When Flip Du Preez, operations manager at Low’s Creek, realised his operators needed refresher training, he picked up the phone to Dolphin Bay.
Flights were booked and, within a week, our technical expert was on site to give assistance.
Low’s Creek, in the Kaap Muiden area of Mpumalanga, is part of the TTP group, one of the biggest and most reputable timber treaters in South Africa.
Dolphin Bay Sales Representative Mark Duckham visited Low’s Creek to identify the needs at the plant and propose solutions. Our technical advisor Gareth Jantjies then visited Low’s Creek and its sister plant Lowveld Treated Products, in Hazy View, to provide refresher operator training and technical oversight.
This ensured that the operators were not taking shortcuts, that the titration methods were standardised and that the treating processes were adequate.
Low’s Creek produces transmission poles, building and fencing poles, vineyard and fruit trellising and guardrail and signate poles, selling to customers in South Africa and many export markets.
“Low’s Creek has been operating an excellent plant for many years and its parent company TTP is one of the biggest and most reputable timber treatment companies in South Africa,” said Mark.
“No problem is too big for Dolphin Bay. They find out what the issue is, then get
back to us to say exactly how and when it will be sorted out”
“I’m impressed that Flip took immediate action on their treatment process as soon as it became necessary.”
Flip observed that all operators need refresher training over time because, like all people, they tend perform out of habit over time, glossing over some details.
“Gareth made our operators aware of these details all over again, ensuring that our titration levels and mixing were very good. The process also helped our operators realise, once more, how proper treatment saves costs for the company.”
Low’s Creek started off as a small treatment plant, but Dolphin Bay helped it to gain a footprint in the Lowveld area, such that it was able to set up its second plant, Flip added.
“Dolphin Bay’s service is excellent. Whenever we have a problem, we can phone and they’re always willing to help. The company goes out of its way to show treatment plants how to operate in the best way.
“No problem is too big for them, especially Mark. They find out what the issue is, then get back to us to say exactly how and when it will be sorted out.”
Gareth reinforced Flip’s point that no matter how experienced your treatment operators are, they cannot rest on their laurels. “You need a fresh pair of eyes, from an outsider, for perspective on the details. That’s why we do regular refresher training for our customers.”
The Dolphin Bay team wants its customers’ plants to be optimised, so they can be as competitive as possible, observed Bertus.
“We don’t just talk about service, we implement it every day and enjoy the process,” he added. “Our team gains huge satisfaction from making a material difference.”
Source: Dolphin Bay Chemicals
Website: www.dolphinbay.co.za
