This line-up of full scale docking equipment, dock sealing systems and high speed door units will be permanently on display to the industry in a 25m X 5m showroom at DDL’s new premises in Bramley View, Johannesburg.

The new DDL premises also incorporate the company’s assembly, service/parts and installation divisions.

Director Andrew Stewart says: "The past two years have seen DDL outgrow our previous premises as a result of sustained growth, consistent outclassing of our competition and, most importantly, improving our service levels in the market place.

"Our future plans include expanding into new markets and exporting further into Africa and beyond."

The October roof wetting function for DDL’s new premises coincided with the company’s bi-annual Sales Conference, a training and brainstorming session involving all DDL sales, marketing and distribution staff from around Southern Africa.

"My overriding dream is to see the African logistics world align with international standards and that’s why it’s our company philosophy to publish our documented experiences over three decades in this industry," says Stewart. "It’s all in the interests of promoting progress across the board."

"South African companies have to ensure that equipment meets international standards and DDL is committed to sharing our information and expertise freely and professionally ¾ we have to work towards meeting and maintaining international standards across the spectrum of materials handling disciplines."

A highlight of the new premises opening function was a virtual tour of DDL’s website at www.ddl.co.za  In keeping with Stewart’s information sharing philosophy, the company’s website takes a radical approach to disseminating industry expertise by making nearly 40 years of research and development in the logistics industry freely available to visitors to the site. "Fast-tracking of communications, information technology and the immediate availability of specifications and design drawings are becoming increasingly critical in the materials handling industry," he says. "Professionals such as architects, consulting engineers, project engineers, quantity surveyors and construction companies can now download our technical drawings at the touch of a button."

Tony Randell (Pennyroyal Systems) sets up the web site demonstration

Guest speaker at a special press luncheon during this Sales Conference was international award-wining motivational speaker, Douglas Kruger, while other highlights of the new premises roof wetting included attending the logistics industry Achiever Awards organised by an industry publishing house.

With more than 37 years experience in the materials handling industry, DDL Equipment specialises in the design and layout of material handling systems including loading dock equipment, dock Ievellers, dock seals. The company also supplies industrial door hardware such as sectional doors, high-speed doors and swing doors and distributes Nergeco and Bernos products in South Africa.

A new column lift series with a patented upright/mast completes the company’s range of allied equipment, ensuring future growth for the company.

Andrew TC Stewart Tel: +27 11 443-4233

DDL Equipment Fax: +27 11 882-4569

South Africa

October 2002

Marilyn Boyd Communications

PO Box 14409

Witfield 1467

Tel: +27 11 823-2206

Fax: +27 11 823-3448

Cell: 082 452 1495

E-mail: mboyd@medibath.com