The latest phase in an innovative scheme giving drivers ownership of a business, whilst realising a company’s enterprise development objectives is bearing fruit.

Adcock Ingram Critical Care recently handed owner-drivers the keys to their vehicles enabling them to now distribute Adcock Ingram products along allocated territories. The company has empowered the drivers through training in various standard operating procedures, new logistics technologies and business management skills, to ensure these new entrepreneurs get the best shot at business success.

Adcock Ingram Critical Care is a major supplier of life-saving medicines to hospitals and all the vehicles are branded with messages and images relating to the Critical Care mission and range of products.

Tobie Krige, head of the logistics division, at Adcock Ingram says, “Due to the nature of the products produced by the Critical Care facility, distribution takes place directly from the Aeroton site. I am passionate about this programme and have seen how it changes the lives of the new business owners.”

The launch of this Critical Care fleet of 17 vehicles augments an existing fleet of 25 vehicles, with owner-drivers already delivering the Adcock Ingram range of products from the main distribution point in Midrand, in Cape Town and Bloemfontein.

Meshack Matswi, one of the first-phase and now established owner-drivers, talked about his experiences and the value of being a director. “This is a serious business and the opportunity to be a business owner and employer most certainly has its rewards. I have been able to grant my youngest son his greatest wish and that is to train as a professional soccer player through the Brazilian Soccer School Academy. Without this opportunity offered by Adcock Ingram, I would not have been in the financial position to do this.”

Krige states “We believe in adding value to life and are committed to helping combat unemployment. There is a great entrepreneurial spirit shared by our owner-drivers and it is amazing to see how much dedication and effort people can put into something when given the chance.”