Business Enquirer Issue 123 | Fontayne International | March 2024

SUPPORTING AFRICA’S VALUABLE INDUSTRIES

SUPPORTING AFRICA’S VALUABLE INDUSTRIES

At its very core, Fontayne International is providing a sustainable solution to the breadth of industries using plant equipment.

FONTAYNE

PROJECT

DIRECTED BY:

JAMIE WAITE

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY:

LAURA WATLING

Established in the United Kingdom in 2015, Fontayne, led by Managing Director Karo Okpurhe, supplies parts and equipment used in a variety of cranes, stackers, forklifts, and trucks, predominantly used in the port industry.

On a mission to source products and parts for clients directly from the original component manufacturers, Fontayne collaborates with clients to provide bespoke demand and supply management solutions. As such, it is able to eliminate delays from the supply chain by providing quality parts on time, eliminating downtime on client operations.

“We deliver parts efficiently to our clients, saving them time and money which they would have otherwise spent transporting the equipment to a maintenance centre. By eradicating the need to move the equipment off site, we also support our customers in reducing their carbon emissions,” explained Karo.

Fontayne supplies genuine machine spare parts products direct from the manufacturer and are official agents and distributors for Dana Spicer. In addition, it sources high quality wire ropes, axles and axle parts (for which it is a distributor for AxleTech), and has a robust filter offering.

Although well-known in servicing the ports, terminals, and maritime industry, Fontayne’s scope reaches far beyond.

“With a wide variety of parts, we can support construction, mining, and agriculture sectors, as well as the military and airports,” explained Karo, “however, in the near term we’re exploring the opportunities of expanding further into the likes of agriculture and mining”.

The business’ relationship with Lekki Port has supported Fontayne in achieving a

stronghold in the port industry in Nigeria, having worked with the port since its preconstruction phase.

“We’ve been able to support the port’s development every step of the way. Recently, the port berthed the largest container vessel in Nigeria, and we’re proud to have played a role in keeping the port functioning for this milestone,” said Karo.

Docking at Lekki Port in January 2024, the Maersk Edrine has a length overall of 367 metres and a width of 48.2 metres.

Recently, Fontayne successfully embarked on a multi-million dollar project, critical to the port’s operations. This involved the tendering of 20 spreaders, five for ship-toshore cranes, and 15 for rubber tyre gantry cranes on the yard side.

FONTAYNE INTERNATIONAL

“With our strong and trusted supply chain network we were able to source high quality spreaders from the appropriate, industry leading manufacturers, with all parts being delivered on time and within budget, which is vital to our customers” explained Karo.

A Dynamic Leader taking Fontayne into the Future

At the helm of Fontayne International is Karo, who started his career in the finance industry having received a BSc in Economics and an MSc in International Business.

After two years at Oceanic Bank (Now Ecobank) as an Asset and Liability Management Analyst, followed by four years in procurement roles at APM Terminals, Karo established Fontayne.

“My experience has enabled me to gain a deep understanding of the importance of a robust supply chain in order to prevent downtime and contribute positively to the bottom line,” shared Karo, “this inspired me to use all my expertise and experience to launch Fontayne International, which is providing valuable employment opportunities to people in Nigeria,”.

A young leader taking strides in the industry, Karo describes his leadership style as “Dynamic, transformational, and futuristic”.

“It’s important that we embrace the ever evolving development of technology and look forward to the future,” he said. And Karo anticipates that AI will have a positive impact on Fontayne’s operations, playing a role in optimising the business’ capabilities.

In its (nearly a) decade of operations, Fontayne has gathered an immense amount of data around its customer’s requirements.

“AI will support us further in being able to predict parts demand, enabling more efficient inventory forecasting and management,” explained Karo, “it will also be beneficial to repair and maintenance predictions, as well as enhancing specificity, such as which coolants, filters and lubricants will suit the location of our customers depending on the season”.

It is clear to see how integration of AI will support Fontayne in making its customer’s life easier, with less down time and better bottom lines.

“Our vision is to become the most reliable, reputable and trail-blazing supplier of heavy duty products and parts. As we integrate more technology into the business, it will support us in this journey,” highlighted Karo.

As well as developing its existing service offering and marketplaces, Fontayne is looking to establish a strong after-sales service to its customers, including further repairs and maintenance.

“We want to embed ourselves into our customers' operations, all the while ensuring we can support their business by reducing downtime and costs and improving its carbon footprint,” said Karo. www.fontayneint.com

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