ISO39001 Road Traffic Safety Management certification.

Central, secure warehousing Dawn Logistics have 65 000 square meters of prime warehouse space collectively between their secure sites in Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, Western Cape and the Eastern Cape. They offer a comprehensive range of warehousing services, from receiving, picking, packing, despatch, stock control and stock takes; to container de-stuffing and cross docking. Customer service levels are governed by a strict service level agreement, which is measured daily. Dawn Logistics offers their clients the most cost effective route to market, in the building retail segment. With consolidated trucks, the average cost per load is reduced and the frequency of deliveries is increase. Contact them today to see how they can assist you. Tel: +27 11 323 0000 or visit their website: www.dawnlogistics.co.za

WHS

As Â a Â Master Â Distributer Â in Â the Â building Â retail Â sector, Â we Â have Â extensive Â experience Â in Â handling Â complex Â items, Â and Â distribute Â approximately Â 50 Â 000 Â product Â lines Â sourced Â through Â more Â than Â 2 Â 700 Â suppliers Â to Â in Â excess Â of Â 10 Â 000 Â customers Â in Â this Â sector Â annually. Â

WAREHOUSING Â & Â LOGISTICS complicated Â and Â diverse Â orders, Â from Â fragile Â items Â to Â large, Â bulky Â cargo, Â in Â break Â bulk Â supply Â from Â manufacturers Â direct Â to Â retail Â stores.

DISTRIBUTION Â & Â BRAND Â MANAGEMENT WHS Â has Â three Â divisions;Í¾ Â Saffer Â specialising Â in Â the Â distribution Â of Â plumbing Â products;Í¾ Â WHD Â a Â division Â distributing Â hardware Â lines Â and Â Stability Â Wholesales Â of Â an Â array Â of Â products Â from Â plumbing Â goods Â to Â power Â tools. Â We Â are Â able Â to Â meet Â our Â brand Â and Â manufacturers Â requirements Â in Â this Â channel Â for Â distribution Â of Â their Â goods. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Contact Â us Â today Â to Â see Â how Â we Â can Â assist Â you! 011 323 0000

WAREHOUSING & Logistics

Transforming the pharmaceutical supply chain in Malawi

or the millions of people living with HIV/ AIDS in developing countries, costeffective, reliable, secure and sustainable supply chains can save their lives. To help improve the healthcare supply chain in Malawi, the United Kingdom and United States governments, through the Department for International Development (DFID) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Presidential Malaria Initiative (PMI), are working together with Ministry of Health to address the challenge of a lack of appropriate medical supplies storage capacity in Malawi’s health facilities. The Supply Chain Management System (SCMS) awarded Resolve Capacity (a division of Imperial group company Resolve Solution Partners) the contract to install 115 prefabricated storage units across the country using its unique Storage-in-a-Box solution. Work commenced in June 2016, installing eight units a week, and the project was completed in October 2016. These prefabricated 70m² modular storage units are pharmaceutical-compliant, validated, fully outfitted and can be deployed immediately. Delivered in 40ft containers, Storage-in-a-Box brings supply chain solutions to both remote and urban settings with ease, allowing supply networks to develop where they are needed, not just where they have traditionally been able to be deployed.

SCMS is managed by the Partnership for Supply Chain Management (PFSCM), established in 2005, and is administered by USAID. It provides a reliable, costeffective and secure supply of products for HIV/AIDS programs in PEPFAR-supported countries. Before SCMS, shortages and stock-outs of commodities caused dangerous breaks in treatment for patients. Emergency orders wasted money on rush fees and high freight costs. Lack of inventory control wasted valuable commodities due to expiry, improper storage and theft. Poor coordination led to redundancies and gaps in service. “This project is one of a number of similar projects Resolve Capacity has conducted in Africa,” says Arno Haigh, Managing Executive for Resolve Capacity. “Our Clinic-ina-Box™ and Warehouse-in-a-Box™ products have been instrumental in transforming healthcare solutions in a number of African countries. Since completing this project, we have been awarded the second phase of the project, which involves installing another 95 of these storage units in the country. We look forward to completing this project in Malawi and playing a key role in streamlining the country’s pharmaceutical supply chain, which will in turn have a positive impact on healthcare in the country.”

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WATERPROOFING

Waterproofing has entered a new era in South Africa By Gordon Anderson, Waterproofing Consultant at a.b.e. Construction Chemicals

Parking deck waterproofing with a Polyurea system

or the past 30 years, the South African and European waterproofing markets have been dominated by factory-produced “Torch-on” membranes, containing various modifiers. The usage of Torch-on membranes currently represents over 70% of the local waterproofing market. However, in Europe torch-on systems are declining and now also in the USA substantially losing ground to T.P.O. (thermoplastic polyolefin) membranes which now claims around 40% market share, followed by E.P.D.M. (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) membranes. Torch-on membranes, in fact, represent only about 20% of the USA market. The South African specification market also seems to be changing with an increase in the use of additives to the concrete mixes and liquid waterproofing coatings. Some of these systems, which have been around long enough to have verifiable performance track records, are fast replacing the traditional Torch-on application. The use of additives in a concrete mix to render the mix waterproof and watertight has proven successful in both

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below ground and water containment environments. There are two principal areas of technology and products in this field: crystalline-based such as Chryso SA’s CWA 10 crystalline waterproofing admixtures, or the a.b.e. Construction Chemicals Pore Blocking system, Fuge B, a hydrophobic additive applied during the concrete mix stage to block pores in the concrete to prevent water passage. There are benefits to be had from the correct application and in the appropriate situation with both these products - but it is important to fully understand the effects of the two systems before specifying or using these products. Crystalline-treated concrete will react when a crack occurs and is exposed to water by forming crystals in the crack and so, over a period of time, it will render the crack leak-free – as long as the crack is static. A dynamic crack would require further treatment. Pore blocking, as stated, restricts water ingress to the cured concrete among other advantages. Then there are also Polyurethane, Polyurea and hybrid products making their presence felt in both the international and local markets. So what is the difference

WATERPROOFING between polyurethane and Polyurea? A waterproofing industry expert once aptly described Polyurea as ‘’a polyurethane on steroids to provide an all-round superior performance’’. There are ongoing industry developments where hybrid products are being formulated for possible use in the waterproofing industry but, for now, let us focus on Polyurea and polyurethane.

Modern waterproofing systems today offer both the traditional torch-on membrane coatings as well as the relatively new high-tech Polyurea roof and deck protection. A well specified, properly applied Polyurea system invariably produces a first-class result but sometimes a Polyurea specification falls into the waterproofing section of the Bill of Quantities. The problem now is that not many traditional, long-established waterproofers own the necessary plant and equipment - or indeed the technical and mechanical skills - to achieve the desired end-result when applying a relatively complex Polyurea system. For this, application is made under high pressure with the heated components being brought together at the nozzle of the spray gun and sprayed to a defined thickness. Curing time can vary from seconds to 12 minutes. Polyurea is generally UV-resistant, has very good elongation characteristics and, in buried situations, is root resistant. Not all Polyureas are the same, however, and in this regard a.b.e. is fortunate to have Polyurea systems developed by the globally-respected German producer, VIP, at its disposal for local distribution.

Power Park building work in progress

Polyurethane and hybrid waterproofing systems can usually be applied by brush, roller or low-pressure spray and are easier to apply and have more forgiving requirements when it comes to substrate strength and surface profiles but the end-result is never equivalent to a Polyurea system. That, briefly, sums up the waterproofing options available in South Africa today. But waterproofing is a rapidly changing and complex environment so, to avoid confusion and disastrous results, it is always wise to consult the experts before specifying or starting any project. Both a.b.e. Construction Chemicals - which has been involved in waterproofing for over 80 years - and its holding company, Chryso SA, have the technological experience and expertise to help in this regard. Issued for a.b.e. Construction Chemicals, Boksburg Further info: Elrene Smuts, tel 011 306 9000 www.abe.co.za

Hardware Edition 2017 | page 89

WHOLESALERS

L&G Tools – the supplier of choice Focusing on tools, machinery, garden equipment, DIY and home accessories.

