Press Releases

Macsteel launches Macsteel Express

02 June 2021

Germiston, Johannesburg, 01 June 2021  – Macsteel has launched the third of its independently owned Macsteel Express franchise partnerships in Nelspruit today.  Macsteel launched the first of its two Franchise partner concept outlets in February this year in Klerksdorp and Welkom.

Mike Benfield, Macsteel CEO says, “we recognised the need for transformation and understand that transformation today focuses on the need to generate new value—to unlock new opportunities, to drive new growth and to deliver new efficiencies for our clients.”

“The economic climate has dictated the necessity for business transformation to ensure one remains competitive.  It’s required us to rethink about how our business creates value not only today but, in the future, and as such has necessitated us to think big. Incremental improvement is not enough to win in today’s exponentially disrupted business environment. Macsteel requires sustained growth in the face of near constant disruption, and sustained growth requires agile reinvention. It’s not enough to win today, we have to be able to continue to evolve in the future and ensure that Macsteel remains competitive and sustainable for another 116 years, concludes Benfield.”

The franchising-partnering concept is a shift in Macsteel’s business model, driving consolidation and centralisation of functions within the business aimed at ensuring the sustainability of its services to customers in regions around the country.  It was this that led Macsteel to consider the option of independent ownership of certain Macsteel Branches.

What makes the Macsteel Express franchise concept exceptional, is that it will continue with Macsteel’s legacy of a customer centric and solutions-oriented approach to all customer engagements. The outlets will be open six days a week with in-store expertise and promises to deliver steel and steel-related hardware designed to meet the highest standards for all commercial and residential construction needs.

Macsteel Express outlets will continue to hold the widest range of steel and steel related hardware and remain focused on partnering with customers to offer and provide solutions for all commercial and residential construction needs.

Mike Benfield, Macsteel CEO says, “Macsteel South Africa has a proud history of servicing the South African steel market for more than 100 years.  It’s through our business units and strategic partnerships that we have developed and expanded to be Africa’s leading manufacturer, merchandiser and distributor of steel and value-added products.”

Macsteel supplies the highest quality steel to Brink Towing for the manufacturing of their towbars, this means supplying and customising materials to ensure that stringent European standards are met. These towbars are developed and tested in Brink Towing’s own research and development centre in South Africa and the Netherlands by a team of highly-experienced specialists.  With access to all the latest technology platforms, they are able to provide an optimal solution for virtually all car types, even for the latest hybrid and electric models.  These testing standards were developed using advanced measurements under the most extreme conditions of use. In doing so, motorists are assured of the highest quality towbar.

Brink Towing’s key markets within South Africa encompass certain Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), including Ford, Toyota and Isuzu, Original Equipment Suppliers (OES), as well as after-market tow bar installations.

Macsteel is the majority steel supplier for Brink Towing’s contract to manufacture towbars for the Ford Ranger range. This business constitutes a large portion of Brink Towing’s business. Macsteel’s reliable supply of top-quality steel has allowed Brink Towing to maintain and extend its contract with Ford until 2030.

Mark Gutridge, Brink Towing Managing Director says, “The importance of meeting quality standards cannot be overstated and it was challenging finding a South African supplier who could meet the stringent European standards.  Our search for the right partner led us to Macsteel, a partnership that has yielded great results and the assurance that we consistently receive the high-quality steel we require.”

Macsteel is a firm believer in the value business partnerships can bring. “When two businesses, that share the same goals and vision, join forces like Macsteel and Brink Towing, the influence and strength of each organisation can grow dramatically,” says Benfield.  “We understand that a stronger business provides better products and improved quality and services to customers and that is what we are both striving for: to deliver a product of the highest quality and standard.”