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NEWS BUSINESS GROWTH
Pratley stands firm with
international and local market growth Shipping and supply-chain issues have led to a global shortage of a range of items and commodities says Pratley CEO, Andrew Pratley, who was recently featured on CNN’s Marketplace Africa.
Pratley constructed a new technologically advanced adhesives packaging facility.
“T
he world is shopping around at the
new range of flameproof cable glands
moment, and we have seen fairly
that make use of Pratley’s Taper-Tech
substantial international interest in all
flame-seal technology. “We believe that
of our products,” Andrew commented.
these glands are game-changers in the
Exports showed significant growth for Pratley in 2021, with new distributors appointed in Europe and
market,” says Andrew. Pratley also completed the
the Middle East. “Companies that can offer quality,
construction and commissioning of a
innovative products at good ex-store service levels
new technologically advanced adhesives
will benefit from the fallout of the pandemic.” In this
packaging facility. This follows a marked
regard, Pratley has a policy of maintaining a 95%
increase in domestic and export sales
ex-store service level, which has contributed to its
and gives room for future growth
We invest a lot in research and development in
success in 2021.
capacity. “We certainly see sustained
this area and we have our own highly advanced in-
growth for 2022, especially from our export
house electrical testing laboratory and personnel,”
markets,” notes Andrew.
explains Andrew.
“We experienced a fairly good uptick in adhesive sales towards the end of 2020 that was sustained going into 2021. With many staying at home and
In addition, Pratley’s electrical division has some
Andrew and Charles Pratley.
Commenting on the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic,
working from home due to the lockdowns, a greater
innovative products in the pipeline that it expects
Andrew acknowledges that 2021 proved to be
degree of attention has been given to DIY projects
to launch in the first half of this year. One will be a
a tough time for most businesses. “Indeed, the
and repairs,” notes Andrew. Pratley continues to
world-first, reveals Andrew. “We are also looking at
difficult challenges that South African businesses
see strong growth from the automotive repair
some exciting new adhesive and mineral products
face daily, especially from a regulatory point of view
market, especially in the informal sector. “We work
to be launched later in the year. We like to think of
does not help, either. However, challenging times
hard to build loyalty in this market, which has been
ourselves as a research and development company,
have proved to also be times of rapid innovation
using our products for many years. Customers
and it certainly lies at the heart of what we do.”
and opportunity.
trust the brand and believe in the reliability of
Well-known as a leading adhesive producer,
“In many cases, we have managed to dramatically
our products. This sector will be one of our main
Pratley’s electrical division is also a global leader in
streamline processes and improve product
marketing focus areas in 2022.”
electrical termination equipment, particularly cable
formulations or designs. We also have our incredible
glands, junction boxes and related accessories for
employees, who have contributed to our strong
also commissioned Africa’s most advanced perlite
hazardous locations. “In keeping with our policy,
growth in adverse times. We are fortunate to be
filter aid facility and launched Percolite perlite
the types of products that we produce tend to be
in a relatively strong position going into 2022, and
filter aid for the food, beverage and chemical
unique and highly innovative, with features and
we plan on being around for a long time to come,”
industries. On the electrical side, it launched a
benefits that out-perform others on the market.
concludes Andrew.
It was an eventful 2021 for the company, which
FEBRUARY 2022 DIY & INDUSTRIAL TRADE NEWS