&G Tools is a well-established South African business. Our South African office and warehouse is based in Westmead, KwaZulu Natal. We currently own and operate from an 11,000m2 state of the art warehouse, enabling us to cope with the growing demands of our customers. Our core competencies include importing, warehousing, distribution, bulksourcing for our customers, category solutions and private label initiatives. We are proud distributors of thirteen brands, the majority of which are imported through our Eastern based operations.

Take your business to the next level NETWORKING – Proudly South African with only the best international links which adhere to our high level of quality and national compliance. MARKET LEADERS – Unique offerings that have maintained their market dominance that few other companies in South Africa have managed to achieve.

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INDUSTRY EXPERTS – One of the largest independent importers since 1977, which means efficiency and unparalleled expertise. RELIABILITY – Seamless order to delivery systems makes replenishment efficient and on time. SUPPORT – Competitive pricing that puts the needs of the customer first and ensures efficient after sales support. CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP – Ease of business whether you are a first time partner or you have been our customer for years.

CONTACT US: 6 Kyalami Rd, Pinetown, 3610, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa PO Box 15313, Westmead, Pinetown, 3610, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa Telephone: +27 31 717 6800 Fax: +27 31 717 6868 www.lgtools.co.za

L&G Tools is the supplier of choice in key retail markets focusing on the Tool, Machinery, Garden and DIY offerings.

THE TM BATHROOM SHOP

TRADEpower POWERING PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1898

Vantage

DISE VIEW OUR MERCHAN WEBSITE CATALOGUE ON OUR www.lgtools.co.za

industrial powertools

BATHROOM SHOP

bathroom accessories

CABINET SHOP

hardware and ironmongery

FRAGRAM

hand-tools, powertools, power-garden products

PUMA

industrial air hand-tools and equipment

TRADEAIR

compressors and air tool accessories

TRADEPOWER

generators and invertors

TRADEQUIP

garage and automotive equipment

TRADEWELD

welders and welding accessories

YATO

industrial handtools

VANTAGE

DIY powertools

WILDBERRY

steel and wooden bathroom accessories and shelving

XTREME LIVING

ropes, twines and automotive accessories

E • SERVIC E NC E E L

Please visit our website www.lgtools.co.za to download our latest catalogues.

WHY USE L&G TOOLS?

ENCE • SE ELL R XC

RVICE EXC EL SE •

AEG

EXCELLEN CE CE VI

Proudly South African

Seamless order to delivery

With only the best international links which adhere to our high level of quality.

With hassle-free Rapid Trade online orders system.

Unique offerings

That puts the needs of the customer first and doesn’t skimp on aftersales support.

That few other companies in South Africa have managed to maintain for as long as we have.

One of the largest Independent importers in SA, which means reliability and unparalleled expertise.

Competitive pricing

Ease of business That keeps the process simple and efficient, whether you are a first time partner or you have been our customer for years.

Tel: +27(0) 31 717 6800 | Fax: +27(0) 31 717 6868 | E-mail: sales@lgtools.co.za | www.lgtools.co.za 6 Kayalami Rd, Pinetown, 3610, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. • P.O. Box 15313, Westmead, Pinetown, 3610, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Like us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/LGToolSA

Industry Leaders

Hardware Edition 2017 | page 91 Established 1977

HARDWARE DISTRIBUTION BASED ON TRADITIONAL VALUES HARDWARE, CONSUMABLES, CHEMICALS, TOOLS & SAFETY hardware•consumables•tools•safety•chemicals

FEATURE ON PLUS TEN WHOLESALE Our History: Plus Ten Hardware was established in 1989, at a time when the hardware industry was virtually controlled by wholesale hardware merchants. Most of the local manufacturers distributed their products exclusively through this monopoly. This prompted Wholesalers to establish their own forum, called the Wholesale Hardware Association and through this body, shaped pricing structures in the hardware retail trade. The 80/20 Rule: Plus Ten was established with the direct purpose of challenging the wholesaler alliance. Our 80/20 rule was founded on a principle that helps hardware stores, where it matters. Our product range offer included the 20 % of stock items that make 80 % of the Hardware stores total turnover, at discounted prices.

As a result of this audacious strategy, Plus Ten was boycotted by many manufacturers and struggled to fill stock ranges for a certain period. However, as time progressed and the market matured , most of the traditional wholesalers were forced to shut down. As a result of this shift , Cash & Carry stores were established and mass multinational corporations were entrenched. Plus Ten, survived the transition and grew stronger. Over the past twenty eight years, Plus Ten has evolved with the times and has been able to successfully adjust to market changes. Service and pricing has always remained at the forefront of Plus Ten’s operations. We now service our 3200 customers from a well stocked 6500 square metre warehouse. We are conveniently situated in Reuven, Booysens, a suburb South of Johannesburg, that has easy access to all the major highways.

Work with a wholesaler who: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Services over 3200 retail customers nationally. Has a stock range of over 3800 line items. Focuses strongly on consumable items. Believes in staff training and customer relations. Is strong on service and stock availability. Employs sales reps countrywide. Provides a quick and efficient delivery service nationally. Has online ordering ability with Rapid Trade. That creates private label ranges that fulfil quality and price point needs. Has Competitive pricing. Will break bulk packs, so you only buy what you need. Can offer one of the quickest delivery services in the industry. Drives their business through strong values.

We believe in making a positive impact on people’s lives while still making a living. We pride ourselves in giving you excellent service, price and logistics. In addition to being stockists of leading national brands, Plus Ten contracts from local manufacturers, and imports products, to form relevant ranges under our Private Label Brands. This approach ensures a quality range of fast-sellers, at the best price, ready for distribution to you.

STOCKIST OF EXCLUSIVE BRANDS: • POWR • GRAVITATE • ONE &ONLY • TRIPLE RED • FORMULA PINK • IRONMAN • RIGGER

STOCK CATEGORIES: ADHESIVES, ABRASIVES, BATTERIES, BRUSHWARE, CLEANING CHEMICALS AND RAGS, COATINGS, CHAIN, CURTAIN RAILS, DRILL BITS, ELECTRICAL, FASTENERS, FIBREGLASS, FILLERS, GARDEN TOOLS & ACCESSORIES, HANDLES & DOWELS, HOSE IRONMONGERY, LADDERS, LOCKS, MARKING, PVC SHEETING, ROPE & STRING, SAFETY CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT, SOLDER, TAPES, TOOLS HAND & POWER, WASHLINE, WATERPROOFING, WHEELBARROWS, WELDING, WIRE, TOILET & HAND ROLLS.

NATIONAL HARDWARE MADE SIMPLE: Contact Us: To find out how Plus Ten can help your store to increase profits, increase stock efficiency, reduce stock holding, reduce sold-out’s – visit us on www.plusten.co.za or give us a call on (011) 434-1454

hardware•consumables•tools•safety•chemicals

PEOPLE BUY FROM PEOPLE THEY TRUST We believe we can make a positive impact on people’s lives while still making a living.

www.plusten.co.za

If you want to do business with a trustworthy wholesaler that delivers nationally, takes pride in excellent service, pricing and logistics, we would love to hear from you. In addition to being stockists of leading national brands, Plus Ten contracts from local manufacturers, and imports products, to form relevant ranges under our Private Label Brands. This approach ensures a quality range of fast-sellers, at the best price, ready for distribution to you.

National Hardware Distribution Made Simple. Stockist of Exclusive Brands To see how Plus Ten can help your store, increase profits, increase stock efficiency, reduce stock holding, reduce sold-outs - give us a call! 011-434 1454 Stockist of Other Leading National Brands:

Stanley, Rawlbolt, Barron, Pratley, Henkel, Black & Decker, Lasher, Tesco, Drikon, Soudal, Bostik, Polyfilla, Alcolin, Hamilton, Smarter, Airtech, Luxor, WD40, Q Products, Reelco, Duracell, Hellerman, Rotary, Javelin, Q2O, Superflex, Wayne, Academy, DOT, Nitto, Promax and others.

