Howden Donkin wins award
The impressive achievements of Howden Donkin were recently applauded at the prestigious 2011 annual awards ceremony of the Eastern Cape Exporters Club of South Africa, held in Port Elizabeth. Amongst a record number of entries, Howden Donkin’s track record saw them take first place in the ‘Best Exporter, Small Business’ category.
The judging evaluated competitors not only on quantitative parameters such as the proportion of turnover generated by export sales, and their performance in creating sustainable jobs, but also in the flair and innovation they had demonstrated over the preceding year. As the first manufacturer in Africa to have its High Temperature Smoke Fans certified to International Standard BSEN 1201 Part 3, and a founding member of the South African Smoke Ventilation Association- a body dedicated to safe and workable fire prevention methods- Donkin’s entrepreneurial attitude was clearly shown.
Against the harsh background of global economic difficulties Howden Donkin held its level of exports to the rest of Africa, a result of some very effective relationship-building with other African countries. The process of appointing agents across the continent continued, and the strengthening of links with other Howden Global companies also led to a number of enquiries and firm orders. One of the year’s major accomplishments was the supply of equipment for the second phase of a ferrosilicon plant, with Donkin products being supplied to the engineering consultancy company Resonant for onward export.
The company’s performance in gaining environmental and business accreditation was also taken into account, and Howden Donkin’s certification in Health and Safety Management and Environmental Management, its NOSA four-star rating and its strong track record in the BBBEE Black Economic Empowerment rating were powerfully in its favour.
Donkin’s stated emphasis on product quality, and on providing world class fans that compete at the highest levels of design, engineering and innovation, has stood it in good stead over a difficult trading period. The company’s pursuit of excellence brings success not only in a commendable export performance and the acclamation of colleagues on the Eastern Cape Exporters Clun, but in congratulations from other businesses throughout the Howden organisation.