PFK Electronics by Business Coverage

PFK ELECTRONICS

PFK ELECTRO

Innovation and quality on a global scale

ONICS

FK Electronics has been a supplier of automotive electronics systems for over 30 years. Established in Durban, it also has offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and has also been able to expand internationally. With bases in the UK, the US, Canada and also Sweden, PFK is truly a global brand supplying automotive manufacturers, fleet and freight companies and public transport bodies. PFK has always been about innovation, its what the company’s very existence is founded upon. Back in 1985 it developed a brand, Autowatch VSS, which soon rapidly dominated the domestic vehicle security solutions market to they and combat car break-ins and vehicle thefts. Since then, PFK’s business has expanded to 28 countries across the globe. Its advanced security systems are tailored to unique market products, which include bespoke OEM dockside fitment solutions, alarms, immobilisers, park distance controllers, central locking systems, anti-hijack systems and a comprehensive range of related accessories. BRANDS Autowatch is the leading supplier of vehicle security, telematics and vehicle interlock solutions in South Africa, and has carved a firm foothold for itself in numerous locations around the world, including the USA, Australia and Europe. In 2012, PFK was able to expand its capabilities into control instruments

by acquiring Pi-Shurlok and moved its production facilities into Pietermaritzburg as a result. This state-of-the-art production facility afforded the rebranded PFK Shurlok the ability to custom build unique solutions in high volumes, to a variety of clients and design specifications from around the world. PFK Shurlok supplies a variety of body control modules and many other custom-built parts and plastics to Original Equipment Manufacturers. Quality is a core value that defines PFK, and all products are manufactured to the same stringent international standards, ensuring a level of reliability and design excellence. PFK’s goal is to not only be best-in-class in its existing product markets, but to translate its expertise in emerging and exciting new technologies. For PFK though, the hard work starts at the research and development stage and that is what has helped to make them so successful. THE AUTOWATCH FAMILY Along with Autowatch VSS, PFK’s other brands are Autowatch Telematics and Autowatch Breathalok. Autowatch Telematics utilises telecommunication devices and advanced algorithms to take tracking and video fleet management far beyond stolen vehicle recovery. In 2017, PFK announced its withdrawal from direct sales for its Telematics product range which as launched two years earlier. By leaving the sales to its trusted partners both nationally and

internationally, PFK can fully focus on design, development and the manufacturing of its world class solutions through their current and future partner network. The decision makes sense practically as Ben van Rooyen, the CEO of PFK’s Telematics Division, Autowatch Telematics, comments, “More and more companies are approaching PFK to sell its products, particularly its world leading

Video Telematics device, as well as for PFK to manufacture tailor made products for their end client requirements.” PFK’s direct sales efforts meant competing with its partners, disincentivising the channel and fracturing the market. PFK plans to channel those resources back into managing partner relationships while providing some of the best research and development, design and manufacturing

ability in South Africa and the World. Van Rooyen goes on to say, “This will ensure our partners can continue to meet their customers’ demand for increasingly innovative products and services.” Autowatch Breathalok is all about preventing one of the biggest hazards on roads all over the world: drivers under the influence of alcohol. First introduced to the market in 2003, these cutting edge tethered and wireless alcohol ignition breathalyzer systems help keep vehicles, staff members, and other road users safe. “These systems are vital against ‘drink driving’ in both commercial and correctional contexts around the

globe. From North America and Europe to South Africa and the United Kingdom, you will find Autowatch Breathalok products in any setting where adherence to an alcohol-free policy is required,” says PFK. PFK’s numbers speak for themselves. Employing almost 500 members of staff, having served over 800 customers and manufactured more than 27 million devices, it is going from strength to strength. With 70 percent of its products exported and over a 65 percent market share in South Africa’s security market, it is in a much envied position as it continues to innovate and inspire in its fourth decade.

The key to a successful business lies in good collaboration, communication and relationships that assist customers derive value from their investments.

www.cornastone.co.za info@cornastone.co.za

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Oliver Moy Publisher

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