Porex SA opens grand new premises at Zandwyk Park

Porex SA has found a new home at Unit 39, Zandwyk Business Park, after nearly two years of planning and construction. The ribbon was finally cut on Friday, 14 October, and the unveiling of the new building was simply glorious.

A lot of careful thought and planning went into the architectural design of the building. Lofted ceilings, cathedral-style windowpanes, and sleek, modern-looking exposed brick walls lends itself to a professional yet relaxed working environment.

A sizeable adjacent warehouse space means Porex has sufficient room to move and store heavy machinery and equipment, and even allow for real-live demonstrations for interested potential clients.

The launch of the new premises was hosted in spectacular fashion. More than 100 people, including various role-players from the South African wine industry and several international guests, attended the grand opening.

The evening’s entertainment was none other than husband and wife multi-instrumentalist folk-pop duo Lourens and Esté Rabé of the Bottomless Coffee Band, who kept the crowd on their feet with their funky music style.

Porex, who represents various international brands in South Africa, including Willmes, Rotovib by Armbruster, Flottweg, Erbslöh and TMCI (the list goes on …) invited several of its suppliers to attend the opening, and each representative had a turn to sings its praises for Porex’s long history of success with each brand.

Karl Rackerseder, head of EFO sales division for Flottweg in Germany, thanked Lionel and his team for their dedicated partnership with the big German company. “Thank you for your everything. We hope we can continue our long and fruitful partnership. We’re in this together, all the way.”

Ulrich Willmes, general manager, and grandson of the company founder of Willmes, only had good things to say about Lionel and the Porex team.

“Ten years ago, we were looking for someone dynamic and driven to partner with us and gain market share on the African continent. Lionel was our man. He started with absolutely zero and progressed to obtain 80% of Willmes’ market share.”

Ulrich puts it down to Lionel’s determination, passion, and his continuous efforts to keep clients satisfied. “We’ve had such good feedback from our clients on our machines, and we thank you for that.”

“What really impresses me about Lionel and his team is that they build their business around relationships. People is a big part of the company’s development, and we’re grateful to be a part of your story. Please continue with us to develop Willmes next generation of customers.”

Lionel Dickens, Porex SA sales manager, attributes the company’s success not only to its range of top-end equipment sourced from respectable global brands, but also its unsurpassed installation and aftersales service.

Porex staff comprises technical and commercial salespeople alongside a team of highly qualified and dedicated technicians available at their clients’ disposal.

“Great products mean nothing if you can’t back it up with great aftersales service,” says Lionel.

“We pride ourselves in offering reliable and efficient service to our customers, and many companies can attest to our ability to go the extra mile.”

“Every person here tonight, you’ve added to our value, and we thank you for that. We’re only as good as our suppliers. Here in South Africa, we try to be an extension of our suppliers in Germany and Italy, to provide you with the same level of service,” Lionel says.

“That’s our company philosophy: ‘service, service and service.’”

Lionel continues: “We thank everyone who’s here and who has supported us over the years. Whether you’re buying a Willmes press or one filter sheet, that’s enough for us. Big or small, every customer is important to Porex.”

About Porex

Porex SA supplies equipment and products to the wine, beer and beverage market. With more than 20 years’ experience, they are one of the leading companies in South Africa through its German and Italian suppliers.

Company staff consists of technical and commercial sales people, alongside the equipment technicians for installation, commissioning and after-sales.

Porex is proud to be distributors for Eaton, Cadalpe, Willmes, Armbruster, Flottweg, Erbslöh and TMCI.

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