Turnstar Systems is a local manufacturer of turnstiles that has been in existence for 13 years, and during that period, its products have become known for their quality and reliability both locally and abroad.
Amongst the company's major customers is the mining industry, to which they supply hundreds of turnstiles annually. Turnstar Systems has made major inroads into the health and fitness industry over the years, having supplied turnstiles in large quantities to all groups in the industry. The company is the sole approved supplier of turnstiles to the Virgin Active Group.
Exports are made to regular customers in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand who purchase significant quantities, and as far afield as Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Singapore, India and Fiji. During a visit by the managing director to Australia two years ago, business was secured from the Australian subsidiary of a German turnstile manufacturer. Turnstar Systems manufactures its standard turnstile mechanisms, but with special features, for incorporation into turnstiles manufactured by the Australian company. It also sells mechanisms to the Malaysian subsidiary of the same German company.
History
The company started manufacturing turnstiles in 1989, with a staff of three persons, was successful, and has slowly over the years increased its market. This has been done by producing quality products and by being responsive to the needs of customers and the market.
The company's first factory was in Jeppe and in 1995, it moved to a bigger factory in Wynberg. In June 2002, it moved to new premises of 3500 m2, also in Wynberg, which will allow growth to continue, but at an accelerated rate.
"At these new premises," says the MD Sidney Sacks, "we will for the first time be able to display all of our products in a specially designed and equipped showroom, rather than having to take customers to sites to view our products. We will also be putting in an epoxy powder coating plant for which we are intending to obtain SABS certification so that the coatings can be a part of the turnstile guarantee." In addition, Turnstar have for several years guaranteed its products for three years.
Significant development
A recent significant development by its research and development department has been the design of a nontrapping turnstile mechanism. A little-known feature of turnstiles is that it is possible for a person passing through the turnstile to become trapped inside the turnstile as part of a legitimate entry transaction. Under these circumstances, it is only possible for the trapped person to be released by means of mechanically unlocking the turnstile mechanism with a key.
Turnstar also manufactures a single card reader turnstile, which cannot be manipulated or cheated by persons clocking on duty through the turnstile.
Ten months ago, Turnstar were awarded the prestige contract for the supply of turnstiles to stadia countrywide for World Cup Cricket 2003. This contract is now in full swing and turnstiles have already been installed at Centurion, Kingsmead, Bloemfontein, Potchefstroom and the Wanderers. Still to be done are Newlands, East London and Port Elizabeth. A total of some 130 turnstiles are involved and special turnstiles were designed to satisfy the requirements of the United Cricket Board. A state-of-the-art ticketing system has been supplied by Turnstar's partners in the project, DexSecurity Solutions, and it is hoped to sell this concept to stadia overseas.
Furthermore, over the past six years, Turnstar has supplied the turnstiles for major sports stadia in South Africa, including Ellis Park, Johannesburg Athletics Stadium, Loftus, Alexandra Stadium, Phokeng Stadium, Phakisa Motor Racing Track - a total of over 200 turnstiles.
Continuous development
The company's policy is one of continuous product enhancement and improvement, and it is intended that some significant new products will be launched in the next 12 months. Turnstar has recently upgraded the design of its traffic boom, a product which has been manufactured on a low key over the past seven years and it is intended to be the subject of significant promotion in the near future in order to increase its market share locally, and to be a more significant player on the international scene.
Another new product that will be launched locally will be a cantilever gate, based on designs received from an Australian customer. The advantage of a cantilever gate is that it does not need a track on the ground on which to run. Gates of this type, in lengths of up to 14 m and heights of up to 2,5 m can be made. The gate mechanisms are fitted with soft start and soft stop controls.
For further details contact Turnstar Systems on tel: 011 786 1633
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