630 720 hours of success for Uniclox

When it comes to precision time keeping, few companies in South Africa are able to celebrate a track record like Uniclox Technologies, celebrating its 72nd anniversary in July.
First established in 1939 as a clockmaker, the company was registered in 1945. Known as United Clocks until 1965, many of the large clocks built by master craftsmen can still be seen on buildings in and around Johannesburg like those on the SAB Building in the city centre and the landmark Oriental Plaza Tower.
Founded and managed by the late Raymond Noppe, the company is still privately owned, now with his daughter, Sophia Hislop, Director and Marketing Manager, and her husband, Frank, Director and CEO, at the helm. “I grew up with Uniclox, it was just part of who we were, who my father was. Only today when I tell my children stories of my father and the people we met, that I realise how privileged I was to have that kind of exposure,” she recalls.
Sophia fondly remembers how her father purposefully introduced his children to visitors from other countries. They were allowed to ask each guest one question, but it had to be in English. “This was a huge thing for us as little Afrikaans speaking children and we practised our questions until we were sure that we were 100% prepared for our big moments. I remember understanding the conversations and it was amazing, people from other countries telling us about their lives, their countries and their companies. My father did more than was expected to make sure his guests feel like kings and queens and I felt the same.”
Uniclox Technologies focuses on resource building, access control and time management and their products include automated clocking systems for time and attendance, biometric identification terminals working with fingerprint, hand and facial geometry, and the well known card access systems that many companies use.
Uniclox’ products are more than just access control systems and it can be integrated into a company’s human resource systems to reduce errors or fraud, cut payroll preparation time and improve payroll accuracy.
Management reports generated by Uniclox Vision Software give managers access to accurate, unbiased productivity information for analysis and decision support Uniclox Technologies also specialises in building management, including keeping tabs on the use of materials, staff movements, and maintenance schedules. An integrated system will ensure employees are restricted where necessary, that set jobs are completed at the right time and place, and cost of materials are carefully controlled.
Sophia recounts how her father constantly shared his vision for the company with his family and never had anything negative to say about his beloved Uniclox. “My dream for Uniclox is to continue with his dreams and vision and make Uniclox grow into the giant it can be.”

Story: MARKI FRANKEN
>>marki.observer@gmail.com