JURGENS CI
JURGENS CI
Business is Booming for
Caravan Champions PRODUCTION: Timothy Reeder
With 42 shops now strategically placed across the country, and even having expanded its footprint into Namibia, Jurgens Ci is South Africa’s oldest and largest manufacturer of caravans and Campworld the country’s biggest supplier of caravans, trailers and camping accessories. Its recent sale will breathe further life into an already established giant of this burgeoning industry, for whom camping really is a lifestyle.
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INDUSTRY FOCUS: MANUFACTURING
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South Africa has on offer a raft of superb campsites, hundreds of options whether on the banks of a river, nestled in the mountains or within walking distance of the beach. The Mazhou Campsite located at the Mapungubwe National Park is just one example, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of this World Heritage Site; equally the nine coastal camping sites spread out along Namaqua National Park’s 40km of pristine west coast shoreline showcase the very best that the country has to offer to any outdoor holidaymaker. The sustained resurgence of the previously humble pursuit of camping, joined in recent years by its arguably more upmarket and glamorous cousin, ‘glamping’, shows no signs of halting. Increasingly, the ease of travel coupled with an ever-growing focus on the part of the South African government on tourism as a key growth market today makes it among the most viable options for a low-cost, lowhassle break. South Africans are famed for a love of being outdoors, and as a destination with such unique national parks and wildlife offerings it makes perfect sense that they would do their utmost to use it to its full extent. Indeed, StatsSA’s tourist
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accommodation report bears out clearly the notion that both locals and visitors to the country are never happier than when taking to the wild to feel the breeze on their faces and some sun on their backs, while enjoying a well-earned a break. Its tourist accommodation report in March 2016 evidenced the highest year-on-year growth in income for caravan parks and camping sites, an increase recorded at 31.4%. This was followed by the Other category which includes lodges, bed-and-breakfast establishments, self-catering establishments and establishments not elsewhere classified which itself showed an impressive 18.7% growth rate. Added to the obvious attraction of South Africa’s peerless surroundings are more blunt economic factors, given that outdoor camping and caravan stays are more likely to emerge as more affordable than their arguably more luxurious counterparts - such as hotels and guesthouses - an important consideration given the current economic climates locals face due to the Rand value. What is more, the freedom implicit in outdoor holidays mean that there is complete freedom to plan and enjoy an escape entirely suited to
individual tastes and experiences. This is where Jurgens Ci, Southern Africa’s largest supplier of caravans, trailers and camping accessories, is perfectly placed to step in and assist in the execution of the ideal trip. Established more than 60 years ago, it holds some 90% of the local caravan market, in addition to an export operation which sees it send locally manufactured caravan kits to Australia for assembly and sale. The company has additionally grown to be renowned for the quality and engineering of its on- and offroad trailers, the latter of which incorporates the Jurgens Safari 4×4 range, as well as for its specialist conversions of purpose-specific vehicles. “You can count on us for unmatched expertise and experience,” summates Jurgens Ci. “Our network of dealers throughout South Africa and Namibia, and our exports to Australia, Holland and New Zealand combine to allow us to offer a full range of products, after-sales service and sales of parts and accessories. “We offer you four worldclass caravan brands as well as specialised units that meet the demanding needs of off-road enthusiasts and 4x4 travellers.” Jurgens was founded in 1952 by Geert ‘Oubaas’ Jurgens and his sons, Dirk and Rieks, who emigrated to South Africa from the Netherlands in 1950. The company currently produces over 1700 new caravans a year, with an extensive dealer network in South Africa and Namibia. Alongside this Jurgens Ci also exports units to Australia, where it has a production facility, the Netherlands and New Zealand. Campworld, the retail brand under which Jurgens Ci distributes its products locally, has become one of the most iconic and ubiquitous sights in many neighbourhoods throughout the country.
JURGENS CI
The sites are characterised by a bold corporate look and a rewarding shopping experience, while dealerships have been upgrading their sites of late to incorporate the retail shops as well as caravan and trailer sales, all under the Campworld banner. In addition to caravans and trailers, the outlets also market camping equipment and accessories, including products from the Howling Moon range that include tents, awnings and covers. The Campworld shops work closely with suppliers to obtain new ideas and equipment, while development and innovation are two ongoing concerns in order to satisfy the evolving needs of existing and new clients. Its goal is to satisfy clients through all the different stage of life, as
they progress from singletons to newlyweds, and then on to larger families and pensioners. Owned by Imperial Holdings since 2007, Jurgens Ci was the subject in February this year of a sale to Diamondis Pty Ltd, seeing it take charge of Jurgens Ci Pty Ltd, Jurgens Australia Pty Ltd and Prestige Safari Centre Pty Ltd, as well as owning and operating four Campworld dealers and two Safari Centre stores. Jurgens Ci management described its confidence and excitement about the new acquisition, looking ahead to the new ideas, growth and expansion opportunities which will open up in the wake of this sale. The new owner is a South African investor headed up by Paul Kyriacou, himself a South African entrepreneur, who has interests
in retail supermarkets, a caravan dealership, other manufacturing business and property. According to Bradley Salters, Managing Director of Jurgens, the sale is, “an exciting development for Jurgens Ci, as a new investor will bring along new ideas.” Already renowned for being one step ahead of with the latest international trends and needs in the market, this move looks set to ensure that Jurgens retains its status as the king of the road.
JURGENS CI inad@jurgens-ci.co.za www.campworld.co.za
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AFRICA
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR AFRICA’S INDUSTRY LEADERS
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Issue No.63
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TRANSNET PORT TERMINALS
Making SA Ports
World Class Exclusive Interview with
Nozipho Sithole
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
SANSA / Imperial Holdings / Select PPE / Matus
A S F E AT U R E D I N
ENTERPRISE AFRICA
OCTOBER 2017