Business savvy

Customers in 2020

HY NOW? The year 2020. In saying it, we tend to picture a time much further in the future. In reality, however, three years pass in the blink of an eye – especially in the fast-paced, competitive world of business. Just think of all the changes taking place right now, among B-to-B companies. Customers know more, and they expect more. Fast forward three years, and there’s little doubt the bar will be set even higher and new priorities will have emerged. So, who wins in the year 2020? Arguably, it’s the most forward-thinking companies – those that consciously and deliberately work at anticipating the future needs of their customers and devise strategies to deliver. Those that win in 2020 are the ones who begin preparing today. • What will customers demand? • What customer intelligence will be most critical? • How should this information be effectively managed and used? • What new roles will customer experience professionals and their teams play?

At Surveway we see the customer experience industry going through rapid change. Not only do we want to understand and anticipate this change, we want to impact it.

Customers will dictate the experience Customer expectations in the future are the outcome of movements that have been underway for decades. Changes such as the explosion of digital, the empowered customer, and the acceleration of innovation are having a profound impact on customer expectations. The customer of 2020 will be more informed and in charge of the experience they receive. They will expect companies to know their individual needs and personalise the experience. Immediate resolution will not be fast enough.

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Imagine it’s 2020. Here’s what your customers will expect: there will be no room for strangers. Customers will expect companies to know their business intimately and personalise the experience. Immediate gratification is not fast enough. Customers will expect companies to be more proactive, anticipating their current and future needs. Interacting on their terms. Customers will determine the experience they want and will expect companies to enable that experience through various channels, including mobile, social, and personal interactions. What’s required to meet the expectation? Customers will appreciate futuristic thinking, new knowledge, and insightful solutions. To satisfy customer needs companies will seek to: • Leverage big data to be proactive and offer new insight – “Tell me something I don’t already know.” • Use the knowledge from sophisticated, early adopters to guide others through the lifecycle • Leverage predictive analytics in more creative and specific ways • Design and implement decision support systems that are based on customer intelligence, analytics, and subject matter expertise. Getting feedback is essential. Customers have more loyalty towards a company if their opinion is asked, but you need to know the right way of going about this – old fashioned emailed surveys are boring. Gather immediate ‘in the moment’ feedback, make it humorous and keep your customers! It costs 5-7 times to find a new customer than to retain one, so don’t you think it’s time to find ways of being smarter and saving costs in the long run? If you want to be ready for 2020 and want to be on top of your game, talk to Surveway about improving the customer experience through various surveys and reporting methods we offer. Contact Christine at Surveway 011 568 0982

Capture data - turn insights into action and drive growth Why use Surveway?

• Real timeit feedback We make easy for any business to • Inspections and audits - measure operational performance platform - multiple solutions, can be used on mobile, tablets, PC’s gather•• One real customer feedback Can be usedtime in any business in any department requiring feedback of any kind • Action any situation immediately with an alert sent to your phone/s at• Turns the point oftouchpoints experience raw data from various into actionable insights • All data stored in the cloud • Graphs and charts readily available to impress your clients • Low development costs for each job • Monthly user fee/store/branch/site • Training and assistance given • Full 360 degree solution offered with tablets housed in an elegant solution • Full service for clients requiring research with trained staff • No delay in analysis and reporting • Provide in-depth data that is integral to improving products and services • Customized designs to suit your specific needs • Surveys linked to QR codes • Off line as well as on line

Automate all your reporting and surveys get rid of admin and paper... Surveway has a business solution for any industry.

We custom design mobile surveys and reports with our software for each client in any industry and any department. Data is collected on mobile, iPad, tablets or PC all in real-time, to help businesses gain insights that are actionable, and increase their bottom line.

Scan this code for more info or go to www.surveway.com 011 568 0982 | info@surveway.com

Business savvy

Expatriate guide for dummies

hink back to when you travelled internationally for the first time. Think especially of the silly mistakes and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;school feesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; you paid by making the wrong decisions only a novice tourist would make. When you travel now, you expertly avoid repeating those same mistakes, and understand that many of them were just so unnecessary in the first place. When you employ a foreign national in South Africa, the rules and best practice are significantly different for them than normal employees. One can always fit foreign nationals into an existing human resource structure, but there is either a significant and unnecessary cost thereto, or plenty of administration. Here are some pointers to ensure you make the correct start.

Expatriate selection and preparation The journey embarks with sourcing the correct resource for the job and which is vital to a successful assignment. Not all great resources can function as an expatriate employee. These considerations would include the emotional and psychological effects on an expatriate employee and their family and whether their family is accompanying the expatriate on the assignment or remaining behind. Selecting the most suitable candidate is therefore of critical importance and must be given the necessary thought. Psychometric assessment that focuses specifically on a candidateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to adapt to different people and situations as well as their ability to cope with pressures and set-backs can offer significant and useful insight to employers as to the suitability of a candidate and their likelihood to be successful on assignment.

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Immigration and work visas The work visa process needs to be tackled as soon as possible after a suitable candidate has been chosen. There are several steps to follow, which include identifying the correct category of visa for both the expatriate and their family, determining whether the applicant must apply in their home or host country, and then, most importantly, the process of collecting the necessary documents from both the employee and the employer. This can be quite a lengthy process, especially where poorly managed and the sooner it gets underway the better. Like many things in life, work visas are easy to understand if you know what you need and how to go about it, but near impossible where you are inexperienced.

Tax planning and compliance When employing expatriates, specific tax planning is required to ensure that, amongst other things, a nonresidency tax status is secured and solely South African source (as opposed to world-wide) income is taxable and employee benefits such as housing exemptions are optimally structured. Likewise, applying for SARS waivers on items such as home leave exemptions on rotational home leave trips can save companies large amounts of money. Obviously, of utmost importance is to ensure home and host country compliance at all times.

Business savvy Expatriate remuneration Expatriate remuneration can be a highly sensitive and contentious issue. It is therefore crucial that an objective and consistent methodology is used when adjusting an expatriateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s salary to the specific assignment for which they have been selected. Employment contracts or secondment agreements must be setup to ensure correct wording from a work visa perspective, optimal tax planning and compliance as well as addressing standard expatriate items, i.e. aligning your agreement to leading market practice. It is vital that an international mobility policy is formulated, taking into account market best practice, local laws and current business affordability. Companies would often make use of an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Assignment Cost Calculatorâ&#x20AC;? calculating the total assignment costs, including home and host country taxes.

Outsourced employment Where employers bring in a group of expatriates for a fixed term period project, they often utilise an outsourced vehicle through which to employ professionals. Should it be a business consideration, one of the main benefits of this type of structure is to ensure complete confidentiality

of remuneration. It also lessens the administrative burden of, for example, setting up a split payroll and administering offshore payments and Reserve Bank approval processes. Other benefits ensure the correct bank account setup with exchange control, social security clearances and expatriate specific benefits. No expatriate should be forced to contribute to a South African based retirement scheme, as they do not plan to retire in South Africa (if they do, we are in breach of tax and exchange control). Expatriates who are correctly selected and integrated deliver exceptional value to an organisation. However, end up with unhappy employees and there will be layers of frustration, as any human resource administrator who has been through this process can vouch! Article by Marisa Jacobs has a wealth of knowledge on Immigration, specialising in the application of temporary and permanent residence applications. She assists both large corporate companies and individuals enabling her to provide a high-quality immigration service that is customised to organisation and individual needs and circumstances.

Hardware Edition 2017 | page 97

Business savvy

Labour laws and the hardware industry

he industry is highly competitive and subject to a plethora of our labour laws in South Africa. In particular there is Sectoral Determination No 9 which covers the wholesale and retail sector in South Africa. This sector is across the board and is controlled through the Department of Labour. There will be a series of articles on our Labour Laws and this introductory article is to cover a broad brush approach to our labour law in the hardware sector.

The determination from the Department of Labour covers all employees in the wholesale and retail sector in the Republic of South Africa. If the core business falls within the wholesale and retail sector then the employees are covered. However, many employees are covered by other sectors such as the Building Industry Bargaining Sector where many businesses are engaged in the building industry itself in construction. Any employees who work for an employer for less than twenty four hours a month they do not fall under the determination. It must also be remembered that the Basic Conditions of Employment Act apply to all employees covered by this sector especially if the Government Gazette does not cover that particular instance. The determination specifically outlines that small businesses employing less than ten employees would fall under the Ministerial Determination for Small Business. Wages are determined annually by the Minister and these wages are printed in the Sectoral Determination. The determination outlines the various job categories and levels of training, skill or experience is vital for the business to specifically determine the exact wages of each individual employee before embarking upon an agreement. Over and above this, commission work may be agreed but it must be in writing and a commissioned employee cannot receive a wage less than two thirds of the applicable minimum wage for that employee in terms of the determination. The commission agreement must include the employees wage, the basis for calculating the commission payments and the period over which commission payments are calculated. Commission must be paid monthly or weekly. The employer must supply the commission to the employee with a copy of the written agreement.

