Pratley, the well-known local manufacturer of adhesives, electrical products and more, celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. “It is a proud moment for the company, especially as a privately-owned family business. We are now well into the third generation at the helm. There are few companies worldwide that make this milestone,” says CEO, Andrew Pratley.
CEO Andrew Pratley and COO Charles Pratley; the company marks its 75th anniversary this year.
Working alongside his family is top of the list in terms of personal achievements for Andrew. He formally joined the company in 2005, but before that had worked on the shopfloor in temporary jobs during school holidays. “My late father was my mentor. Previously working beside him and currently alongside my brother Charles have been the biggest privilege. We have witnessed the launch of many world-first products over the years. The launch of any new product really excites me.”
Andrew attributes the longevity of the company to its diverse and extensive product range being unlike that from any other company on the global market, coupled with a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable products. “I think people recognise the brand as an iconic South African name. And having in our line-up the only South African-manufactured product to have gone to the moon, there certainly is an element of pride.”
The policies underpinning the company’s operations have stood it in good stead during tough times. Remarkably, it has no debt, a diverse product offering and is largely self-reliant. Much of its production is undertaken in-house, including raw material production, together with research and development, marketing, logistics, and packaging design. It maintains a 95% ex-store service level, which is measured often. “This kind of service level is usually only found in industries such as aerospace,” Andrew notes.
Looking at the current business environment, he says that although the past two years after the Covid-19 pandemic stabilised somewhat for South African businesses, that stability has been interrupted by the prevailing global economic conditions. “The world goes through these economic ups and downs and that will always be a certainty. Things do recover eventually.”
Of concern is the current political and economic landscape in South Africa considered against the backdrop of a global recession. “For things to improve domestically, we need a competent, non-corrupt and pro-business political environment. There simply is no other choice.” As he sees it: “Businesses need people to operate. Make it easy to operate a business in South Africa and more businesses will open and stay open. Open, happy, and growing businesses employ people. It is as simple as that.”
Pratley will see the launch of at least two new electrical products in 2023, and some new additions to its adhesives range are also in the pipeline. One of these will be another world-first. Andrew highlights that research is and development will continue to be a cornerstone of the business. “We are committed to R&D, and we see our future and growth in continuing a long line of new products.”
The company invests heavily in R&D, financially and from a human resources perspective. Its recent launch of an innovative and internationally approved flameproof cable gland range for use in explosive atmospheres is a testament to that.
Another growth area is the export market, globally and especially in Africa. With the rest of the world facing challenges, the continent offers growth opportunities for Pratley’s electrical and adhesive ranges.
Acknowledging the company’s highly competent and hardworking staff, Andrew says, “Without good people, companies do not make it to 75 years. It is humbling to note that many employees began their careers at Pratley in their early 20s and many have retired successfully. This is also a testament to our high level of staff retention.”
He adds that, after 75 years, a lot of customers remain steadfast friends of the company and its staff. “Some have been with us for more than 40 years. We thank them for their loyalty and for ‘sticking’ with us. We will continue our relationships into the future by providing our customers with innovative and reliable solutions to their problems – in accordance with our policy statement: solutions that outperform all others.”
For more information visit: www.pratley.com