Serco Industries | KZN Future 50

Company Name: Serco Industries
Number of Employees: 400
Website: www.serco.co.za

What inspired you to start your business?

My father started our business from scratch here in KZN. I am very proud of the hard work he put into creating the base from which I have been able to springboard our growth to being a national player over the past few years. It makes us proud to see so many SERCO-made truck bodies and trailers driving on the roads all across South Africa.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome to sustain and grow your company?

We need to deliver world class products if we are to continue growing and to be able to hold our own against competitors elsewhere in South Africa, as well as from the threat of imports.

How are things going today?

The market is very challenging. Loadshedding and the state of the economy have created headwinds. Escalating raw materials prices due to global markets and the weakening rand also make the business environment very challenging right now. We, however, prefer to stay focused on how we can leverage the opportunities we see.  

READ: More KZN Future 50 businesses

What do you want your business to look like 3-5 years from now?

I would like to become a stronger force in the South African trailer market through innovation and world class quality. We are a proudly South African manufacturer, but we need great talent to help us take it to the next level.

What do you need to get you there faster (customers, suppliers, investment, skills, access to new markets, assets)?

We are looking for great talent – we currently need a Quality Engineer for our Durban plant. Someone who is fanatical about customers and quality; has attention to detail; quality system experience; a strong technical orientation. We are looking for potential agents to help us grow export sales into Africa.

If you got there faster, what would the benefit be for KZN economy/environment/society?

I am very passionate about local manufacturing and believe it can make a positive impact on the unemployment challenge we have in KZN and the country.  

Interesting facts

The trucks and trailers we have made over our 40 years in business have travelled in excess of two-billion kilometers. We use approximately 1,000 tonnes of steel per annum in our trucks and trailers.

ENTER: Submit your business to KZN Future 50

Image Credit: Supplied