Despite a challenging economic climate last year, local manufacturing powerhouse Pratley is demonstrating remarkable resilience, with CEO Andrew Pratley revealing plans for continued growth and innovation in 2025. The company, renowned for its world-class products, is poised to launch several new offerings and expand its footprint in international markets.
“We have world-class products unlike any others on the world market and continuously roll these out to new export markets,” Andrew Pratley stated, highlighting the company’s commitment to innovation. This strategy involves identifying and partnering with distributors who share Pratley’s values and possess a deep understanding of their local markets.
Export growth remains a cornerstone of Pratley’s expansion strategy, with Africa presenting significant opportunities across its diverse divisions. The company has made notable strides in having its electrical termination products specified for major projects in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Dedicated sales teams are working closely with distributors to maximize synergy and drive results.
Pratley’s adhesives division has also seen significant advancements, with ongoing research and development leading to optimized formulations and enhanced product performance. “This is thanks to an extremely competent R&D department as well as newer production technologies that went online this year,” Andrew Pratley explained. The company has also diversified its adhesive product range, moving beyond its traditional focus on high-strength epoxies and acrylics.
In a move towards greater sustainability, Pratley installed 600 kW of solar power in 2024, mitigating the impact of unreliable electricity supply and reducing its carbon footprint. The company’s commitment to self-sufficiency is evident in its approach to system maintenance, with internal personnel actively involved in all installations.
Further demonstrating its commitment to growth, Pratley has significantly expanded the capacity of its Cape Town and Durban branches, with increased warehouse space coming online in early 2025. This expansion will ensure greater product availability for customers, particularly in the wine filtration and farming sectors of the Western Cape.
Recognizing the importance of training and skills development, Pratley has invested heavily in upgrading its training facilities. “We are passionate about safe electrical installations in hazardous locations where explosive atmospheres are present. Our training facility is world class,” Andrew Pratley emphasized. The company provides free theoretical and practical product training to its customers, ensuring that its products are correctly selected and installed by competent personnel.
Looking ahead, Andrew Pratley remains optimistic about the company’s prospects, despite the uncertainties of the global economy. “Certainly, there seems to be positive sentiment towards the Government of National Unity. However, it is still early days. Its stability and efficacy will be crucial,” he noted. He also pointed to the easing of interest rates and fuel prices as positive signs for consumers and businesses.
However, he acknowledged that geopolitical tensions could play a significant role in shaping the year ahead. “The new administration in the United States is going to be a key determinant of what happens next,” he said.
Despite these uncertainties, Pratley remains committed to its core values and strengths. “As always, from a Pratley perspective, we will continue to do what we have always done and use our many strengths and capabilities to our advantage,” Andrew Pratley concluded.
