Carved for a wonderful future
Aubrey Koma from Polokwane has a passion for working with wood that motivates him not to give up.
POLOKWANE – Starting a business requires money, patience, many hours of hard work and the understanding that there might be some challenges along the way.
Aubrey Koma from Polokwane has experienced all of these, but his passion for working with wood motivates him not to give up. Koma is the founder of Aubtec Kitchen Units and Cupboards which is situated in 24 Mangaan Street, Nirvana.
The company specialises in the manufacturing of wood work such as customised kitchen units, built-in cupboards and office furniture. Koma is a qualified carpenter and has been working with wood as a source of income since 2014. Aubtec has trained nine people in wood work and have five permanent and two part-time workers. Koma said Aubtec Kitchen Units and Cupboards manufactures top quality, unique and exclusive wooden furniture for home and office use with a specific focus on custom-built wall and kitchen units.
“My mission is to provide a platform for the development of previously disadvantaged individuals through the creation of meaningful employment and the establishment of local and international allies in support of this strategy. We pride ourselves in producing high-quality products through our tailor-made manufacturing process, ensuring great attention to detail and quality assurance. Our orders are manufactured from hand picked wood chosen by the customer and built to their specific needs,” added Koma.
He said he is a specialist in wood furniture manufacturing and bespoke items made to the customer’s preference.
“My aim is to transfer the skills I have to young residents within Limpopo, particularly those in the rural areas. My experience includes subcontracting projects to maintain wooden products at the University of Limpopo, households and local businesses around Polokwane. I also provide the service of cutting and edging for other carpenters,” he explained.
Koma said in five years’ time he wants to see himself have enough space and be able to buy material directly from the suppliers.
“When I started the business six years ago it sometimes felt like my efforts were useless. I could not always produce my products due to a lack of materials but I did not give up and kept going. I can now buy more material to grow my business. I can design good quality products for local people and I want to supply big companies across the country with my products. Working in such a business is sometimes a gamble because some customers fail to pay what they owe, and this can kill a business,” he said.
