Nine Best of Mbombela Awards – can anything top this achievement?
Being awarded the best Glasfit franchise in South Africa in 2021, out of 117 branches!
Yes, Glasfit Nelspruit has been presented with this award by the group executive chairman of Glasfit South Africa, Altman Allers, CEO Safiera Mall, COO Jean Fouché, Lionel Lodewick and their team here in Mbombela.
Their Malalane branch, managed by Adele Holtzhausen since 2018, was placed 10th for this award.
As we near the end of 2021, it is time for the bells, and indeed time for a Bell’s: Glasfit Mbombela (Nelspruit and Malalane) celebrates its 30 years in the industry. This is certainly a milestone, considering the challenges of the past two years.
“We had to consolidate and restructure, but with the unwavering support of a large customer base, we are moving forward,” said owners Helge Braithwaite and Henri Steyl.
Where did it all start, though?
“On November 12, 1991, Discount Windscreens, as it was then called, sold its first windscreen. “We were supposed to officially open on December 1, but a customer needed a windscreen and we assisted him,” said Braithwaite.
“The year 1993 presented many highlights as we officially became a Glasfit franchise. It was also the year the much-loved and revered Bets Maré joined the business and worked for us for 20 years.
“We opened our Malalane branch in 1993 with Ann Huyerman as the branch manager. This was the year, with the support of Glasfit HQ, that we became fully computerised in terms of our various business systems, resulting in us being able to process claims immediately online. Our system for insurance claims is truly hassle-free.
“Another first was the opening of our first 30-day account for Quality Panelbeaters in Barberton and Pohl’s Panelbeaters being our first 30-day account in Nelspruit.” The fact that both these companies still support Glasfit, confirms the owners’ and staff’s commitment to personal service and the immediate resolving of any challenges.
“Our success throughout the years is a direct result of exceptional advice and guidance from Absa Bank, Cobus Tomlinson, Peter Beckenstrater, Greg Ratray, Glasfit HQ, Brian Stolk and others. They exposed our weaknesses and provided advice to turn these into positives” said Braithwaite.
In 1996, Steyl, then attached to the Glasfit HQ in Johannesburg since 1990, grabbed an opportunity to join Glasfit Nelspruit. He added extensive knowledge and experience to the business. “This decision I will never regret,” he said.
Yet another celebration – Venessa van Aswegen! Vanessa started with Glasfit 25 years ago as a marketer. Through years of hard work and reliability, she has earned the position of manageress of the Mbombela branch.
In 2005 Eddie Norris, who started as a technician, took over as branch manager in Malalane.
“Fortunately for us as a business, our current premises, where it all started 30 years ago, has been able to accommodate our growth in terms of additional products and services.
“With the implementation of our Digicall system, we set the benchmark in our industry, allowing for interactive communication and authorisations with and for insurance companies. Training our technicians is consistent and on-going as we subscribe to Glasfit, the South African Glass and Glazing Association and the Association of Architectural Aluminium Manufacturers of South Africa’s standards. Coupled with our friendly, well-trained frontline and workshop staff, we are able to create a pleasant experience for our customers consistently every day,” said Steyl and Braithwaite.
“Our sister company, Changing Tides, compliments our Glasfit products by supplying SABS-approved products at competitive prices. These include automotive and architectural safety film, Xpanda Real Security, SWAT technology, automotive clips, chip repairs, aluminium projects and repairs, Solar-Shade, LLumar and Seat-It. Our Pro Auto Rubber and Household (flat) glass offers an extensive range of universal rubber. We also offer a 24/7 mobile automotive emergency service.
“Success is always a team effort and we cannot stress this enough – we are eternally grateful to our incredibly dedicated frontline staff, workshop team and loyal customers. We wish everyone a peaceful, safe and prosperous festive season.
“And don’t forget, ‘we fit the best, best’,” they concluded.
