THE COMPANY

BACKGROUND

National Asphalt commenced its operations during the latter part of 1988 from premises alongside Sterkspruit Crushers in Cliffdale, approximately 30 km from central Durban. Whilst operations have grown exponentially in the last few years, the company head office is still situated at these premises. Over the years the company has operated throughout South Africa as well as Lesotho, specialising in the manufacture and laying of all types of asphalt. Initially the company focused on work in the then Natal, however client demands necessitated the need for expansion of its area of operation in order to support its customer base in other regions. In 1991 the Company became a wholly owned subsidiary of Rumdel Holdings Limited. On the 1 September 2002 a Management Buy-Out Agreement was signed which was fully concluded in 2006. Following that, the entire business of National Asphalt was acquired by the Raubex group of companies in January 2007, who then went on to list on the JSE in March 2007. This acquisition has provided a platform for National Asphalt to service the market on a much broader base, and already the company has 9 asphalt plants strategically placed in Kwazulu-Natal, the Freestate, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.

OPERATIONS

The Company has experienced rapid growth and now operates asphalt plants in permanent locations in six centres, which are augmented by a further three “self erecting” 85 ton per hour mobile plants. These state of the art mobile units are used to service contacts and clients in the more “remote regions”.  In line with the company’s vision, National Asphalt operates on a decentralised basis and strives to create opportunities for individuals to develop and perform to their full potential. The Company is not geographically constrained and can operate wherever sustainable work is available or justifies the placement of a plant. All of the asphalt plants are self-contained and supported by experienced managers, competent operators and maintenance staff. Fully equipped laboratories ensure a high standard of quality process control. The plants are electronically controlled and fitted with facilities for recycling and blending of modified binders as per client requirements.
 
The Cliffdale plant has six paving teams aligned to its activities. This paving division is controlled by experienced and highly competent managers and foremen, and utilizes a modern fleet of equipment which is well maintained by a self sufficient in house mechanical department and central workshop.

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

To date the company has invested more than R 60 million into its fixed assets and currently deployed equipment and can produce in excess of 600,000 tons of asphalt per annum.


HUMAN RESOURCES AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

The Company employs some 300 people and prides itself on the fact staff turnover has been less than 5% for the past 10 years. Together with this it has an 88% “Previously Disadvantaged Individuals” (‘PDI’) employment level, and it is well represented in the affirmative action area. The Company fully subscribes to the Employment Equity Act, Labour Relations Act, Skills Development Act and the Health and Safety Act.

As a company, National Asphalt recognises the fact that its most important asset are the people working for the company, and it strives to allow each of its employees to reach their maximum potential within the organisation. The waged staff, is by way of majority membership represented by the National Union of Mineworkers, and shop stewards and union representatives meet with management on a bi-monthly basis. The company is also a member of SAFCEC and hence adheres to the directives of the Sectorial Determination for the Civil Engineering Industry. We fully subscribe to employing members of the local community wherever possible and also recognize our social responsibility by way of financial support for ongoing social welfare projects within our area of operation.

The company also engages with emerging contractors relating to material supplies and assistance with actual contracting and has a proud record of successes with some of these companies.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

In line with the group vision, National Asphalt strives to ensure that its operations benefit as many people as possible, whilst providing stability and security for future generations.