COMPANY PROFILE
2014
Foskor
Innovative industrial protection
company profile
Innovative industrial protection Editorial: Harriet Pattison Production: Chris Bolderstone From humble beginnings through exponential growth in the last 50 years, Foskor continues on its very successful run producing phosphoric acid and phosphates, maintaining the impressive accolade of ‘Best Employer’ and now, giving a helping hand to smaller companies across South Africa
The country’s leading phosphate producer, Foskor has been featured in IndustrySA a number of times, namely due to its exponential and impressive growth since 1951. Growing from a single phosphate mining operation to introducing beneficiation of phosphate rock into phosphate acid and fertilizers, selling products both locally and globally as far as India, Mexico and Holland. With over 2000 employees, the majority work at the Phalaborwa site where a large proportion of phosphate rock is sourced. Up to 80% of this production is then transported to the large plant in Richard’s Bay where the remainder of employees are based and where product is then exported from.
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STILL SITTING AT THE TOP Awarded ‘Best Employer’ two years running by the CRF Institute has firmly cemented Foskor as leaders not only in phosphate production but staff satisfaction too. The driving force behind this accolade is the company’s HR department, ensuring staff development is at the front line of Foskor going forward. CEO of Foskor, Alfred Pitse explains: “We have succession plans. The first priority for us is to groom our own people and develop them, it is only when we cannot get people internally that we would look elsewhere for employees. The development of our people and their growth in the company is critical for Foskor.” Succession plans are implemented for employees to grow in the company and despite suffering the effects of the economic slowdown in 2008, Foskor remain determined to retain this award
Foskor
for many years to come by prioritising its employees and maintaining its involvement in the community. Education remains a strong incentive and focus for the company as it continues to be involved with community projects, namely the Foskor community centre and primary school in Namakgale. Foskor wish to embrace the development and achievements of maths and science in young people. Assisting with various administration activities and providing equipment to local schools and libraries not only places Foskor on a pedestal within the community but also helps to encourage the future generation to work hard and succeed. With such industry recognition, Foskor is able to provide ongoing support for the University of Zululand’s Science Centre to access world-class scientific technology and apparatus.
SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE In March this year, Foskor launched the Supplier Development Initiative in collaboration with the South African Supplier Diversity Council (SASDC) to implement, fund and support the development of all black suppliers by giving them a helping hand into the supply chain. The four month training program which runs until July this year, is executed by 20/20 Insight, a company that specialise in both supplier and enterprise development. By working with reputable companies like Foskor, 20/20 Insight help to develop SME businesses in line with its empowerment objectives, driving benefits for both companies. Sifiso Mncube, Divisional Procurement Manager at Foskor, explains in a statement: “In the last four years Foskor took a view that as a company we cannot go forward unless we share the
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company profile
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Structural Applications
WE DRY HARDER! Established in 1983, drytech international is a dynamic company dedicated to specialising in high-tech thermal engineering for the drying and processing of mineral products. This philosophy extends from laboratory and pilot plant facilities, turnkey installation and, ultimately, to developing the optimum drying conditions for client applications. drytech international’s extensive in-house technology base covers the full spectrum of industry, from mining through chemical to food. Product range consists of spray drying, rotary, flash, kiln, conveyor/tunnel, cabinet, freeze and various configurations of fluidised bed equipment. drytech international also provides sound and innovative consulting services with technical advice on all areas relating to process and plant / Upgrading of existing plant to higher efficiencies / Supply of equipment / Full turnkey project / Supervision of erection / Commissioning / Process development. Cost-effective, flexible, reliable, customised solutions are what you can expect when drytech international becomes your thermal processing partner! Drytech International (Pty) Ltd | 50 Mimetes Road | Denver | Johannesburg | South Africa Tel: +27 11 622 2773 | Fax: +27 11 615 1801 | Email: info@drytech.co.za | www.drytecheng.com
economy and we are able to bring black suppliers into the core function of what we do.” The ‘Optimization and Growth Strategy’ training for each of the 10 suppliers involves fortnightly business modules including company diagnostics, accounting, human resource management and planning. The desired outcome of this training is to optimise business and initiate business plans for each individual company with a 10 year business strategy in place to help monitor and maintain business sustainability. What really sets this development initiative apart however is all participating suppliers are 100% black owned companies with two of these owned solely by women. Foskor are going above and beyond the line of duty to give each of these companies an opportunity by investing both knowledge, time and money into ensuring a positive and ongoing development.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE A major player in both mining and chemical processing industries and dominating the local market, Foskor now look forward to an increasingly
bright future with plans to move further into South Africa and neighbouring countries to ensure all local demand for phosphate production is satisfied. Staying true to the company’s plan to retain Africa’s independence, Foskor sold a 15% stake of its company to the Manyoro Consortium, a group of six black businesses led by Makana Energy Consortium. This deal will help up to one million beneficiaries, including women and beneficiaries with disabilities, strengthening not only the community spirit of Foskor but its vital position as the country’s leader in phosphate production.
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“In the last four years Foskor took a view that as a company we cannot go forward unless we share the economy and we are able to bring black suppliers into the core function of what we do” MAY 14 PAGE 5
www.foskor.co.za Tel: +27 11 347 0600
(0)1603 618 000 info@industrysa.com East Coast Promotions Ltd, Ferndale Business Centre, 1 Exeter Street. Norwich, Norfolk NR2 4QB