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The remuneration of the employee must be calculated by reference to the employees ordinary hours of work and the weekly remuneration of an employee is obtained by multiplying their hour hourly remuneration by the number of ordinary hours worked in a week. The payment of remuneration must be in in South African currency, must be daily, weekly, fortnightly or monthly. There are specific instructions how an employee must be paid and the frequency of the payment. Over and above this, an employer must give the employee a statement on every pay day outlining various factors including the employers name and address, the employees name and occupation and the period in respect of which the payment is made. There must be a calculation for the ordinary hours and the overtime hours including any hours worked on public holidays or Sundays. If there are any deductions this must be outlined to the employee. Employers must remember that these records of each statement must be kept for three years. Deductions may be made from the employees remuneration but this must be kept in writing. Deductions for loss or damage caused by the employee can only be made after the employer has followed a fair procedure and has given the employee a reasonable opportunity to show why the deduction should not be made. The total amount of the debt cannot exceed the actual amount of the loss or damage and the total deduction from the employees remuneration must not exceed one quarter of the employees remuneration in money. There must be written particulars of employment which would be given to the employee when the employee starts work in terms of a letter of appointment or a contract of employment and these particulars are specifically outlined in terms of both The Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the Determination. MICHAEL BAGRAIM

Business savvy Recruitment & Training

The practice of fake qualifications

outh Africans react with shock and horror to hear that professionals with fake qualifications or no qualifications at all – abound. They claim that it is a symptom of a failed state; the effect of Zumafication. Such a view is singular because fake qualifications are not only found in the Public Sector and the Private Sector has its own smattering of fake qualifications. Questionable HR practices contribute to the perpetuation of this scourge. HR practitioners offering a variety of reasons to place the blame on the person misrepresenting the truth instead of questioning their own HR practices and procedures.

HR practitioners in some organisations are not aware that verifications services can be used to scrutinise qualifications listed on resumes. It is claimed that it is too expensive to verify each and every claim about qualifications. Surely, those who made it on a short list after stringent interviews can be verified in in the best interest of the employer? Reputable recruitment agencies use verification services to confirm qualifications and it is fair that you request them to do so.

HR practitioners are often the least qualified for the role that they have to play in an organisation. Not all that are in an HR role have commensurate qualifications for the job, many lack commercial acumen and others find themselves in the role by happenstance. Being skilled at handling an organisation’s payroll does not mean that the hiring, interview and verification of candidates can be done equally well. Organisations who are unwilling to provide their HR staff with relevant training and/or access to specialised services or who turn a blind eye to questionable practices cannot plead ignorance when fake qualifications are exposed in their midst. Isobel McAleenan, Managing Director of Recruitment Dynamix, commented “we invest in verification services to confirm candidate qualifications, and have seldom experienced fraud. Less than 1%. On the other hand, one has to scrupulously verify the facts contained on a CV – as many as 50% contain inaccuracies, the most common of which are: tenure; job title; responsibility; reason for leaving and references. We have adapted our policy to confirming references via land-line, and confirming the job title of the referee – before we approach them for a reference”.

Organisations are sometimes aware that a person lies about qualifications but they choose to ignore the fact in the pursuit of a certain B-BBEE level. Some even claim that the verification or questioning of qualifications is a form of unfair labour practice.

Prepared by On Target Communications on behalf of Recruitment & Training Dynamix, www.recruitmentdynamix.co.za

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Business savvy Recruitment & Training

The search for good staff – and the 3 Gold Star approach

nteraction with your staff is the first contact that your customers have with your business. Your employees mix paint, repair screens and answer questions. They can be the reason that customers visit your store weekly or vow that they’ll never shop there again. It makes good sense to find, train and retain employees who will make a positive impact on your business.

Retail is tough – long days, 6 day weeks, difficult customers. So why not hire well, train adequately and look at some staff wellness initiatives that make your people want to stay? Employees, in your customers’ eyes, are your business. Whilst you may own, manage or run the day-to-day operations, your employees have more interaction with customers. Since they influence the customer’s experience, one would hope that they are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. The goal of the store therefore is to recruit, source and retain high-quality employees who will provide top-of-the-line customer service, become a wealth of product knowledge and help your business grow and be successful. Finding loyal, well-trained employees is a process, and one that, if you can afford it, is better outsourced to skilled recruiters. Begin with creating a detailed job description. Then develop a means of pre-screening potential candidates. You can’t perfect your hiring process – everyone makes mistakes – but you can improve your candidate pool and learn how to ask interview questions that establish whether a potential employee will be a ‘keeper’.

Starting out right The goal isn’t to hire the most experienced or qualifiedsounding candidates, but to find employees who fit your culture and will be loyal to the business. “Look for a positive attitude and work ethic – you can train on product knowledge. Look at personality and the feeling you get when the applicant walks in the door. Having relevant hardware experience is a definite plus, but need not be the ultimate deciding factor in who you hire.” Recruitment & Training Dynamix Isobel McAleenan suggests that you

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consider personality, willingness to learn and attitude as well as experience and track record. The goal is to land a qualified, committed worker from the start and cut back on the time spent trying to fill jobs and train employees who don’t turn out to be good fits long term. “Interviewing, hiring and training people who don’t stay with the business very long decreases operational efficiency and causes distractions” McAleenan says. Finding the best people Word of mouth: Many of the larger retailers are consistently recruiting, and they sometimes incentivise their staff to introduce new talent to the business.

Business savvy

Employees can be encouraged to pass out business cards to people they meet who they think would fit in at the company. Employees who aren’t in management can hand out generic business cards with the store’s contact information on them. However, there can be disadvantages to hiring staff that know each other – family crisis and they are both absent? Have to discipline one and the other becomes belligerent as a result? Advertising: You can use employment search engines; you can advertise on Gumtree using traditional tactics to generate response. Expect high numbers of replies and many irrelevant applications. You will have to spend time reading CVs, calling those that you shortlist, and profiling telephonically before moving to 1st interview. Nice if you have the time. Facebook can work because applicants who find the company’s social media job postings often are already customers, like the business and live nearby. You could consider keeping job postings going consistently. If a great candidate comes across, interview them whether or not you have an open position. Your company website: You can do a lot more than just post jobs and accept resumes. Using the right hiring strategies and website tools, you can transform your online application process into a robust engine to ensure you’re attracting qualified and enthusiastic talent

Clarity your hiring process, and stick to it. • Prepare a comprehensive job specification • Brief your recruitment agency, or run advertisements • Review response or CVs from the recruiter and prepare a shortlist of applicants to interview from CVs received • Invite applicants to attend an interview. The first interview should really address corporate culture and how the candidate would fit. Look more at attitude. Standardise interviews by following a predefined list of questions so that all applicants are asked the same questions and rated accordingly. Questions can include: “Can you describe a recent unpopular decision that you made and what the result was?” and “Describe a project implemented because of your efforts. What was your role and what was your outcome?” • Conduct interviews – rate candidates on punctuality, communication skills, engagement, and questions addressed from the list prepared • Ask candidates why they want to work for your business

Recruitment consultants are worth their weight in gold. They have an immediate pool of relevant talent, they have the time to search for those scarce skills, and they have access to a variety of ‘paid for’ job boards. They will source the talent, interview and profile in order to confirm skills and personality fit; they will verify track record, education and references – and you don’t have to lift a finger.

