‘The Big Four’: Merger of four companies within First Tech Lighting and Electrical produces one of the largest single sources for electrical components and lighting products in South Africa. 

In line with the growth and sustainability philosophies of its holding company – the First Tech Group – First Tech Lighting and Electrical is now able to offer its client base leading-edge technology from a common source.

“By adopting the business modus operandi of the First Tech Group, we have been able to rationalise and merge the operations of Ogatin, SBU, Bari Lighting and R&D Metalworks, thereby creating one of the largest single sources for electrical components and lighting products in South Africa, ”says Scott Meikle, Chief Executive Officer of First Tech Lighting and Electrical.

First Tech Lighting and Electrical (FTLE) forms part of the First Tech Mass Distribution focus group, and specialises in the manufacture of high-quality electrical components and lighting products. These precision-designed products are distributed within South Africa and internationally throughout various African regions.

“Our product portfolio is aimed at infrastructural development and enhancement for new and existing clients within the electrical wholesale industry. Our well-known branded products include items such as PVC conduit, powerskirting, trunking and accessories, extension and wall boxes, electrical switchboards and panels, and various industrial lighting channels, luminaires and fittings. In addition, we are also investigating new technologies,” Meikle points out.

“The merging of the four separate, yet synergistic, companies has a number of benefits for all stakeholders. From a First Tech Group perspective, we have been able to capitalise on economies of scale by locating all the companies within a common venue. This not only has incredible cost-saving considerations for the company, but it has also resulted in the ability to manage the companies more effectively,” he explains.

“The operational efficiencies that derive from the merger are immediately transferable to our clients as they simply phone one number and receive quotes on products from all the ranges we have available. This provides them with increased convenience and decreased administration costs,” he adds.

Meikle continues: “From the perspective of the individual companies, they are provided with increased opportunities for growth in terms of research and development, as well as market penetration. In addition, the employees in each of these companies are offered an advanced career path within FTLE, as well as in the First Tech Group.”

All products within the enhanced portfolio are designed and manufactured with precision and conform to the relevant SABS wiring regulations, ISO standards and specifications. FTLE offers its clients the option to purchase products from the standard range or to request customisation to meet their individual requirements.

“The majority of our products are manufacturedin-house and distributed throughout the electrical wholesale industry. We are, in fact, the sole manufacturer of the well-known Lascon lighting range distributed though Voltex Lighting. We rely on a very small percentage of imported products, which places us in a very strong economic position, where we are not dominated by the exchange rate,” Meikle says.

“Communication has been key to the successful merging of the four companies under one common umbrella. We have involved the various employees in developments, so that a greater understanding and acceptance of the change process can be achieved. We have also shared our intentions and decisions with the wholesale market to ensure that there was minimal inconvenience during the transition. This was achieved through our distribution partners as well as by conducting cross-country road shows,” says Meikle.

“By aligning ourselves with the First Tech Group strategy to grow our market offering to provide a comprehensive infrastructural development portfolio, we are able expand the footprint of the individual companies through inter-company exposure. In addition, we are able to better serve our client base with the market’s most comprehensive single-source product offering,” Meikle concludes.