Paul Rebelo, Managing Director of CADCON, tells us about the company’s in-house steelwork and platework capabilities, the importance of robust client and supplier relationships, and its ambitious expansion plans.
TURNKEY STEELWORK DESIGN AND SUPPLY
South Africa is one of the continent’s biggest steel producers; according to the World Steel Association, the nation’s steel manufacturers produced 5.7 million tonnes (t) of the alloy in 2019 alone.
As a long-standing and supportive pillar of the South African metalworks sector, CADCON was founded in 1987, fabricating small steelworks and sundry metalworks for the Pretoria market.
Today, the company has grown into a medium-sized steel company with a service offering comprising fabrication, erection, and the corrosion protection of structural steelworks and plateworks.
On average, CADCON fabricates 600t per month of steelwork through its four state-of-the-art workshops. The total facility spans 15,100 square metres (sqm), with an additional 10,000 sqm used to house a blasting and painting yard, and accommodates approximately 200 dedicated employees who are equipped to take on any project.
GOING THE EXTRA MILE
CADCON boasts a vast customer base, encompassing everything from commercial, mining, retail, industrial, power, and architectural industries, and engaging with developers, professional teams, and main contractors.
“The company is not afraid to go the extra mile in terms of delivering an excellent project,” opens Paul Rebelo, Managing Director.
“We pride ourselves on delivering only the very best to ensure that each operation covers the desired specifications. There is no project that is too big or small, as our clients value our approach and have certainty in our operational delivery,” he adds.
Rebelo’s career began in international engineering and construction, where he was involved in various sectors including petrochemical, mining, pulp and paper, and solar power.
“It was during the Medupi Power Station construction between 2008 and 2012 that I first came into contact with CADCON and the structural steel sector. The company was part of a joint venture (JV) that fabricated 26,000t of steel for the project,” recalls Rebelo.
Throughout his time at CADCON, he has witnessed significant growth, as the business has branched into different sectors and engaged with new clients and territories. With a specially devised leadership team, the company shows no signs of slowing down.
“Our plan is to continue along this growth path by further expanding our client base, whilst not losing sight of loyal repeat customers who have always supported us.”
However, with limited workspace and employee resources, Rebelo understands the importance of CADCON having a clear focus on the right opportunities that adequately support its upward trajectory.
“We pride ourselves on delivering only the very best to ensure that each operation covers the desired specifications”
Paul Rebelo, Managing Director, CADCON
SUPPLIER SELECTIVITY
The company’s scrupulous focus on growth opportunities is reflected by its critical supplier list; steel merchants in particular can carry vital stock to cater for the hundreds of steel section combinations that the company requires.
“Our steel partnerships are a vital cog in our well-oiled machine. Without these merchants, we would not have the adequate material to be able to manufacture and meet our clients’ demands,” enlightens Rebelo.
CADCON also has many other supplier partnerships which continue to contribute to the success of the business. These include shop drawing detailers, paint suppliers and applicators, crane and access equipment suppliers, and steel erectors, all of which play a big part in the company’s success.
CADCON is able to build more personal relationships with its suppliers thanks to a comprehensive in-house procurement team, which allows the company to negotiate on better pricing and on-time delivery, particularly during high-priority projects that have tight timeframes.
The procurement department also works closely with the proposals team, thus ensuring the best price is offered to clients during the tendering process.
“Having an internal procurement team allows us to receive real-time information on material availability, particularly if we need to make an immediate decision on whether to wait for material or substitute it for a more readily available product, to ensure that we don’t impact the manufacturing programme,” details Rebelo.
COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE
A major differentiating factor for CADCON is its willingness to take on any project regardless of size, alongside its tenacity and dedication to each operation.
“If we run into any technical issues, we are quick to find a solution that still fits within the client’s end vision,” Rebelo emphasises.
A key example of the company’s perseverance is the ambitious Ford Frame Line Project, situated in Pretoria. Completed in 2022, it was a significant part of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) hub, Africa’s first automotive city.
The project was specifically designed to provide warehousing and offices for Ford’s e-coating and waxing operations, catering for the automotive giant’s vehicle chassis production prior to the assembly line.
“It was exciting and fast paced, with the 78,100sqm facility being fabricated and erected in six months, producing an impressive 900t on average every four weeks.”
The Pick n’ Pay Inland Distribution Centre (DC) was another project that CADCON was proud to be a part of.
The consolidated DC, which spans an excess of 165,000 sqm, was designed to optimise productivity and efficiency by incorporating groceries, perishables, fresh produce, general merchandise, and imported goods all under one roof, thus avoiding duplication of supply chain costs.
“The large, uninterrupted steel roof profile allowed for the concealed-fix roof sheeting to be rolled out in continuous lengths to avoid joints, the longest of which is an official Guinness World Record at 280 metres (m),” Rebelo excites.
Branching out further, CADCON has several projects in the pipeline that intercept the mining, commercial, and power sectors. The company is also keeping its eye on a number of data centres coming to fruition in the near future, as the business wishes to expand and accelerate its presence in this space.
RESPONSIBLE AND COMITTED
The South African steel construction industry is typically very fast paced, with tight deadlines and substantial pressure on those involved to ensure a project is completed on time without compromising on quality.
In the face of these industry challenges, CADCON sees great value in every member of staff.
“In order for us to keep employee morale up, we try to host two to three functions a year, which consist of one or two team building days as well as an end-of-year event that is hosted on the last working day in December,” imparts Rebelo.
These initiatives are in place to recognise the strong work ethic of the company’s employees and their dedication to producing high quality products, which is evident from top management through to workshop staff.
Elsewhere, as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), CADCON plays a key part in supporting its local community, materialising in monthly contributions to Johannesburg-based Charity Fusion, as well as Sparrow Schools Education Trust, a non-profit organisation that provides access to learning and top-quality education for younger generations.
“Most of the children come from very impoverished communities and are unable to pay their own school fees for this type of specialised learning,” informs Rebelo.
As CADCON forecasts the year ahead, its main focus is to expand its horizons by considering opportunities beyond the South African border whilst continuing to strengthen relationships with its current, loyal client base.
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