• Select the top 3

A relationship with a good, reliable recruiter who understands your business and is available to help can be a very effective business tool. Working with a recruiter who understands your business? – add a gold star! Working with a recruiter who understands retail, hardware, consumer engagement, sales? Add two gold stars!! Recruiters such as Recruitment & Training Dynamix understand retail, are familiar with hardware, work at head-office and store level, and have staff wellness and training experience. They are the ‘three gold stars’ of recruitment. They suggest the following recruitment process:

• Watching for the nonverbal cues - Are they polite? Are

• Reference check, including verification of qualifications • Invite for 2nd interview Ask behavioural questions to learn, for example, how the potential employees interacted with difficult customers in past retail jobs. they smiling? • You could ask applicants to head to the sales floor to find products they have never used before, and then return to explain the items based on what they learned from the labels. • Select your top applicant and make an offer.

Prepared by On Target Communications on behalf of Recruitment & Training Dynamix, www.recruitmentdynamix.co.za

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Business savvy Recruitment & Training

Employee feedback surveys by Christine Cuningham, Director of Sales & Marketing at Surveway (Pty) Ltd

mployee satisfaction surveys should start at the same point as any survey: why are you fielding the survey to begin with? Naturally, it seems the answer would be, “To know how my employees are doing,” but perhaps a better spin is, “To know where I need to improve.” This can automatically change the tenor of the survey you’re fielding to your employees, as well as how often you decide to field the survey.

There are some basic subjects that most employee satisfaction surveys seem to address: overall satisfaction, teamwork, general morale, and leadership. But if you are looking at this survey from a lens of “where do I need to improve,” you should also look at it from the lens of, “What things can I realistically take action on to improve?” Don’t ask about things you either cannot or are not willing to change. Stay focused Employee satisfaction surveys can end up being really long if you decide to dig deep into a number of different topics. Keep the questions in your employee satisfaction survey focused on just that – employee satisfaction. Don’t write leading questions It’s easy to write a leading question. Even asking, “How satisfied are you with…” can be leading! Test the neutrality of your questions with other reviewers so that you’re certain you’re not creating leading questions. Otherwise, you’ll end up skewing your results and not getting a true picture of what your employees are thinking. (How do you rewrite that “How satisfied are you with…?” Easy – “Please rate your level of satisfaction with…”) Don’t use double-barrelled questions This is another trap for surveys in general. A doublebarrelled question is something that asks about two items in one question. For example, “Please rate your level of satisfaction with the company structure and leadership.” Another type of this question that seems common is, “Please rate your level of satisfaction with the speed and accuracy of communications.” Here’s a hint for avoiding these types of questions: if it uses the words “and” or “or,” it’s probably double-barrelled.

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Do tell your employees the results – even if it isn’t easy Even if the results of the survey aren’t what you were hoping for, open communication is still the best communication. And, let’s face it, if you’re looking at a widespread level of dissatisfaction across the board, or even in one particular area, it’s highly likely your employees are already talking about it a lot, and that they are aware it’s an issue. Don’t feel like you always need to fix something Just because it’s an employee satisfaction survey, with the purpose of looking at where improvements need to be made in your company, doesn’t necessarily mean that you must find something to fix if you find that your employees are generally pretty happy with the way things are currently. It’s entirely fine to come away with, “We’ll just keep doing what we’re doing, since it seems to be going well.” Include open-ended text questions Quantitative information is fantastic, but qualitative feedback can also be great. Be sure you include at least one open-ended text question for your employees to give you some extra feedback. Open-ended text questions can be especially useful if they are expressing low levels of satisfaction; they give you and the employee an outlet to understand what’s going on a bit better. Feedback needs to be twice a year Let’s face it, more employees expect to be able to provide feedback more than once a year. This can also help mitigate those times when perhaps factors outside of your control were affecting employee responses. You might consider doing a weekly satisfaction check-in that is an abbreviated version of a quarterly employee satisfaction survey. That way, you’re giving your employees a venue to provide feedback, and, just as with customer satisfaction surveys, as soon as things seem to be going awry, you can take action to address it. Surveway can assist you with all your employee surveys or surveys of any kind. Please call 011 568-0982 and ask for Christine.

EXPORTING

New chemical warning symbols

outh African businesses that do not switch to the new hazardous chemical warning symbols may lose international trade opportunities due to noncompliance with global packaging regulations. The Responsible Packaging Management Association of South Africa (RPMASA) has noted with concern that many industry and retail businesses are not aware of the new globally accepted warning signs for hazardous chemicals that must be displayed on their products, packaging and transport vehicles. “The old European Union danger symbols used to communicate various hazard related information were square in shape with an orange background. The new Global Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) pictograms create a single, universally recognisable warning sign that anyone in any country will understand immediately,” said Liz Anderson, Executive Director at RPMASA. RPMASA is especially concerned about small businesses that do not have capacity for a packaging, labelling and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) compliance expert. “Small exporters are vulnerable to loss of business if their products are labelled incorrectly. Use of outdated warning symbols and SDS should not become a barrier to trade and these challenges can be resolved easily if businesses are informed,” said Anderson. Products such as pool chemicals, aerosols, personal products, paints and household cleaning materials are some of the items that contain chemical components which need to be classified according to one of the nine Transport classes as well as the new GHS categories. “The amount of work required to be up-to-date with global packaging regulations is often underestimated by managers in both retail and industry, but their business profitability is at stake,” warned Anderson. Chemically hazardous products must be accompanied by a SDS which contains the contact number of a designated 24/7/365 helpline to offer assistance to those who have been involved in hazardous chemical accidents or incidents. “Use of a company contact number limited to office hours is not acceptable because a chemical accident can happen at any time with disastrous consequences if not handled appropriately,” said Anderson.

The new warning symbols, which will replace ALL current retail ones, have a red diamond border with a white background and black symbol (see comparison below). Note that major changes are for retail as the transport diamonds will not change for larger packaging that does not require an outer pack. However these transport warning diamonds will be supplemented by the GHS red diamond pictograms where health hazards apply i.e. harmful / irritant/ toxic and carcinogens. “Even though these changes seem rather small, and most of the symbols inside the borders are the same, it is so important for businesses to be certain that they comply with the new standards and GHS red diamonds to protect themselves from potential liability and financial loss,” concluded Anderson. Released by Reputation Matters

New signs Explosive

Flammable

Compressed Gas

Oxidizing

Toxic

Corrosive

Irritant

Respiratory sensitizer/ Toxic / Carcinogen

Environmental hazard

Old signs

A business may be held financially responsible for any chemical accident, should their products not comply with the GHS system and not display the new warning symbols. Hardware Edition 2017 | page 103

EXPORTING

The benefits of exporting

xporting is one way of increasing your sales potential. By expanding your market you are not limited to local sales for your success. South Africa has a relatively small market in comparison to other countries and for medium and larger companies this is just too small. The only way to expand sales is to export. If you are not yet selling nationally, then you should first aim at expanding your market share beyond the local markets. Once you have saturated the national market, only then should you look beyond the borders of South Africa. Increased sales impact upon your profitability (although not always positively), your productivity by lowering unit costs, and may increase your firm’s perceived size and stature, thereby affecting its competitive position compared with other similarsized organisations .Exports may be a way of testing the opportunities for overseas licensing, franchising or production. Increasing profits In many instances, exports can contribute to increased profits because the average orders from international customers are often larger than they are from domestic buyers. Importers generally order by the container instead of by the pallet, thereby affecting both total sales and total profits. Some products - especially those that are unique or very innovative in nature may also command greater profit margins than in the local market. You may also find that in some markets you generate higher profit margins, while in other markets your profit margins are considerably lower. Reducing risk and balancing growth

because you are now selling more products without increasing total costs to the same extent, this has the effect of lowering your unit costs which represents a more productive overall operation. Lower unit costs make a product more competitive in the local marketplace as well as in foreign markets, and can contribute to the firm’s overall profitability. Economies of scale Exporting is an excellent way to enjoy pure economies of scale with products that are more ‘global’ in scope and have a wider range of acceptance around the world. This is in contrast to products that must be adapted for each market, which is expensive and time consuming and requires more of an investment. The newer the product, the wider range of acceptance in the world, especially to younger customers – often referred to as the ‘global consumer’.

