Article from Independent Newspaper
Xpanda - securing South African consumers for more than three decades
Xpanda was established in 1974 by founder, Bryan Taylor. The focus of the company at the time was geared towards the production of specialised products which were sold directly to the end user. It has developed over the years and additional product portfolios were added, including the DIY range that was sold into the chain stores, which has resulted in Xpanda being a houshold name that is represented in over 600 chain stores around the country and abroad.
Xpanda is driven by a commitment to offer superior quality, service and world-class workmanship in the security field - a mission statement has not changed in 35 years says Tim Taylor, Managing Director who added that it is the manner in which his Dad ran the business.
Xpanda's DIY segment makes up 45% of the business while the remaining 55% is derived from the manufacture of custom-made security - trellis doors, internal super guards, driveway gates, roller shutter doors, sectional overhead doors and so forth. The company is pretty much a one-stop-shop for business and homeowners looking to secure their premises.
Research and development is key to Xpanda's growth over the years.
"We listen to our customer's need locally and abroad and custom design products to their individual specifications. There is nothing we will not make," says Taylor.
He adds, "It's this attitude that separates us from the other big players in the market. What works in Australia and Canada will not necessarily work in Europe - the level of crime varies from country to country and so do their needs. Thus, a lot of time and money is sent on researching various markets and products to see what will be best suited for customers.
Exports
This year Xpanda won the highly acclaimed Exporter of the Year Award which is handed out annually from the Durban Chamber of Commerce.
"(This is) a feather in our cap considering the tough competition," says Taylor. When asked how Xpanda achieved this, he said that the company was "operating in a counter cyclical economy - when things are bad with the economy, this usually leads to unemployment which in turn leads to crime. This was definitely the case in Australia/Europe where our export sales had increased dramatically."
Manufacturing Capabilities
Xpanda's head office and main manufacturing plant is situated in Pinetown within easy access of the Durban Harbour and is in excess of 12 000m2. The company currently employs just over 430 people, manufacture over 250 gates, 1000 burglar guards, 150 expanding security doors and 18 roller shutters per day. It has an in-house galvanising division, as well as, a fully equipped polester epoxy-coating plant.
Its holding company, Argent Industrial has been pivotal in taking Xpanda to new heights over the last few years by investing not just in people but high tech machinery, including robots and automated processes. The Pinetown plant holds a SABS ISO 9001/2008 accreditation.
Taylor said: "It would be improper of Xpanda if our core suppliers were not included in our story of success. The majority of them have been suppliers to us for many years which is indicative of their dedication and roles played in our achievements over the past 35 years of our leadership in the barrier security market in SA. We have always considered them to be an extension of our business and, through this open and trusting relationship, have enjoyed the benefits of continuity of supply of quality materials at a pricing structure that has resulted in our extensive affordable product range."
Xpanda trims running costs and keeps retail prices competitive
Soaring input costs, particularly for steel, have placed South Africa manufacturers under pressure to keep running costs down and retail prices competitive.
This year Xpanda has done just that by installing two new robots in its manfacturing process to reduce costs and improve efficiencies. A further 15 jobs were also created when they installed a zinc spray facility.
This is according to Tim Taylor of Xpanda Security, who said that that separates Xpanda Security from some of the other big players in the security market has been its innovative approach to the demands of its customers - "if you see a need, we fill that need".
This year, the company launched six new products including X-Guard, X-Door, Wood-grain finish Trellis Door, adn three products in the leisure range - Potjie Pal, Utility Rack and a 10 bottle wine rack.
The X-Guard was developed for customers who were looking for a very quick turnaround time on manufacture. This is an adjustable burglar guard that can be installed within 48 hours.
The new X-Door is constructed from double vertical steel tubes with solid steel flight infill. Glass filled nylon rollers ensure strength and easy operation and comes standard with a super secure slamlock for quick protection.
The wood-grain finish Alumax door is manfactured from aircraft-grade aluminium and stainless steel, making it the first of its kind in South Africa. With the attractive range of wood-grain finishes, this product will suit almost any interior of homes. A wide range of standard colours and anodizing is also available on requesr.
Xpanda's leisure range of products include:
Potjie Pal
A slow combustion cooker that fits most potjie pots. The Xpanda Potjie Pal comes standard with a braai grid, pot adaptor and coal grid enabling the cooking of a potjie, braaing around the campfire or pool, boil a cup of tea, or simply warming yourself around the fire, and all whilst still enjoying being outdoors.
Utility Rack
A storage solution which holds two bicycles and folds flat up to a quarter of its original size to save space and can hold up to a quarter of it original size to save space and can hold up to 80kgs. It is handy for storing all sorts of items which tend to lie around the clutter up the home.
Wine Rack
A 10-bottle wine rack, ideal for counter tops where space is an issue. This makes a perfect gift and is available from leading retailer.
