Post on 30-Mar-2016
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WRITTEN BY CHARLES ROBERTS
WorleyParsons South Africa is able to draw upon a comprehensive worldwide network to deliver energy and resources solutions at a local level.
TAILORED Local SOLUTIONS
USING Global EXPERTISE
Although the business
has been in existence
for several decades, it
is still a relatively young player
in South Africa. Even so, in less
than five years it has acquired
other industry players, grown
its footprint and achieved great
success.
After monitoring the
company’s story as well as
tracking recent developments,
Endeavour magazine decided to
get in touch with WorleyParsons
South Africa CEO Greg Denton
to get the lowdown on an
intriguing industry and market.
WorleyParsons in Africa
This particular engineering
enterprise traces its roots in
Africa back to the early 1970s,
when Parsons E&C established
offices in Cairo, Egypt. Over the
years that followed the company
spread across the continent,
including a joint venture
in Nigeria with DeltaAfrik
Engineering in 2003.
However, its South African
journey started when the
business bought a 50 per cent
share in engineering house
Pangaea. Three years later,
WorleyParsons acquired the
remaining half in addition to
consulting firm KV3. Thanks
to these two takeovers,
WorleyParsons has now
established a substantial and
recognised South African
presence.
This year, the company
enhanced its capabilities even
further with the announcement
of another major buyout as Greg
explains: “After purchasing TWP,
we now have well over 2000
employees in South Africa and a
large portfolio of projects spread
right across the Hydrocarbons
WORLEYPARSONS
Operating in the resources and energy sectors, the Australian firm WorleyParsons Limited is a multinational engineering, project delivery and management company. With over 40,000 employees, a presence in over 40 countries and 165 offices worldwide, this Australian Stock Exchange listed company knows a thing or two about global energy solutions.
Home of Service Excellence
Tshireletso Business Engineering (Pty) Ltd, established in March 2002, with an Electrical Engineering focus providing Electrification Maintenance and Construction, Engineering Project Management and Business Solutions to its clients. The company is a black owned and managed and therefore adhere to the demands regarding black empowerment as set by our Government.
TBE has forged strategic and technological alliances with global players in the industry to be able to provide world-class services to our clients.
91 Vlagskip Street, Laser Park, Honeydew, Johannesburg+27 11 794 1270 , +27 11 794 8391, +27 11 794 9425www.tbusiness.co.za
and Mining sectors. Most of this activity came from TWP.”
The project house, now trading as WorleyParsons TWP, is a
major provider of engineering design, procurement and construction
management with a great deal of industry competence.
“We are excited about integrating them into our global business,”
notes Greg. “They are global experts in underground mining and
precious metals, so taking this South African knowhow to the world is
a fantastic opportunity for us.”
Commitment to people through a unique local global model
“It`s always about people. We are a company that delivers a
professional service,” Greg confidently asserts. “The quality of our
people, the use of our systems and processes, consistent levels of
performance and advice as well as delivery expertise is what we pride
ourselves on.”
While Greg considers these core values to be WorleyParsons
SA’s unique selling point, the company also differentiates itself from
competitors through a unique ‘local global’ model. While industry
rivals make decisions from a centralised office, WorleyParsons
SA encourages local senior
management to make key
judgement calls.
“I am very empowered as
a leader to drive the business
and make the most of the local
market,” reveals Greg. “Obviously
I can tap into our many resources,
where other offices around
the world work in partnership
on numerous projects, but our
local global model means we
have quite a distributive and
empowered workforce.”
Current state of play
“We have a number of major
projects underway in this part of
the world, but with hundreds of
active ventures that our people work on every month, it is hard for
me to outline activity levels,” says Greg. “In summary, our headcount
is slowly growing and we are currently recruiting, which is a good
indication of the company’s overall position in South Africa.”
Although market conditions differ greatly between the Power,
Mining and Hydrocarbon industries, WorleyParsons SA’s established
and reputable position is sure to stand the company in good stead.
“I’d like to think we are one of the companies people want to have
on their tender lists because we have the systems, processes and
people to get the job done,” adds Greg.
Educating staff and potential employeesDuring our discussion with Greg, confirmation of WorleyParson
SA’s devotion to educating potential employees and providing a
valued service to the community was evident.
“You’ve caught me on a good day as this week we have been
having a series of job experience days with local high school and year
one university students,” says Greg.
To this end, WorleyParsons SA has partnered with a number
of educational institutions, including the Wits University in
Johannesburg, to support
subjects that relate closely to the
organisation.
Greg says: “Engaging with
students starts early, so we go to
schools and universities to help
create graduates. We also offer
bursaries as part of our graduate
development program.”
In addition to continuous
training, ensuring employees
are happy and satisfied in their
jobs is another objective for
WorleyParsons SA.
“It is about providing a
diversity of work opportunities
that keeps people interested
in their jobs,” explains Greg.
“Retention is always a challenge
in the white-collar professional
services business and our staff
certainly have other options.
“Therefore it really is a
daily task of ensuring the work
environment is positive and
that people are motivated to be
here. This comes from a number
of things we do to make sure
WorleyParsons is a fun place to
work.”
Looking forward“I honestly believe that South
Africa and WorleyParsons are
looking at a very positive five
years with solid and consistent
growth, as we maintain diversity
in our work program, increase
the depth of our local capability
and work closely with customers
WORLEYPARSONS
to deliver infrastructure that will
develop southern Africa,” Greg
discloses.
Regardless of any strategic
acquisitions, operational
enhancements or capital
investments that may take place,
Greg’s sole focus is sure to
remain the same.
“For us, the most important
thing is listening to our
customers. To stay close to
them, recognise their needs and
requirements then deliver the
best solutions we can from our
global capacity.”
Even though WorleyParsons
SA benefits from the knowledge
and prowess of a global network
of professionals, recent
acquisitions mean the company
also has a great deal to offer the
rest of the world moving forward.
“Carrying out Engineering
and Mining projects from
Johannesburg is an exciting
prospect for the future,” notes
Greg. “We are creating a South
African business that will be
globally linked.
“We can tap into all of our
resources, but there is now
global expertise in South Africa
as well, which WorleyParsons
will be taking to the world,” Greg
concludes.
“I honestly believe that South Africa and WorleyParsons are looking at a very positive five years with solid and consistent growth, as we maintain diversity in our work program, increase the depth of our local capability and work closely with customers to deliver infrastructure that will develop southern Africa”
WORLEYPARSONS
0027 21 912 3000
WORLEYPARSONS.COM
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