Page 49 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

HENK DUYS

enk Duys, chairman of the Duys Engineering longstanding partnership with Toyota. “They’ve instead of coming to work – those were uncertain
Group, reflects on his role with a mix of been cooperative and supportive without trying to times. But then, out of the blue, we received
humour and dedication. “I’m only 78 years take over. They’d come in and say, ‘Look, your costs unexpected support in the form of a cheque from
Hold,” he says with a chuckle. “I’m only 25% are too high – how can we bring them down?’ They the Industrial Development Corporation. It wasn’t
retired – maybe sometimes 50% retired – but I’m didn’t just want to cut us out; they wanted to build something we asked for, but it came just when we
involved business-wise about 24/7. It’s not part of business with us.” needed it.” He continues, “Labour relations have
my life; it’s my life.” been one of the biggest ongoing challenges, and
Henk says, “We believe we’ve built credibility with now we’re also dealing with equity partners and
He shares a painful turning point from two years our stakeholders because we’ve always been structured corporate management, which is a
ago: “We had a tragedy when my son Pieter, who transparent and honest. We’ve had to ask for help learning process for us.”
was chief executive of our engineering operations, – whether it was credit or other support – because
passed away at just 46. He had a heart attack. He cash flow has been an issue. But because of the Speaking on KZN’s future, Henk sees great potential
was fit, so we suspect it might have been Covid- friendships and relationships we’ve maintained, in the Eastern Seaboard and emphasises the
related. His passing changed everything for me. I we’ve always managed to pull through.” He adds, importance of strategic investment. “The world’s
had to rethink the future of our group.” “It’s easy to break friendships, but much harder to political and economic dynamics mean that large
hold on to them. We’ve made it a point to honour ships are increasingly navigating around Africa. Our
Henk describes his business, which he built up our commitments, even if it sometimes took a while, ports – Durban and Richards Bay – need to prepare
over decades, as “mainly divided into engineering and this approach has built lasting trust.” for this by focusing on ship repair, shipbuilding,
and auto components manufacturing, with a bit of and support for oil and gas bunkering. If we don’t
property which I manage.” He explained that the BEING ADAPTABLE seize this opportunity, it’s likely to shift to Maputo
truck and bakkie components they supply gives or other ports in Mozambique.”
the business stability. He also speaks warmly of the Speaking of what motivates him he says, “Seeing
company’s evolution, highlighting investments in development and seeing people put up equipment Henk is also inspired by his personal interests: “I
Richards Bay where large projects are now underway gives me a lot of satisfaction,” he says. He admires play the piano and clarinet, although I play for
myself rather than others. And I have three favourite
maintaining and repairing equipment. the success of other companies as well, noting,
“There’s one engineering works in South Africa things – my wife, my bike, and my Porsche, though
DEDICATION TO INNOVATION that I consider the best. Seeing their achievements the order depends on who you ask!” He’s mindful
inspires me.” Reflecting on his own company’s of family, especially his wife, who recently bought
His dedication to innovation is evident. “I love recent projects, he shares, “We completed two into a retirement village in Paarl. “She wants me
production, especially when it’s efficient,” he says major contracts, converting 1,200 tonnes of steel in to spend more time there, and I’ll have to make
with enthusiasm. “Creating businesses and seeing just six months. It was a challenge, but we delivered space for that. But even there, with my laptop, I
people develop – that’s what gives me a kick. beyond the client’s expectations.” can stay connected to the business. I can see that
Engineering is an art; it’s like making music.” this coming year, I’ll be spending a lot more time
However, reflecting on challenges, Henk acknow- down there.” Currently, Henk also sees his role
Although his origins were in economics Henk had ledges, “We’ve been through umpteen ups and focused on securing the business’s legacy. “We’ve
to learn engineering very quickly. and made his downs in 64 years. Many times, I didn’t know if got a future for my grandchildren’s grandchildren,”
fair share of mistakes. Reflecting on his start, he we’d survive. But our family and some very loyal he says about their Richards Bay operations.
says, “My father should have fired me long ago.” colleagues have been adaptable. Henk credits his
However, pride shines through as he considers father for teaching him to “separate the wood from In order to keep in touch with the business Henk
the longevity of the business which is 64 years. “If the trees.” He adds, “My father was the hardest- keeps a spreadsheet for everything he needs to
we’re still in business after all these years, that’s an working man I knew. He believed in sticking to what follow up on, both business and personal. My
accomplishment. I’ve seen so many competitors you’re good at and doing your best.” motto is, ‘Don’t expect, inspect’. My father also
come and go, but our resilience has kept us here. It’s had one that I follow: ‘We don’t build monuments
about being proud of your work and putting your Henk remarks, “The apartheid years were incredibly to our bad workmanship.’” He adds with a chuckle,
name on it.” difficult. There were times when I genuinely didn’t “And as a cyclist, I say, if cycling starts interfering
know if we would stay in business. I remember the with your business, then it’s time to change your
A proud milestone, according to Henk, has been their workers singing and dancing in the change rooms business.”
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