Company keeps its full presence in South Africa.
Durmazlar South Africa, the sole importer in South Africa of the Durmazlar range of forming equipment, has opened up an associate company in Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital city.
“We have been one of Durmazlar’s most successful agents in the world since we were appointed to represent them in South Africa for the sales and servicing of their equipment in 2009. The owners and management of one of the leading metal working equipment manufacturer’s in Turkey recognised this fact and approached us last year to conduct a feasibility study to investigate creating a presence in a country where they had had limited coverage, with the possibility of opening up a business in the country,” explained Byron Gueffroy, owner of Durmazlar South Africa.
“We were very grateful that we had been acknowledged and accepted the daunting task but regarded it as a challenge and a business opportunity. Our nine-year association with Durmazlar has been very successful in many aspects and their sheet and plate manipulation equipment is now accepted as one of the leading brands in South Africa.”
“When we began our research it did not take us long to realise that this was more than an opportunity. Durmazlar has a number of installations in both Northern Ireland and Ireland so it had traction. But we could see that the brand had been neglected, to a certain extent, and needed a dedicated business like ourselves in South Africa to take the brand forward.”
“I have been surprised at the number of metal working engineering companies in both countries.”
“Initially we have based ourselves in the lovely town of Belfast, Northern Ireland where we have rented a space that can accommodate offices, a workshop and showroom. Once we are a bit more established we will open up a branch in Dublin, Ireland.”
“We have been pleasantly surprised how welcome we have been made to feel. The friendliness and helpfulness of the people has certainly made an impression on me.”
South Africa continues as is
“As you can imagine I have been spending some time away from the operations in South Africa, while I set up in Belfast. With all the electronic means that we have at our disposal these days this has not created any concerns. But to counteract any negative impressions in the market Sean Moriarty joined the company at the beginning of the year,” explained Gueffroy.
“Sean, who has over 20 years experience in the sheet metal and welding industry, joined the team in a senior management position so that he could oversee all aspects of the company here in South Africa, from sales to service. I might not be able to answer customer’s enquiries as quickly as they have become accustomed to because I might be on a plane between the two countries, so Sean is capable of stepping in.”
“It is business as usual for us at Durmazlar South Africa and our customers. We see this business opportunity in Northern Ireland and Ireland as adding value to our South African operation.”
About Durmazlar
Durmazlar is a leading machine producer in Turkey and a leader in the world market on metal working machines with its annual production capacity. Durmazlar, which improves its services and production as a tradition inherited from its founder, is one of the leading industrial institutions of Turkey.
Today, more than half a century after its inception, Durmazlar is exporting to 82 countries around the world and with its 150 000m² under roof production area and 1 000 employees, Durmazlar is constantly working to achieve better. Durmazlar has adopted the principle to produce world standard products by marketing the latest technologies at competitive prices.
Durmazlar was one of the first companies in Turkey to manufacture metal working machines. Today the company manufactures CNC hydraulic press brakes, full automatic presses, CNC hydraulic shears, punch presses, laser cutting and plasma cutting machines, plate and section rollers as well as band saws. These machines find a wide area of application sectors including automotive, construction, textile, electronics, air transportation, shipyards, defence and the industry of heating-cooling.
Production processes are performed by high precision machinery to ensure the same high performance after many years of use with the application of powder and robotic welding technology and stress-relieving treatments.
For further details contact Durmazlar South Africa on TEL: 011 865 4090 or visit www.durma.co.za
