BUSINESS
remains the anchor economy for
Cummins on the continent. For us to win
in Africa we have to win in South Africa,
and we’ll continue to invest here.”
Solid fundamentals
Speaking of Cummins’ decision to invest
in the country and the region despite the
turbulent economic and political climate,
Pimi explains: “Despite the constant news
that the South African economy is bad, or
that Africa in general is not doing well, we
believe that this is the right time for us to
make this investment. Even as we may be
seeing short-term challenges, we believe
that the fundamentals are solid for the long
term. Our key markets in the region include
mining, power generation, and marine
infrastructure, and this is the time for us to
show confidence in these markets — to
our employees, to our customers, and to
our communities.”
“For any major business, where
you have big opportunities, you have
challenges. One of the challenges we face
is the difficulty of finding qualified people,
which we are working to address through
investment in education and training. This
also fits into one of our core reasons to
be in Africa — unleashing the continental
talent,” he adds.
12
JANUARY 2018
In addition to the training offered to its
employees and customers, Cummins is
also launching its first technical education
programme for the community in South
Africa in early 2018. “We are partnering
with the Standard Bank community school
to develop skills that are market ready and
lacking right now when we recruit young
people,” explains Pimi.
Once this facility is completed,
there will be three Cummins flagship
facilities within an 8km radius: the new
consolidated facility; the Africa Middle
East ABO Johannesburg Regional
Office, which recently relocated to the
Allandale Building in Waterfall City; and
the Regional Distribution Centre, which
was inaugurated a little under three
years ago.
According to Pimi, the proximity to the
Cummins Africa Middle East operations
will enhance productivity, improve
strategic intent, and magnify collaboration
between functions. “I think that the
Johannesburg area is still the business
hub, not just for South Africa or southern
Africa, but for Africa, and having all these
offices consolidated in this particular place
and so close to our other major facilities
will help us serve our customers in a more
efficient manner.”
From left: James Tannenberger (Zenprop), Morne Whitehead (Attacq), Morne Wilken (Attacq), Gino Butera (Cummins VP & MD,
Africa Middle East), Rachid Ouenniche (MD of Cummins Distribution, Africa Middle East), Thierry Pimi (MD of Cummins Southern
Africa), and Stephen Standfest (Zenprop).
Thierry Pimi, MD of Cummins Southern Africa.