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XtraVision under new management and set for new horizons

XtraVision, a distributor of electronic security and fire solutions in Africa and South America, has changed hands. Anthony Rosenbaum founded the company in 2010 and he has sold his 50% stake to Nick Grange, who now takes on the role of managing director. Grange’s partner in the company, Theuns van Schalkwyk, remains on board in the role of technical director.

While many companies are under pressure due to the poor economy, which has only been made worse due to the consequences of COVID-19 and the lockdown in South Africa, Rosenbaum explains that he has been looking to exit the business for some time, and the deal was concluded before the lockdown.

Rosenbaum will remain on board as a consultant for a few months before moving onto new challenges. “I have been in the private security industry for around 27 years now and I am looking forward to a new career and business venture outside of the security industry, after my stay with XtraVision is over,” he says.

There were other companies interested in XtraVision, but Rosenbaum and Van Schalkwyk value the hands-on, personal touch the company has created over the years and did not want to see it swallowed up by a large corporation. Van Schalkwyk bought into the company in 2017, purchasing 30% of the shares. In 2019, he expanded his shareholding to 50%. He encouraged Grange, whom he has known for many years, to make an offer to purchase the remaining 50% of the company from Rosenbaum.

Both Grange and Van Schalkwyk are determined to retain the personal touch and ensure they keep their levels of customer support high through consistent skills development for XtraVision’s staff. Grange himself is a certified fire safety designer and one of his first decisions was to seal the agency for the Hochiki brand. This will complement the Fike agency the company already has in South America.

Grange says XtraVision will remain focused on project-based distribution where the company works with end users to design a complete solution, fulfilling it through one of the many system integrators it collaborates with. The company’s customers as well as the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) prefer this approach as they can be assured of a properly architected solution developed by well-trained engineers who are able to support the product and ensure quality control throughout the process.

Currently XtraVision has a number of market leading brands available to clients, with a comprehensive product offering that focuses on the commercial and industrial sector. The quality designs and products have enabled it to secure many large contracts and tenders globally in partnership with its clients. “Quality, reliability and efficiency are a key driving force in terms of the products we import and distribute and with over 50 years’ experience in the fire and security technology industry we can, without a doubt, assure our clients of professional service and peace of mind,” adds Van Schalkwyk.

While the company is restricted in what it can do because of the COVID-19 lockdown, it is still providing sales and technical support via phone and email.

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