[Interview] Greg Koch, Managing Director, Winner Hydraulics, South Africa
Greg Koch has worked with Winner Hydraulics Africa, South Africa for fifteen years, and for the past six years has held the post of Managing Director. With his strength and background in Sales and Business Development, he is also part owner of the company.
Would you please introduce your company to us?
Winner Hydraulics Africa was founded in 1999 with the intent of capturing a segment of the Hydraulic Adaptor Market in South Africa. Our product range and customer base grew fairly rapidly, importing hydraulic hose and fittings, seamless steel tube, steel tube fittings and many more. In 2004 we opened up a branch in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We supply our products to the industry and the end users.
In which industries does Winner Hydraulics operate?
We operate in the Construction, Mining and Agriculture industries.
What are the USP’s of your business?
It is really simple: our trained and knowledgeable sales people. Open and efficient, they go out of their way to make sure that the customers gets what they want in the time that they need it, always going that extra mile.
Who are your clients?
Our clients are really anyone that has a hydraulic shop/company or anyone that supplies hydraulics and hydraulic services – mines, construction companies, OEM’s. We specialize in hydraulic hose and fittings, so anyone that uses those products, including hydraulic adaptors, steel tubes and fittings.
How does Winner Hydraulics Africa remain competitive in a fast-changing global marketplace?
It is very important to keep up with the industry trends. We do this by having very good relationships with our customers. It is very important to stay informed and anticipate the needs and specific requirements of the market. This way we can capitalize on any new trends and/or products.
What can the government and entrepreneurs do to stimulate the business environment in South Africa?
Well for one, I think that government and entrepreneurs need to communicate better and there should be a common goal, and that is the development of the middle class. Here I think the government needs to take the lead. There are many entrepreneurs that are contributing in a very positive way, but the challenges from Government and their policies are making it very difficult. There seems to be an overall lack of communication, but to build and develop a middleclass and encourage more businesses to thrive, be they of any race or gender, would be the answer really.
What can you say about the targets, plans and ambitions of Winner Hydraulics Africa for 2015?
We will be very focused on reducing our costs/expenses, so profitability at the end of the day. We have made some changes in how we operate and geared ourselves to tackle the OEM and Mining Market more aggressively in South Africa. Also we will be looking for opportunities within Africa. We see this as possibly our biggest growth point at this stage.
Do you believe Social Media and the Internet to be a plus to the business environment, as it applies to your industry?
Yes I believe that it is a plus. Though in our industry it hasn’t really taken off as it has in many others, it is slowly becoming a must do rather than “that’s for others, not us”.
It is something that is in our marketing plan for 2015.
What expectations do you have for South Africa´s economy in 2015?
I do not expect a fantastic year by any means. Confidence seems very low among so many. At this point, middle of March, business is still very slow. However I like to be optimistic, I need to be, so I think that it will be a very similar year to last year. There are again talks of strikes and protests already have taken place on some mines, a transport strike is looming and I heard of another metal industry strike. All this makes the business environment extremely challenging. Last year we saw many SME’s close down due to the platinum strike and the metal industry strike. This is where I believe that Government can make the biggest impact and be firmer on the labor unions. They are very disruptive. All in all I think 2015 will not be so different from the past year.
Which African economies will perform best in 2015?
Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana. They have large populations and large raw material basis. There is also an enormous level of activity in these regions.
Africa Business Communities is conducting a series of interviews with CEO's in Africa. Are you a CEO in Africa and interested in an interview? Please send an e-mail to Andrea Ayemoba: andrea@africabusinesscommunities.com