PLASSER SOUTH AFRICA AND GULFSTREAM ENERGY: KEEPING SOUTH AFRICA’S RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE IN MOTION Supplier security and remote delivery of quality fuel products enable Plasser South Africa to ensure the smooth and seamless operation of South Africa’s railway transport system. Plasser South Africa, local partner and agent for Plasser & Theurer (recognised world leader in the design and manufacture of heavy on- track maintenance machinery), is in the business of taking care of South Africa’s railway infrastructure. From the manufacture or supply of new machines and spare parts, technical support, major component overhaul and machine refurbishment through to regular maintenance, Plasser South Africa ensures the smooth and seamless operation of our country’s railway transport system. “An essential part of our service business is the maintenance of railway lines across the country,” says Deon Hellberg, Financial Director, Plasser South Africa. Operating on three main railway lines; Saldanha – Sishen, OREX and the main line running between Johannesburg and Durban, Africa’s remotest areas. “It’s a challenging business and one which demands operational Key to Plasser South Africa’s ability to deliver uninterrupted service and maintenance anywhere they are required, is the guaranteed supply and delivery of quality fuel products. “We use on average about 40,000 litres of fuel per month, with each delivery requiring anything from 10,000 – 20,000 litres,” continues Hellberg. But the supply of fuel is a volume based business, with larger players not always able to deliver smaller quantities. Plasser South Africa found itself in the position with its current supplier not able to supply the volumes required (smaller than large industry) to the remote areas in which Plasser South Africa operates. “The consequences of this are huge,” continues Hellberg. “Reliable access to fuel is critical to our service delivery, without which we are incapable of meeting service agreements.” In addition, delayed deliveries result in problematic downtime leading to both a loss of productivity and unnecessary costs as a result of machines and maintenance personnel left stranded for days in remote locations. Consequently, Plasser South Africa began researching alternative fuel suppliers. Gulfstream Energy, supplier of quality and innovative petroleum solutions to a wide range of customers within all experience across the entire petroleum value chain, Gulfstream is known for its excellent supply reliability, fast, “After discussions with Gulfstream, we embarked on an initial test run of a few shipments after which it was appointed as our preferred fuel supplier,” continues Hellberg. With a diverse supplier network nationwide at the best price possible, critical to the smooth running of Plasser South Africa. “In addition, its excellent B-BBEE rating assists us with our own procurement and B-BBEE scorecard, another essential element,” says Hellberg. “Reliable access to fuel is critical to our service delivery” Plasser South Africa CASE STUDY Deon Hellberg, Financial Director, Plasser South Africa