Export sales to a variety of diverse foreign markets can help reduce the risk that the company may be exposed to because of fluctuations in local (and foreign) business cycles.. By selling in different countries, the risk of low growth in one or more of these countries will be offset by increased growth in the others, thus resulting in a balanced portfolio of growth overall. In addition, with the challenging labour conditions that many firms in South Africa face today, exports may help to create and maintain jobs thus reducing the risk of a labour dispute that could otherwise cripple the company.

With increased export production and sales, you can achieve economies of scale and spread costs over a larger volume of revenue. You reduce average unit costs and increase overall profitability and competitiveness. Long-term exports may enable a company to expand its production facilities in order to achieve an economic level of production.

Lower unit costs

Small and saturated domestic markets

Exports help to put idle production capacity to work. This is generally achieved by the more efficient utilisation of the existing factory, machines and staff. What is more,

One good reason to begin exporting is when the local market is too small to support a firm’s output or when the market becomes saturated. For companies that produce

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EXPORTING

heavy industrial machinery or that have invested in large factories, they need to be able to sell enough of their manufactured goods to justify the investment and to insure that the unit price of goods are kept acceptably low. With relatively small markets such as South Africa, it is usually not long before the local market becomes saturated and offers limited additional opportunities for sales. Many of South Africa’s larger manufacturers have had to turn to foreign markets to justify their existence Overcoming low growth in the home market It is not uncommon for a recession in the local market companies to enter export markets that may offer greater opportunities for sales. While this may have the benefit of offering ongoing sales potential for the firm in question, the danger with this approach is that when the local market improves, these companies abandon their export markets to focus on the now buoyant local market. Overseas importers become disillusioned with this type of exporter and become hesitant to do business with South African exporters. Extending the product life-cycle All products go through a product life-cycle. In the beginning they are novel and sales increase quite dramatically, then sales level off and they become what is referred to as mature products and eventually sales start to decrease and the product goes into decline. Now, a product that has entered its decline stage may have a life elsewhere in the world and by finding a market where this product could be sold anew, you are essentially extending the life-cycle of the products. The global market is a highly competitive place and by participating in this marketplace, you need to become equally efficient and quality conscious. It is generally the case that successful exporters are also very successful in their home markets because of their heightened efficiency and focus on product quality.

Untapped markets A company may have a very unique product that is not yet available elsewhere in the world. In this instance, these untapped markets are likely to drive the firm’s export activities. Addressing customer, competitor and cost factors The more formal theory of internationalisation discusses customer, competitor and cost factors that drive the internationalisation process. The theory argues that in some cases companies may go global in response to their customers moving abroad. Alternatively, they may follow their competitors abroad, or may decide to enter a particular foreign market in order to attack an overseas competitor that has entered the firm’s domestic market, in the competitor’s own home market. Finally, companies may go international to take advantage of lower labour costs, skilled workers or other cost factors (such as lower telecommunication or energy costs) that are much better in a particular foreign market. For example, expanding into India to take advantage of programming skills and lower salaries could translate into a major advantage for a local software development firm. It should be said, however, that these factors are more likely to be relevant to larger firms, instead of small scale export operations. Status as an exporter For some companies, the status of being involved in international trade is very important to them. The wrong reasons for exporting Too often, however, many local South Africa companies simply follow their domestic competitors into exports or they turn to export markets because of the difficulties encountered in the local market place. None of these reasons are very solid reasons for moving into exports.

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GAS LEGISLATION

Safe LPGas consumption

ased on the latest United Nations estimates, the current population in South Africa is over 55 million and most South African citizens rely primarily on electricity supplied by ESKOM. Eskom’s mandate is to generate, transport, and distribute electricity to the entire country. For a while now, South Africa has been having problems with electricity supply, the demand for electricity has far exceeded the possible supply. As a result, load shedding or load reduction has been a measure placed to protect the electricity power system from a potentially total blackout, especially during peak periods where demand is higher, such as winter time. As an alternative energy source, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and LPGas appliances, present a solution to reduce reliance on the national electricity grid. The use of gas has seen a significant increase over the last few years due to the manufacturing of cost-effective and reliable LPGas-powered appliances. LPG is used by both businesses and households, where it is mainly used for cooking, water heating and space heating. The use of gas powered appliances has become a trend in South Africa as load shedding becomes an ongoing threat.

been awarded a Safe Appliance Verification Permit may be used. A comprehensive list of such appliances is available on the LPGas Safety Association’s website: www.lpgas.co.za Equipment installation Before an LPG appliance can be used, it has to be installed properly. Consumers should never attempt to install Gas appliances themselves. Amateur installations have caused numerous accidents in the past, such as fires and LPG leakages, which can be hazardous. As per South African law, only a registered LPG practitioner may install LPG appliances or equipment. A comprehensive list of registered installers is available on www.saqccgas.co.za LPGas cylinder filling For safety reasons, only authorised agents are permitted to fill LPGas cylinders, which may only be undertaken in controlled conditions and with the correct apparatus.

The use of LPG is a helpful substitute that a lot of South African households have moved to. However, when proper precautions have not been taken, accidents are bound to happen.

Before a cylinder can be filled, a properly trained cylinder filler has to check if the cylinder is still safe for usage. Consumers can allow their privately owned cylinders to be filled at reputable outlets. Commercially branded cylinders (those for which a consumer has paid a deposit and are exchanged when empty) may only be filled by the brand owner. A dealer may not fill commercially branded cylinders. Customers should not accept delivery of any gas cylinder which is not positively distinguishable and should always retain their receipt/proof of purchase when paying for a refill or exchange. To find a reputable dealer consumers can visit the LPGSASA website: www.lpgas. co.za.

Purchasing of LPGas equipment

Storing a gas cylinder

Retailers are advised to only sell appliances that have a Permit Verification Number displayed on them. The LPG Safety Association of South Africa (LPGSASA) has established the Safe Appliance Scheme (SAS) in order to ensure that all appliances and equipment installed in South Africa have been tested and are in compliance with a national standard that is safe and that deems them fit for intended use. Any equipment that has not been manufactured according to that standard can be a potential hazard and consumers are advised not to make purchases of such equipment. Only equipment that has

When gas is pumped into the cylinder, it changes from a gas to a liquid. When the cylinder bottle is exposed to heat, the liquid inside the cylinder converts from liquid to vapour, which increases the pressure inside the cylinder. Hence, gas cylinders should only ever be filled to 80% of their capacity to allow for expansion and increased pressure. An LPGas cylinder should always be well maintained and never overfilled.

“The market for gas-powered appliances and technologies is growing fast, sales of gas heaters at Makro have grown steadily in recent seasons and a huge spike is anticipated in sales this winter” - Gary Lindhorst, Makro Merchandise Manager.

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DIRECTORY ABRASIVES

Academy Brushware (page 14 & 15) T: +27 11 873 1266 F: +27 11 873 3464 e: info@academybrush.co.za w: www.academybrush.co.za P O Box 501 Germiston 1400 Lukas Abrasives T: +27 11 825 1550

ADHESIVES

BATTERIES

CAR CARE

Duracell T: +27 11 700-5000

Holts T: +27 11 613 6111

Energizer T: +27 11 802 2424 a.b.e. Construction Chemicals (page 89) T: +27 11 306 9000 e: info@abe.co.za w: www.abe.co.za P O Box 5100 Boksburg 1461 Agrinet T: +27 12 657 2000

Enersys Powertech T: +27 11 776 4300 Eureka T: +27 11 471 0800 Eveready T: +27 41 401 2500 MMD Battery Services T: +27 11 965 1875

L&G Tools (page 91) T: +27 31 717 6800 e: sales@lgtools.co.za w: www.lgtools.co.za 6 Kayalami Rd, Pinetown 361

BRAAIS

L&G Tools (page 91) T: +27 31 717 6800 e: sales@lgtools.co.za w: www.lgtools.co.za 6 Kayalami Rd, Pinetown 3610 Ruwag T: +27 861 789 248

Saint-Gobain Abrasives (Pty) Ltd (page 6&7) T: +27 11 961 2000 e: sgasa.sales@saint-gobain.com w: www.saint-gobain.com P O Box 67 Isando 1600

Plusten (page 92 & 93) T: +27 11 434 1454 e: sales@plusten.co.za w: www.plusten.co.za 34 Mandy Rd, Reuven, Booysens, 2016 3m South Africa (Pty) Ltd T: 011 806 2000 Vermont Sales T: +27 11 805 7711 WHD Hardware & Tool T: +27 11 323 0000

