BurEau VEritaS
FEATuRE
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Bureau Veritas Focus manufacturing
Bureau Veritas provides a one-stop service and innovative solutions in QHSE management, whatever the asset, product or business sector. Bruce Xiste Vice President of Bureau Veritas Southern africa says his company delivers the resources of a global group with a local, focused service. By ian armitage
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ureau Veritas is one of the world’s leading independent conformity assessment and certification companies, specialising in quality, health and safety, environmental and social responsibility. These, of course, are major pillars for businesses here in South Africa and across the region. “We are a global leader in conformity assessment and certification,” Bruce Xiste, Vice President of Bureau Veritas Southern Africa, says. With 80,000 clients in more than 100 countries, delivering over 100,000 certificates, there aren’t many that come close to matching the suite of services that Bureau Veritas is able to offer. It has a global network of 5,700 highly qualified auditors and expertise that is recognised by more than 35 national and international accreditation bodies. “We offer clients access to a comprehensive range,” says Xiste. In recent years the company has been busy adding to its asset base and strengthening its position in Southern Africa, particularly here in South Africa, with notable high-profile acquisitions including the purchase of Inspectorate, one of the world’s leading independent laboratory analysis, inspection and testing organisations. A major part of its business in South Africa is centred on coal and the coal industry, including on-site laboratories, exploration, plant, and shipments and consignments. Another prominent division of its Johannesburg-based operation specialises in metals and noncoal minerals such as platinum and chrome. Inspection of commodities coming in and out of South Africa along with movements within the national borders is also a chief area. Port activities include administering the Richards Bay Coal Terminal Laboratory on behalf of shareholders as well as a presence in Maputo. ‘Clean Chemistry’ – pharmaceutical, www.southafricamag.com
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Bureau Veritas Focus manufacturing
environmental and food – is another increasingly important niche. It was a significant acquisition. “The acquisition of Inspectorate is a major step forward for Bureau Veritas in its global leadership strategy, making it one of the world leaders in commodities inspection and testing,” he explains. “They have a strong local knowledge, doing things like environmental and food testing. It works with environmental engineering companies supporting them in testing and with major companies with environmental maintenance and monitoring programmes.” Much of Bureau Veritas’ growth here in South Africa, and indeed around the world, is driven by legislation and 4
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There’s always more and more demand for our work here because the market is also looking for more compliance
international standards and the need for companies to adhere to legislation. “The public and businesses are increasingly aware of the importance and significance of these issues,” Xiste says. “There’s always more and more demand for our work here because the market is also looking for more compliance. When you want to sell something, or you want to import something, we make sure that what you’re doing is compliant. Africa is becoming increasingly democratized and trade barriers are coming down. Economies are booming. The result is obviously increased demand for what we do as businesses look to take part in that.” Bureau Veritas employs 1200 people in Southern Africa, which is a major
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Bureau Veritas Focus manufacturing
trading hub and forms a vital part of international supply chains. Things are looking good. “They are,” Xiste admits. “The African economy is very strong and is showing growth. As subSaharan Africa integration into the global economy continues to improve, our business will increase. It is an exciting time and whether it’s industrial, mining, food, or whatever industry, we are able to help, providing local assistance and international understanding and experience.” Electricity demand across the continent is one area driving growth. So too is infrastructure investment. “There is a lot of demand coming from the energy sectors. Investments are being made in energy, in construction, in infrastructure and of course
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everybody needs food. In South Africa, infrastructure development will create demand for accreditation. We are of course specialised in the inspection, analysis, audit, and certification of products, infrastructure (buildings, industrial sites, equipment, ships, etc.) and management systems (ISO standards etc.) in relation to regulatory or voluntary frameworks. We are currently providing inspection services for the South African utility. We can do it all. “We will prepare for the increased demand for our services by investing in our systems. We will also have to double our footfall between now 2015 and that is a huge challenge.” Bureau Veritas is clearly in a strong position. But what else differentiates it from its rivals?
Although we are part of a big international group with all the advantages this brings, we provide very dedicated specialised services to our customers locally
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Proud to work with BUREAU VERITAS to supply ASME inspection services to the South African fabrication industry “Our single biggest asset is our staff and the awareness of where we are going and what we need to deliver,” says Xiste, who took up his current role in January. “Although we are part of a big international group with all the advantages this brings, we provide very dedicated specialised services to our customers locally. So our strength is firstly our staff – they are very strong and experienced - and then an awareness of what is required of us and where as a company we want to be.” Key too is understanding what customers need. “We have to identify the key drivers and the specifics customers require as a service. We set out to understand what those needs are, what is unique to the client, and ensure that what we deliver makes them happy.” To learn more about Bureau Veritas, which was founded in 1828, visit www.bureauveritas.com. END
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