Worley Parsons

WRITTEN BY CHARLES ROBERTS

WorleyParsons South Africa is able to draw upon a comprehensive worldwide network to deliver energy and resources solutions at a local level.

TAILORED Local SOLUTIONS

USING Global EXPERTISE

Although the business

has been in existence

for several decades, it

is still a relatively young player

in South Africa. Even so, in less

than five years it has acquired

other industry players, grown

its footprint and achieved great

success.

After monitoring the

company’s story as well as

tracking recent developments,

Endeavour magazine decided to

get in touch with WorleyParsons

South Africa CEO Greg Denton

to get the lowdown on an

intriguing industry and market.

WorleyParsons in Africa

This particular engineering

enterprise traces its roots in

Africa back to the early 1970s,

when Parsons E&C established

offices in Cairo, Egypt. Over the

years that followed the company

spread across the continent,

including a joint venture

in Nigeria with DeltaAfrik

Engineering in 2003.

However, its South African

journey started when the

business bought a 50 per cent

share in engineering house

Pangaea. Three years later,

WorleyParsons acquired the

remaining half in addition to

consulting firm KV3. Thanks

to these two takeovers,

WorleyParsons has now

established a substantial and

recognised South African

presence.

This year, the company

enhanced its capabilities even

further with the announcement

of another major buyout as Greg

explains: “After purchasing TWP,

we now have well over 2000

employees in South Africa and a

large portfolio of projects spread

right across the Hydrocarbons

WORLEYPARSONS

Operating in the resources and energy sectors, the Australian firm WorleyParsons Limited is a multinational engineering, project delivery and management company. With over 40,000 employees, a presence in over 40 countries and 165 offices worldwide, this Australian Stock Exchange listed company knows a thing or two about global energy solutions.

Home of Service Excellence

Tshireletso Business Engineering (Pty) Ltd, established in March 2002, with an Electrical Engineering focus providing Electrification Maintenance and Construction, Engineering Project Management and Business Solutions to its clients. The company is a black owned and managed and therefore adhere to the demands regarding black empowerment as set by our Government.

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91 Vlagskip Street, Laser Park, Honeydew, Johannesburg+27 11 794 1270 , +27 11 794 8391, +27 11 794 9425www.tbusiness.co.za

and Mining sectors. Most of this activity came from TWP.”

The project house, now trading as WorleyParsons TWP, is a

major provider of engineering design, procurement and construction

management with a great deal of industry competence.

“We are excited about integrating them into our global business,”

notes Greg. “They are global experts in underground mining and

precious metals, so taking this South African knowhow to the world is

a fantastic opportunity for us.”

Commitment to people through a unique local global model

“It`s always about people. We are a company that delivers a

professional service,” Greg confidently asserts. “The quality of our

people, the use of our systems and processes, consistent levels of

performance and advice as well as delivery expertise is what we pride

ourselves on.”

While Greg considers these core values to be WorleyParsons

SA’s unique selling point, the company also differentiates itself from

competitors through a unique ‘local global’ model. While industry

rivals make decisions from a centralised office, WorleyParsons

SA encourages local senior

management to make key

judgement calls.

“I am very empowered as

a leader to drive the business

and make the most of the local

market,” reveals Greg. “Obviously

I can tap into our many resources,

where other offices around

the world work in partnership

on numerous projects, but our

local global model means we

have quite a distributive and

empowered workforce.”

Current state of play

“We have a number of major

projects underway in this part of

the world, but with hundreds of

active ventures that our people work on every month, it is hard for

me to outline activity levels,” says Greg. “In summary, our headcount

is slowly growing and we are currently recruiting, which is a good

indication of the company’s overall position in South Africa.”

Although market conditions differ greatly between the Power,

Mining and Hydrocarbon industries, WorleyParsons SA’s established

and reputable position is sure to stand the company in good stead.

“I’d like to think we are one of the companies people want to have

on their tender lists because we have the systems, processes and

people to get the job done,” adds Greg.

Educating staff and potential employeesDuring our discussion with Greg, confirmation of WorleyParson

SA’s devotion to educating potential employees and providing a

valued service to the community was evident.

“You’ve caught me on a good day as this week we have been

having a series of job experience days with local high school and year

one university students,” says Greg.

To this end, WorleyParsons SA has partnered with a number

of educational institutions, including the Wits University in

Johannesburg, to support

subjects that relate closely to the

organisation.

Greg says: “Engaging with

students starts early, so we go to

schools and universities to help

create graduates. We also offer

bursaries as part of our graduate

development program.”

In addition to continuous

training, ensuring employees

are happy and satisfied in their

jobs is another objective for

WorleyParsons SA.

“It is about providing a

diversity of work opportunities

that keeps people interested

in their jobs,” explains Greg.

“Retention is always a challenge

in the white-collar professional

services business and our staff

certainly have other options.

“Therefore it really is a

daily task of ensuring the work

environment is positive and

that people are motivated to be

here. This comes from a number

of things we do to make sure

WorleyParsons is a fun place to

work.”

Looking forward“I honestly believe that South

Africa and WorleyParsons are

looking at a very positive five

years with solid and consistent

growth, as we maintain diversity

in our work program, increase

the depth of our local capability

and work closely with customers

WORLEYPARSONS

to deliver infrastructure that will

develop southern Africa,” Greg

discloses.

Regardless of any strategic

acquisitions, operational

enhancements or capital

investments that may take place,

Greg’s sole focus is sure to

remain the same.

“For us, the most important

thing is listening to our

customers. To stay close to

them, recognise their needs and

requirements then deliver the

best solutions we can from our

global capacity.”

Even though WorleyParsons

SA benefits from the knowledge

and prowess of a global network

of professionals, recent

acquisitions mean the company

also has a great deal to offer the

rest of the world moving forward.

“Carrying out Engineering

and Mining projects from

Johannesburg is an exciting

prospect for the future,” notes

Greg. “We are creating a South

African business that will be

globally linked.

“We can tap into all of our

resources, but there is now

global expertise in South Africa

as well, which WorleyParsons

will be taking to the world,” Greg

concludes.

“I honestly believe that South Africa and WorleyParsons are looking at a very positive five years with solid and consistent growth, as we maintain diversity in our work program, increase the depth of our local capability and work closely with customers to deliver infrastructure that will develop southern Africa”

WORLEYPARSONS

0027 21 912 3000

WORLEYPARSONS.COM

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