A.Shak (page10&11) T: +27 861 127 425 T: +27 11 822 2320 T: +27 21 905 6176 T: +27 31 579 2477 e: sales@ashak.co.za w: www.ashak.co.za PO Box 10449 Edenglen 1613

Alva T: +27 21 442 1540 Cadac T: +27 11 473 8600 Jetmaster T: +27 11 474-2100 Megamaster T: +27 12 802 1515 Weber T: +27 11 454 2369

Den Braven Sealants SA (page 73) T: +27 11 792 3830 e: sales@denbraven.co.za w: www.denbraven.co.za P O Box 50972 Randburg 2125 Genkem T: +27 31 566 3210 Glue Devil T: +27 11 021 4177 Henkel Head Office & Factory T: +27 11 617-2400 Plascon T: +27 11 951 4500 Pratley T: +27 11 955-2190 SIKA South Africa T: +27 31 792-6500 Silicone Technical Products T: +27 21 534-9055 TAL T: +27 11 206 9700 Prodist T: +27 10 045 0700 National Adhesives Distributors T: +27 11 315 5181 Alcolin T: +27 21 555 7400

BRUSHWARE

Plusten (page 92 & 93) T: +27 11 434 1454 e: sales@plusten.co.za w: www.plusten.co.za 34 Mandy Rd, Reuven, Booysens, 2016 SC Johnson T: +27 11 678 5412 Shield Chemicals T: +27 11 421 7111 Spanjaard Ltd T: +27 11 386 7100 Wynns Oil S.A. T: +27 11 786-9070

Academy Brushware (page 14 & 15) T: +27 11 873 1266 F: +27 11 873 3464 e: info@academybrush.co.za w: www.academybrush.co.za P O Box 501 Germiston 1400 Hamilton Brush T: +27 21 903 3176 Agrinet T: +27 12 657 2000

Plusten (page 92 & 93) T: +27 11 434 1454 e: sales@plusten.co.za w: www.plusten.co.za 34 Mandy Rd, Reuven, Booysens, 2016 L.G. Harris T: +27 41 486 1978 USABCO T: + 27 21 917 2000

CEILINGS Aerolite T: +27 11 835 2127 Isoboard T: +27 21 930 5074 PVC Ceilings South Africa T: +27 12 653 0785

CEMENT & CONCRETE

AfriSam (page 16&17, OBC) T: +27 11 670 5500 e: customer.service@za.afrisam.co.za

w: www.afrisam.co.za P O Box 6367 Weltervredenpark 1715 Cement & Concrete Institute T: +27 11 315 0300 Kwikbuild cement T: +27 12 804 8337 Lafarge T: +27 11 257 3100 PPC T: +27 11 386 9000

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DIRECTORY CURTAIN TRACKS

DOORS

FRANCHISES

Eureka T: +27 11 471 0800

Alif Doors T: +27 31 500 2499

Build IT T: +27 31 719 1900

Kirtech T: +27 21 447 1670

Fin Doors T: +27 39 684 1188

Windowlines T: +27 11 462 1744

DAMP PROOFING

a.b.e. Construction Chemicals (page 89) T: +27 11 306 9000 e: info@abe.co.za w: www.abe.co.za P O Box 5100 Boksburg 1461

Mica Hardware (page 31) T: +27 11 479 3300 T: +27 86 112 2114 e: armand.feldman@mica.co.za w: www.mica.co.za Solid Doors T: +27 11 234 1901 TDM T: +27 33 397 0505 ELECTRICAL

A.Shak (page10&11) T: +27 861 127 425 T: +27 11 822 2320 T: +27 21 905 6176 T: +27 31 579 2477 e: sales@ashak.co.za w: www.ashak.co.za PO Box 10449 Edenglen 1613

CBI Electric T: +27 11 928-2000

GHI T: +27 11 608 2800

Medal Paints T: +27 11 661 5700 F: +27 11 661 5767 e: sales@medal.co.za / orders@ medal.co.za PO Box 1471 Crown Mines 2025 Plascon T: +27 11 951 4500

L&G Tools (page 91) T: +27 31 717 6800 e: sales@lgtools.co.za w: www.lgtools.co.za 6 Kayalami Rd, Pinetown 361

Schneider Electric (page 18-23) T: +27 11 314 5200 F: +27 11 254 6640 e: enquiries@schneider.co.za w: www.schneider-electric.co.za Private Bag X139 Halfway House 1685

FASTENERS Abracon T: +27 11 474-1850 Plusten (page 92 & 93) T: +27 11 434 1454 e: sales@plusten.co.za w: www.plusten.co.za 34 Mandy Rd, Reuven, Booysens, 2016 SIKA South Africa T: +27 31 792 6500 TAL T: +27 11 206 9700 page 108 | Hardware Edition 2017

Plusten (page 92 & 93) T: +27 11 434 1454 e: sales@plusten.co.za w: www.plusten.co.za 34 Mandy Rd, Reuven, Booysens, 2016

Safe Top (page 26 & 27) T: +27 21 797 3520 e: promo@safetop.co.za w: www.safetopdiy.co.za

FLOORING & ACCESSORIES

Dulux T: +27 11 861 1000

Flash Harry T: +27 11 892 2917

Prodist T: +27 10 045 0700

Ellies T: +27 11 490 3800

Coprox T: +27 11 579 4300

Duram Products T: +27 21 555 3090

L&G Tools (page 91) T: +27 31 717 6800 e: sales@lgtools.co.za w: www.lgtools.co.za 6 Kayalami Rd, Pinetown 361

a.b.e. Construction Chemicals (page 89) T: +27 11 306 9000 e: info@abe.co.za w: www.abe.co.za P O Box 5100 Boksburg 1461

Builders Warehouse T: +27 860 2175

DIY Depot (page 33) T: +27 11 479 3300 e: pieter.steyn@diydepot.co.za w: www.diydepot.co.za The Paragon, 1 Kramer Road, Bedfordview, Johannesburg Essential Hardware T: +27 11 434 2362

EST Building (page 28 & 29) T: +27 11 383 1900 e: rob@estafrica.co.za w: www.estafrica.co.za Jacks Paint T: +27 860 522-577 (toll free)

Mica Hardware (page 31) T: +27 86 112 2114 e: info@mica.co.za w: www.mica.co.za

GARDEN & OUTDOOR Ballstraathof-Kirschoffs Seeds T: +27 11 794 2316

AfriSam (page 16&17, OBC) T: +27 11 670 5500 e: customer.service@za.afrisam.co.za

w: www.afrisam.co.za P O Box 6367 Weltervredenpark 1715

Eureka DIY Solutions T: +27 11 471 0800

Genkem T: +27 31 566 3210

Fascor T: +27 31 902 8134

Kirk Marketing T: +27 11 444 1441

Fischer-Upat T: +27 11 624 6700

Matco T: +27 11 452 7961

FTS Industries T: +27 11 878 2600

TAL T: +27 11 206 9700

Daisy Fresh Hydroponics (page 38 & 39) T: +27 31 764 2335 e: info@daisyfresh.co.za w: www.hydroponicssouthafrica.co.za Electrolux T: +27 21 506-6600 Efekto T: +27 11 304 7200 / T: +27 861 333 586 Gardena T: +27 11 323 0000

DIRECTORY GARDEN & OUTDOOR cont. Lasher Tools T: +27 11 825 1100 Lawn Star T: +27 21 535 5299

Marley Pipe Systems (page 57) T: +27 11 739 860 w: www.marleypipesystems.co.za

L&G Tools (page 91) T: +27 31 717 6800 e: sales@lgtools.co.za w: www.lgtools.co.za 6 Kayalami Rd, Pinetown 361

Re-inforced Hosing T: +27 11 769 2600 Tandem Lawn Industries T: +27 31 569 9300

Mica Hardware (page 31) T: +27 11 479 3300 T: +27 86 112 2114 e: armand.feldman@mica.co.za w: www.mica.co.za

Watex Reinforced Hosing (Pty) Ltd (page 37 & 38) T: +27 11 769 2600 e: info@watex.co.za w: www.watex.co.za

