The new Sasolburg premises in the well-known Naledi industrial park positions both Dekra Industrial and the IOL within close proximity to key clients in the petrochemical and other sectors, offering enhanced accessibility and operational efficiency.
Dekra Industrial and its training division, the Dekra Institute of Learning (IOL) are pleased to announce their move into impressive new premises in Naledi industrial park outside Sasolburg – and the expansion of their existing premises in Secunda – with a dynamic ‘one-stop’ shop offering encompassing non-destructive testing (NDT), inspection, lifting inspections, vendor certification and adult-based occupational training.
As such, the new and upgraded premises reflect Dekra Industrial’s focus on growth, as well as the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing client relationships, operational efficiency and community engagement. The expanded premises also mark a strategic shift away from DEKRA Industrial and the IOL operating as two separate entities, says Johan Gerber, Managing Director of Dekra Industrial.“By co-locating under one roof and consolidating NDT, inspection services and training, the company can now offer a holistic, safe and seamless service to clients, as the ‘heroes of safety’ which we strive to be – in line with our parent company Dekra’s commitment to be a global partner for a safe and sustainable world by 2025,” Gerber explains.This strategy has already proven successful, as the company is attracting new business and also further strengthening its relationships with longstanding clients in key target sectors.
Enhanced efficiency and proximity
Gerber furthermore highlights the operational benefits of the expansion, explaining that the move was essential to accommodate the company’s growing footprint and offerings: “The new premises in Sasolburg and expanded premises in Secunda have brought us physically closer to our clients, reducing our response time from 45 minutes to just 15 minutes. This leads to significant improvements in operational efficiency for Dekra Industrial and our clients.” Gerber also notes that the consolidation of DEKRA Industrial and the IOL under one roof allows for the delivery of a stronger, all-encompassing service offering: “By combining our services, we can now offer a unified, comprehensive solution to our clients, which was previously not possible due to space constraints,” he adds. The Secunda branch has also expanded its offerings and capabilities, particularly in the area of NDT replica services, which are crucial for assessing the structural integrity of components under stress.A stronger community focus
Christopher Mörsner, Head of Training and Consulting at the Dekra IOL, explains that the move supports the IOL’s Vision 2028, which is centered on making a difference – and a sustainable impact – through adult-based occupational training and skills development. He points out that the consolidated services in Sasolburg will help to meet the needs of the local industry by bringing training services directly to clients in the Vaal Triangle region:“Our ability to offer QCTO-accredited safety and occupational training, combined with a flexible, hybrid approach, allows us to provide tailored solutions which cater to our clients’ specific requirements,” says Mörsner.He emphasises that this model not only supports local businesses: “It also fosters employment opportunities for the community by providing affordable, accessible training for those already in industry seeking to grow, and for school-leavers who cannot go to university,” he advises.
Excellent client engagement
The initiative to expand the premises is the brainchild of Donovan Vermeulen, Dekra Industrial Vaal Triangle Branch Manager, who recognised the strategic benefits of moving closer to key clients in the region. Vermeulen is very enthusiastic about the positive impact the expanded premises will have on client engagement: “Being closer to our clients, especially those in Sasolburg and Secunda, allows us to provide faster response times and more efficient services, which ultimately saves them both time and money.” Vermeulen also notes that the enhanced proximity means Dekra Industrial can respond to client requirements far more swiftly, particularly during critical situations such as breakdowns. He points out the beneficial effect that the new premises in Sasolburg and expansion in Secunda has had on the company’s employees, stating that the move to larger premises has boosted morale and productivity.“The team is now more motivated, and the improved working environment has led to better service delivery, as happy employees work better! As the business grows, we also anticipate creating more local employment opportunities, further contributing to the community,” he enthuses.