Industry

A highly skilled and passionate team drives growth at Integrated Air Solutions

Integrated Air Solutions is the exclusive regional sales and service company for top-tier compressor brands ELGi and FS-Elliott as well as the sole supplier of AIRCOM piping in South Africa. More recently, the organisation became the local service agent for ABC Compressors and appointed a distributer, Compressor & Engine Engineering, in Johannesburg.

“In addition to our service, repairs, and genuine spare parts for all our OEM brands, we also offer refurbishment and repackaging as part of our end-to-end aftermarket solutions,” says Wayne Jacobs, Managing Director of Integrated Air Solutions. “Our wide customer base includes mining, construction, engineering, cement, pharmaceutical, automotive, food and beverage, Agri-processing, water well, and oil & gas exploration industries.”

“To further grow our leading position as supplier of premium compressed air solutions that encompass the superior product and service quality that customers have come to expect from us, we have bolstered our resources with the recruitment of three new employees,” continues Wayne.  In May this year, Stephen Bekker joined us as Technical Sales Representative in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Josef Albrecht as After-Sales Manager at head office in Johannesburg. We appointed Daryn Jack, Regional Sales Manager, also based at head office in June. Bringing a combined experience of close on 50 years in air compressors, these impact players will assist us in growing our brand and amplifying our extensive capabilities and expertise.”

While Stephen has only been involved in the compressor industry for just on two years, he brings extensive internal and external sales as well as managerial experience. “My goal is to put down our stamp on KZN and become a recognised entity across the region as a supplier of an extensive array of top-tier machines and piping solutions, complemented by robust after-market support,” states Stephen. “In line with my growth strategy, I am in the process of securing premises in the strategically situated Pinetown-New Germany area.”

“The region offers so many opportunities and there is tremendous scope for our quality solutions, from drilling and piling applications to food and beverage such as dairies, which a big market in KZN that demands oil-free air to ensure zero end-product contamination,” notes Stephen. “Our extensive compressed air portfolio of rotary screw, piston, oil-injected and oil-free diesel as well as oil-free electric machines give us the ability to essentially meet any compressed air application. Alongside new units, emphasis will also be placed on expanding our rental offering. In addition to two expert service technicians in KZN, we are in the enviable position of being able to tap into head office’s vast pool of resources, paired with expert backing from Josef and Daryn. Sales, rentals, and technical support are all incorporated into this cohesive unit. From an after-market perspective, we add even further value through our unique ability to manage our own air-ends which gives us a competitive edge.”                                  2/…

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Josef, a qualified Fitter and Turner, began his journey in the compressor industry 33 years ago. After briefly exploring the elevator/escalator domain, his heart ultimately drew him back to his true passion, air compressors. “As Workshop Manager for 20 years and with twelve years’ experience as a seasoned full-service technician, I am innately familiar with the intricate workings of compressors.” Josef’s proficiency extends to hands-on experience in new equipment and after-market sales and he undertook online sales and marketing courses as well as a one-year business management and HR programme. “I saw the need for self-development, honing my management skills to successfully lead a team that delivers results.”

Josef emphasises the synergy between sales and after-market support. “They go hand-in-glove. The sales team establishes the brand presence, supplying not only the product but also service and after-market support to the customer. This is where my team and I step in. Our after-market responsibility extends to fostering long-term customer relationships, remaining with them throughout the life-cycle of their machines with the objective to provide the lowest total cost of ownership. Moreover, our refurbishment capabilities enable us to further extend their machine’s life-span.” He adds that genuine aftermarket parts and spares paired with an efficient, consistent and seamless stock management process, are key to a successful after-market service.

Daryn’s compressor experience spans over nine years with a prominent multi-national entity in Gauteng. Half of that time was spent in KZN where Daryn honed his sales and business development skills and gained an intricate understanding of distributor networks. “My sales acumen extends across a spectrum of industries including the automotive and ironmongery sectors.” Daryn points out that, while Integrated Air Solutions is a relatively new player, the organisation has accomplished some remarkable achievements over the past seven years. “These are attributable to the company’s world-renowned products which are supported by an adept, dedicated and passionate team.” Daryn’s mission is to magnify Integrated Air Solution’s market presence and brand essence in South Africa’s air compressor industry.  A focal point is to raise awareness of the global technologically advanced ELGi brand that incorporates 75 years of excellence and know-how.  “Our strategy entails broadening our footprint and sales presence on a national scale, comprehensively representing all provinces. Once our KZN operations are in full swing, we will expand our operations in the Western Cape. While direct sales channels are our primary focus, we are appointing strategic dealer partners as our indirect route to market, elevating our reach. With customers in Swaziland and Lesotho, we are open to other cross-border business opportunities. Supplying premium quality products and maintaining consistently high service levels throughout our growth, will remain paramount,” he concludes.                                           

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