GENERAL HARDWARE Agrinet T: +27 12 657 2000

Plusten (page 92 & 93) T: +27 11 434 1454 e: sales@plusten.co.za w: www.plusten.co.za 34 Mandy Rd, Reuven, Booysens, 2016 WHD Hardware & Tool T: +27 11 323 0000

AFMIT Tools T: +27 12 250-2380 Agrinet T: +27 12 657 2000

Benray Tools (page 45) T: +27 11 683 8350 e: zain@benray.co.za w: www.benray.co.za

Essential Hardware T: +27 11 434 2362

Benray Tools (page 45) T: +27 11 683 8350 e: zain@benray.co.za w: www.benray.co.za Fascor T: +27 131 902 8134 First Cut T: +27 111 872 1138 Gedore Tools T: +27 1861 433 673

EST Building (page 28 & 29) T: +27 11 383 1900 e: rob@estafrica.co.za w: www.estafrica.co.za

Topline Distributors T: +27 31 569 6120 Vermont T: +27 11 314 7711

INSULATION Isotherm T: +27 21 577 1490 Lambdaboard T: +27 12 800 3606 Think Pink Aerolite T: +27 11 360 8200

Eurolux (page 51) T: +27 21 528 8400 e: info@eurolux.co.za w: www.eurolux.co.za 10 Milkyway Avenue, Linbro Business Park Sandton 2065 Major Tech T: +27 861 62 5678 Radiant Lighting T: +27 11 386 0000 Voltex T: +27 11 622-4910

MATERIALS HANDLING Bidvest Materials Handling T: +27 11 397 0500 EQSTRA T: +27 11 517 0326

IT HAND TOOLS

Augusta Tool Supplies T: +27 11 454 4350

Build IT T: +27 886 1886

RUWAG T: +27 861 789 248

WEBCO Tools T: +27 11 452 5906

USABCO (ADDIS) T: +27 21 917-2000 Waterhouse Pumps T: +27 11 466-2994

LIGHTING

Libra Marketing T: +27 11 680 8110 Matus (Pty) Ltd T: +27 11 681 9100

Mayford Seeds +27 11 540 2800 Prodist T: +27 10 045 0700

L&G Tools (page 91) T: +27 31 717 6800 e: sales@lgtools.co.za w: www.lgtools.co.za 6 Kayalami Rd, Pinetown 361

Plusten (page 92 & 93) T: +27 11 434 1454 e: sales@plusten.co.za w: www.plusten.co.za 34 Mandy Rd, Reuven, Booysens, 2016

King Tony T: +27 722 316 3812

IQ Retail T: +27 21 880 0420 Kerridge Solutions T: +27 11 707 3333

LABELLING

Goscor Lift Truck Company (inside back cover) T: +27 11 230 2600 e: lifttrucks@goscor.co.za w: www.goscorlifttrucks.co.za 10 Neutron Road Chloorkop 1624

ADE T: +27 792 7154

Jungheinrich T: +27 11 596 8460

Future Packaging & Machinery T: +27 11 794 3310

Linde T: +27 11 723 7000

Kemtek T: +27 11 6248000

Manitou SA Tel: 011 975 7770

Pricer T: +27 11 237 4500

PAINT

Syspro T: +27 11 461 1000

Pyrotec T: +27 21 787 9600

LADDERS Castor & Ladder T: +27 11 848 0400 Isaacson Ladders T: +27 11 794 4456

Cedar Paint T: +27 12 8042130 DULUX T: +27 11 861 1000 Duram T: +27 21 555 3090 Excelsior Paint T: +27 11 474 1900 Harlequin T: +27 860 100 626

Hardware Edition 2017 | page 109

DIRECTORY Dewalt T: +27 11 315-1504 e: marketing@newcodewalt.co.za w: www.dewalt.com Medal Paints T: +27 11 661 5700 F: +27 11 661 5767 e: sales@medal.co.za / orders@medal.co.za w: www.medalpaints.co.za PO Box 1471 Crown Mines 2025 Omega Paint T: +27 12 804 1021 Plascon T: +27 11 951 4500 Promac Paint T: +27 12 804 7305 Prominent Paints T: +27 11 389-4648

Plusten (page 92 & 93) T: +27 11 434 1454 e: sales@plusten.co.za w: www.plusten.co.za 34 Mandy Rd, Reuven, Booysens, 2016

First Cut T: +27 11 872-1138

A.Shak (page10&11) T: +27 861 127 425 T: +27 11 822 2320 T: +27 21 905 6176 T: +27 31 579 2477 e: sales@ashak.co.za w: www.ashak.co.za PO Box 10449 Edenglen 1613

L&G Tools (page 91) T: +27 31 717 6800 e: sales@lgtools.co.za w: www.lgtools.co.za 6 Kayalami Rd, Pinetown 361 Makita T: +27 11878 2600

Marley Pipe Systems (page 57) T: +27 11 739 860 w: www.marleypipesystems.co.za

SAPMA T: +27 11 455-2503

Macneil T: +27 10 591 3988

PAINT BRUSHES & ACCESSORIES

POOL CARE

Ruwag T: +27 861 789 248

Integrated Pool Products T: +27 11 957 2002

Topline Distributors T: +27 31 205-8305

Pentair T: +27 11 392 1177

Tool & Professional Services T: +27 11 955-1243

Hamilton Brush T: +27 21 903-3176 L.G. Harris T: +27 41 486-1978 USABCO T: +27 21 917 2000

L&G Tools (page 91) T: +27 31 717 6800 e: sales@lgtools.co.za w: www.lgtools.co.za 6 Kayalami Rd, Pinetown 361 page 110 | Hardware Edition 2017

Coverland 11 222 7406 Macsteel 11 741 5700

Metabo (pages 64-67)

Waterlinks T: +27 11 555 1000 Zodiac T: +27 11 237 3900

POWER TOOLS Black & Decker T: +27 11 472 0454

Bosch (page 62 & 63) T: +27 11 651 9600 e: Campbell.Mhodi@za.bosch.com w: www.bosch.co.za

CiB Partners (page 61) T: +27 11 434 1170 T: +27 21 551 7244 T: +27 31 579 5759

Marley Pipe Systems (page 57) T: +27 11 739 860 w: www.marleypipesystems.co.za Safintra 11 323 6300

Matus (Pty) Ltd T: +27 11 681-9100

Plusten (page 92 & 93) T: +27 11 434 1454 e: sales@plusten.co.za w: www.plusten.co.za 34 Mandy Rd, Reuven, Booysens, 2016

Agrinet T: +27 12 657 2000

Arcelormittal +27 16 889 9111

PLUMBING

Agrinet T: +27 12 657 2000

Academy Brushware (page 14 & 15) T: +27 11 873 1266 F: +27 11 873 3464 e: info@academybrush.co.za w: www.academybrush.co.za P O Box 501 Germiston 1400

ROOFING

T: +27 11 372-9600 F: +27 11 453-9963 e: ebotha@metabo.co.za w: www.metabo.co.za P O Box 4360 Edenvale 1610

MiTek (pages 68-71) T: +27 11 237 8700 e: marketing@mitek.co.za w: www.mitek.co.za MiTek Park, 754 16th Road, Randjespark, Ext. 34 Halfway House 1685 Timbalok T: +27 11 397 3917

SEALANTS

TTS Tooltechnic Systems Protool T: +27 11 570-2880 Vermont Sales T: +27 11 314 7711

RECRUITMENT

Recruitment Dynamix T: +27 11 678 3955 w: www.recruitmentdynamix.co.za

XPATWEB (page 97) T: +27 11 467 4241 e: marisa@xpatweb.com w: xpatweb.com

a.b.e. Construction Chemicals (page 89) T: +27 11 306 9000 e: info@abe.co.za w: www.abe.co.za P O Box 5100 Boksburg 1461

A.Shak (page10&11) T: +27 861 127 425 T: +27 11 822 2320 T: +27 21 905 6176 T: +27 31 579 2477 e: sales@ashak.co.za w: www.ashak.co.za PO Box 10449 Edenglen 1613 Agrinet T: +27 12 657 2000 Bostik T: +27 21 555 7400