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Centa celebrates 20 years of business

Centa Holdings, specialists in complete fire protection, celebrates 20 years of business this year. “The company has grown from a small operation, manufacturing two sizes of fire extinguishers, into one of South Africa’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of fire equipment,” says Duncan Boyes, chairman of the Centa Group.

Jannine Boyes, general manager, Centa Group, Duncan Boyes, Centa’s chairman, with Grace and Wickus Du Plessis.

“Today, Centa Holdings, which supplies everything necessary to protect people and property from the devastating effects of a fire, now supplies over 2700 fire protection line items. These include electronic fire detection and sprinkler systems, as well as standard fire equipment, encompassing fire extinguishers, hose reels and hoses and emergency signage. The company also supplies cabinets, fire protection gear and a wide range of spares, fittings and accessories.

The Durban-based company soon expanded its operations throughout South Africa and into Africa. To develop this growth, Centa actively sought partners with the same vision and soon appointed its first distributors. An important milestone was the move away from distributors to Group member partnerships, in the form of a franchise. To consolidate a mutual commitment to excellence, members have also been invited to join the Centa Group as shareholders.

Centa Holdings, with five warehouses nationally, has made a substantial investment in the latest technology and manufacturing systems, including a state of the art powder coating plant.

The Centa Group is made up of 62 full members and agents, with a national staff complement of 1300 people. The company has become a major contributor to the fire industry in South Africa, Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. Group members represent Centa locally, as well as in Angola, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Mauritius, Madagascar, the Seychelles and Namibia.

“Being in business for 20 years is a tribute to the people of Centa – to their dedication, commitment, focus and innovation. We will continue to nurture the abilities of our people in order to grow our African footprint, increase our market share and become the fire specialists of choice in Africa,” concludes Boyes.

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