Company History
A1 Block was founded in 01 November 2011 by Shikaar Juglall. The company is based in Edenvale and supplies the entire Gauteng region. We employ 6 individuals from the local area as well as a part time administrator.
What the company does
The company’s core function is to produce high quality cement building blocks at competitive pricing. We have the capacity to produce 1500 quality cement building blocks per day. We also supply stock cement bricks and cement. We deliver throughout Johannesburg as well as all outlying areas. We pride ourselves in delivering quality products on time and endeavour to have available stock at all times.
Strategy
A1 Block is geared toward excellence and is driving towards becoming the leading manufacturer and supplier of quality cement blocks and bricks. We want to join the chain of organisations that provide shelter and decoration to our local communities and provide a comprehensive service that is rivalled by none. We will strive to create and maintain a reputation as an honest, reliable supplier and use this uphold our customer service and quality standards.
Mission statement
A1 Block is a small yet reliable company specifying in cement based products that are of the highest standards. We pride ourselves in using the finest raw materials, offering the best quality products and ensuring that our customer service levels are optimum.
Our customer base is split up into 3 main segments:
Hardware Stores : 30%
Walk-in Clients : 20%
Building contractors : 50%
Our customers are those looking to either build from scratch or to improve their current house/building/garden. They are those that are looking for a premium cement based product at competitive pricing and a service to match. Our products have a wide array of uses and are of premium quality, which means that our client base is huge and most industries can be seen as potential customers.
Values
Lower Pricing-Higher Volumes- Timeous Delivery-Value for Money
Our core values: Honesty, Integrity, Ethical, Respectful
Business goals & objectives
A1 Block would like to become the preferred supplier of cement based bricks and blocks to the local customer base. We want 1 out of every 5 cement brick/blocks to be purchased from us and in return, we will meet and beat every expectation from our customers.
Our goal is to see that all people in South Africa are provided with adequate shelter. We would like to supply the most basic materials to make this dream a reality to all. We would like to take informal settlements, one at a time, and convert them into low cost housing solutions, with the help of the Government and other businesses.
Over and above being a company looking to make a profit, we want to play an integral role in the development of South Africa.
Business strategy
We employ a simple business strategy and that is offer a quality cement block/brick that is competitively priced. This, combined with excellent service and timeous delivery, will see us grow in popularity and expand our market reach.
A1 Block will endeavour to meet and beat all reasonable written quotes. By sourcing our raw materials at lower cost, we are able to pass on these savings to our customers and hence remain highly competitive.
We have a strong, continuous marketing drive to further enhance our presence within the communities. We employ traditional print advertising, as well as web and social advertising, offering us organic growth.
We will offer existing clients that do on-going business with us discounted rates on our products. We will also offer reduced prices for walk-in customers as well as low cost housing projects, to ensure growth by acquisition.
Economic intent
As a business, our key proposition is to be profitable. As a company, we expect our profits to be a by-product of our success.
Business concept
A1 Block manufactures cement building blocks, and supplies stock cement bricks. We also supply high grade cement and all our products can be delivered anywhere in Gauteng.
Products
A1 Block has 3 product offerings:
Cement building block
Product I.D M150 or 6 inch
Product Size (LxWxH) 390x150x190
Compressive Strength 7 MPA
# per M2 12
Stock Cement Brick
Product I.D Cement Stock Brick
Product Size (LxWxH) 220x100x70
Compressive Strength 14 MPA
# per M2 55
Cement
Product I.D Portland Cement
Product weight per bag 50 kg
Compressive Strength 42.5
Business competitiveness
Our competitive edge comes from 3 key elements: competitive pricing, readily available stock, minimum 3000 blocks at any given time and the flexibility to deliver at any time, to any location in Gauteng.
Quality policy & objectives
In the bid for quality products, we are investigating the requirements to become ISO and SABS approved. This will follow shortly.
Service pledge
Our service pledge is to always be there for our clients. Our main contact phone number will always be on. We will reply to email correspondence immediately and accurately. We will offer real time support and answers to client questions via Skype through our website and our Facebook page.
Business model
Our business model is simple. We have a 1000 m2 yard in Edenvale and our office is home based and situated 3 km’s from the yard.
Value chain
A1 Block is centrally located, with close access to all major highways, enabling us to provide a smooth, fluid delivery chain. We are set amongst hundreds of contractors nearby, as well as a host of hardware stores. Our company will be ideally positioned within the market to offer a valued service.
Thank you for taking the time to go through this business profile.
If there are any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us.
