Leading KwaZulu-Natal safety equipment supplier, FTS Safety Group, was recognised for being a step ahead of the local competition at the BBF Awards held at Killarney Golf Club in Johannesburg recently.
FTS Safety received the Lieutenant Award for KwaZulu-Natal after having the highest volume of sales for BBF footwear in one calendar year.
The company – based in Riverhorse Park, Durban – distributed thousands of units of footwear, throughout South African and abroad, the majority of which went to members of the agriculture, manufacturing and oil and gas industries. Managing Director Pantelis Patric Eleftheriou said “We made a decision almost 10 years ago to be completely safety-focused and, as a result, we don’t supply any non-safety related products and services”.
“This decision has streamlined FTS Safety Group’s offerings within the marketplace, providing each employee with a sense of purpose which is to preserve and improve human life. The success we have achieved, as well as this award, confirms we made the right decision.”
The BBF Awards were established in 2010 following on from the Beier Group Awards which had run for more than three decades. These awards serve as a way to encourage distributors and suppliers of safety equipment while rewarding deserving organisations. The annual event also shows appreciation to dedicated clients who are invited to attend.
Following the chairman’s annual overview, several award categories were announced, including the various brand awards and seven provincial Lieutenant Awards.
In addition to footwear, FTS Safety is a complete ‘head-to-foot’ supplier of personal protective and safety equipment which includes gloves, safety eyewear, hearing protection and workwear – the bulk of which is manufactured in South Africa with some additional products supplied by India, China, Germany and the United States.
However, through the support of several government initiatives, there is a definite move towards the local manufacture of products, further supporting local industry. “We have seen a huge uptake in the sales of flame and acid overalls, as well as specialised respiratory equipment,” said Eleftheriou.
“There are also very technical synthetic materials being used in all aspects of personal protective equipment. These materials provide enhanced protection and comfort, while remaining much more affordable because distributors are competing to service the growing market.”