Cover story
new additions to our brand families. Our cyclone portfolio and screens portfolio have achieved sales far beyond our expectations,” Dyer mentions. Despite the company’s growing success, its future growth aspirations remain intact and business models have been executed to ensure personal and company targets are met and exceeded. It is no secret that Weir is acquisitive by nature. “There are definite gaps in the minerals processing stream that we have every intention of filling. We want to provide solutions and equipment across the entire process stream, while retaining our status as a premium supplier.”
Carrying the risk – and delivering on its promises One of the most innovative and client-attractive offerings is Weir Minerals Africa’s product trial period packages. “With new or unfamiliar products, we offer to operate the equipment on the m for a trial time frame mine frame,
which enables the client to determine whether the product is suitable or not. This is a very successful marketing exercise for us and is extremely effective in helping the industry become familiar with new products and their benefits. During this period, the operational costs of the equipment and the cost of the equipment itself is covered by Weir Miner-
A Linatex double deck banana screen prior to despatch to De Beers in June 2012
by a passionate management team. Weir Minerals Africa also places a lot of emphasis on individual employee growth and empowerment. Every product manager is encouraged and empowered to grow their portfolios
“We are doubling the size of our product ranges every one or two years, introducing new additions to our brand families” als,” Dyer explains. And the success is evident with 97% of the trial runs resulting in equipment orders. Trial periods on site also enable the company to identify areas for improvement, so changes can be made wherever necessary.
Empowering its employees There is a positive vibe amongst its employees, which to a large extent is generated
and aspire to take on more responsibility. “Through this, our staff are motivated, passionate and innovative, which all contributes to our company’s overall success,” Dyer points out. As a result, a number of the company’s employees have delivered first-time achievements (within the group) and are setting global benchmark standards. It is not just the company’s product offering that has changed, but the mindset of its employees and its devotion to offering clients solutions, not just equipment. The African subsidiary employs some 1 300 personnel, and is also working on improving its current Level 7 BEE rating. “Our focus here is aimed at investing at grass roots level, such as graduate development programmes.” The company has an extremely low staff turnover rate as well.
Changing perceptions Coupled
with
growing
its
Warman AH 14/12 slurry pumps qu prior to quality assurance checking
Inside Mining 09/2012
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