Globally, demand for access to dependable telecommunications and energy is booming – as are the infrastructure projects needed to satisfy such demand. South Africa's own electricity network is today made up of more than 300 000 kilometers of power lines. Telecommunications, one of the fastest growing sectors of South Africa's economy, constitutes over 1.6 million kilometers of cabling.
Southern Africa’s leading manufacturer and supplier of cable drums, Summit Associated Industries, has accommodated this country’s exceptional growth as well as that of its cable manufacturing sector. For more than five decades, the company has kept the country’s cable stock “rolling” by supplying South Africa’s leading cable manufacturers with durable cable drums.
A Proudly South African business, Summit Associated Industries manufactures high quality wooden cable drums from a fully equipped factory and timber processing facility on Sloan Street in Rosslyn, Pretoria.
Ownership, and much of senior management has remained the same at Summit over the years. According to the company’s founder, the fact that the company has come such a long way from its “very humble beginnings” is thanks to its dedication to its customers.
“The culture at Summit is respect for oneself, respect for others, and responsibility for all our actions. We have opened ourselves to change, but do not let go of our values. The company’s main objective is the internal upliftment of the workforce by training and teaching daily, in order to produce efficiently for the company and in turn for their own benefit.”
With the aid of state-of-the-art drum manufacturing machinery and with a fully-stocked lumber yard, the business can produce more than 1,500 cable drums per day with the ability to double production if need be. Drums produced vary in size from 500mm to 3.500mm in diameter and can be custom designed and stenciled to meet individual requirements.
All timber used by Summit Associated Industries for the manufacture of cable drums is kiln dried, of a high density and, importantly, is FSC rated. FSC certification is the market-based tool that supports responsible forest management worldwide Summit’s transport consists of mechanical horses and trailers which are fully maintained at workshops onsite. The trailers are specifically designed to haul cable drums ranging anywhere from small diameter to large diameter exceeding three metres without contravening road ordinance.
The company at all times endeavors to contain costs, and in order to be cost effective; numerous patents concerning cheaper methods of construction have been registered.
Summit Associated Industries fully supports Black Economic Empowerment. The company gives preference to suppliers that conform to and support Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment, with reference to previously disadvantaged individuals – South African nationals.
Over the years Summit Associated Industries have challenged many conventions and have never compromised over their principles. Despite some momentous changes over the years, the company has successfully maintained the integrity of the original deal; strength and dignity. That fundamental character is now enhanced, by Summit’s fully experienced management – all of whom started at the bottom of the ladder and are experienced with all facets of company operations.
Summit is sympathetic to its customers’ needs. Technical expertise and back-up is available at a moment’s notice to discuss modifications and design of products. All customers supplied and their requirements are handled with confidentiality.