The company invests in state-of-the-art technology as the foundation for its manufacturing excellence , and its success is underpinned by an investment in people , a passion for innovation and productivity improvement , and a commitment to cleaner production . Through this the company has realised significant cost savings and an expansion in range . “ The judges were impressed by the company ’ s performance , their commitment to the environment and to their people , and to the industry as a whole ,” said Melanie Veness , CEO of the PCB . “ They particularly noted the impressive photovoltaic power plant that the company has installed , its rainwater harvesting project , and the energy-efficient recycling of waste-fibre and yarn back into production .” “ Belgotex Floorcoverings is an exceptional business and a worthy recipient of this award ,” she said .
Business of the Year 2016 : State Owned Enterprise Umgeni Water
Umgeni Water won this this award for the second year running . This state-owned enterprise facilitates water infrastructure planning in the region and provides bulk water services to six municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal , as well as two in the Eastern Cape . Its operations have literally changed people ’ s lives as they ’ ve brought water to those who never had piped water , while simultaneously catering for the growing needs of an existing customer base . Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2015 , Umgeni Water is structured , operated and managed in much the same way as a privatelyowned commercial organisation would be . “ The judges said that Umgeni Water is ‘ refreshingly unlike other state-owned enterprises ’,” said PCB CEO Melanie Veness . “ It is an organization that knows how to sustain itself and is a role model to others in the public sector . It is a worthy winner of this award .”
Medium Enterprise of the Year 2016 : Cubicle Manufacturing Solutions
This is a new award category that was added in 2016 to recognize businesses that aren ’ t yet large enterprises but are already past the point of being categorised as a small business . Cubicle Manufacturing Solutions — manufacturers of toilet and shower cubicles , urinal screens , and lockers and benches — is a company that has rapidly outgrown the definition of a small business . It has shown impressive growth that far outpaces the industry norm . The company ’ s staff complement quadrupled from 16 to 63 in just three years and the company
52 | Issue 2 | Capital