The South African home goods industry is to get a comprehensive electronic trade hub, which will enable this multi-million rand industry to operate more efficiently and effectively. Long-time PQ Africa stalwart, Keith Roberts, has been appointed Managing Director of the recently announced joint venture between Comparex and Unitrans.
"The electronic marketplace - or hub, yet to be named, will concentrate on the furniture, as well as white and brown goods industries. It will realise significant supply chain savings for all participants by streamlining and improving procurement planning and fulfilment processes and will provide better service to customers and collaboration within the industry," says Roberts.
The hub, which is one of the first vertical business-to-business e-business ventures yet launched in South Africa, will include the e-commerce and supply chain integration.
"Roberts is the man to take this online marketplace for manufacturers and retailers, to great heights," says Peter Watt, CEO of PQ Africa. During his 11-year term with the PQ Africa Group, he has been a founder member of two of their blue chip businesses, Persetel Open Systems and OutSource. More recently, Roberts was a prime mover in the merger of Persetel Open Systems and Persetel Mainframes and in the negotiating of Persetel`s value added reseller agreement with IBM South Africa.
Roberts says the trading exchange will focus on the supply chain, which will link industry manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and customers. Following implementation the company will provide comprehensive Supply Chain Management Services using the best technology based solutions. Revenues will be transaction based. The "Bricks and Mortar" components - trucks, warehouses, distribution centres, etc - will be optimally managed, but not necessarily owned by Roadway Logistics (Pty) Ltd. "We want to work together with each of the existing participants in the supply chain to reduce costs and improve overall efficiencies" says Roberts.
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Comparex and PQ Africa
COMPAREX www.comparexgroup.com is listed on the JSE and trades under the symbol CPX. The company has an annual turnover of approximately EURO 1 billion, with offices throughout EMEA, a workforce of over 7 000 and derives more than half of its revenues from continental Europe. Subsequent to the sale of its European network businesses, the group has re-positioned and focuses on eBusiness Solutions. Its customers include the leading companies in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Holland, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Southern Africa, Slovakia, Spain and the Czech Republic.
Comparex Holdings Limited has a 50% minus one share interest in PQ Africa who represents Comparex`s Southern African and other African interests. The black empowerment group NITAC (the National IT Acquisition Consortium), led by Real Africa Holdings Limited, holds a controlling interest of 50% plus one share in PQ Africa.
PQ Africa www.pqafrica.co.za is South Africa`s leading provider of competitive, innovative and flexible business solutions based on Information and Communication Technology ("ICT"). Through direct representation of the world`s foremost product manufacturers and an extensive support organisation, PQ Africa provides the appropriate technology, skill, and expertise to meet clients business requirements.
Unitrans
Unitrans has an annual turnover of approximately R4,5 billion, with offices through Southern African and a workforce of over 7 800. Unitrans is a focused transport and logistics group which is listed on the JSE. Further information on Unitrans can be obtained at its corporate Web site, which can be accessed at www.unitrans.co.za