13 May 2019

The Managing Director of Flo-Tek Industries Mr Vijay Naik has urged Batswana to change the working culture.

Speaking during the ISO 15877-2 2009 certification of Flo-Tek Pipes and Irrigation by the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) in Gaborone recently, Mr Naik said the working culture, especially of the manufacturing companies, needs to be changed to adopt a 24 hours 7 days a week to increase business production and growth.

He stated that at the time of establishment in 1998, Flo-Tek faced tough competition from South African companies, which were dominating the Botswana market.

He said Flo-Tek Industries, became the largest manufacturer of plastic pipes in southern Africa, because of the working culture that it adopted when it was established.

He said when they started, manufacturing was still new to Botswana and operating a 24 hour shift 7 days a week was very tough, as employees were not used to that type of operational arrangement.

He stated that with the endless efforts to grow in plastic pipe manufacturing, they were now the largest producer of plastic pipes in the region with a production capacity of 35 000 tonnes annually, adding that 70 per cent of their production was exported to other members of the SADC region.

Mr Naik noted that the company was currently producing plastic pipes, fittings, irrigation tanks, underground septic tanks, underground manhole and inspection chambers, including production PVC pipes up to 500mm diametre.

He hailed the company’s working culture, saying they conform to various international standards that govern production and quality standards.

He said hard work and dedication have positioned them as an innovative manufacturer, adding that they were constantly coming up with innovative solutions and products.

He further said Flo-Tek recently started manufacturing operations in Ramotswa as part of the expansion drive.

He emphasised dedication, resources and perseverance in manufacturing companies as a way of doing things and business.

“Working 24/7 improved productivity and reduction in waste as work or production was done according to laid down procedures. it reduces production costs as work is done efficiently,” he said.

Mr Naik lauded the 24 hour 7 days a week as a solution for a vibrant manufacturing sector, which has the potential to contribute to the diversification of the country’s economy. Meanwhile, he said his company has a policy to reward those who work for 30 days without being late for work. He added that they also provide food so that workers do not work on empty stomachs.

He said the culture has been adopted by workers even though they still have challenges with a few.

Mr Naik pointed out that Flo-Tek was a clear testament to the potential of local companies to grow the economy and create more employment.

He said manufacturing remains critical sector in any country as it was a key driver of long-term sustainable economic growth, and creates more jobs than any other sector, while driving innovation in various segments of the economy.

He encouraged people to consider venturing into the manufacturing sector to own and become integral part of the manufacturing supply chain, to work harder as well as employ more people to produce results.

He mentioned that with the challenge of  high unemployment, the government is doing all to grow the manufacturing sector as to diversify the economy, adding that the sector has the potential to contribute to Botswana’s elevation to high income status as championed in the National Vision 2036. ENDS