Bidvest’s Plumblink moves into new head office

By Rory Macnamara

Plumblink Plus, a member of the Bidvest Group, recently moved into its new premises.

Plumblink store. Image supplied by Rory Macnamara | Plumbing Africa

Up until recently, the Gauteng Head Office and Distribution Centre were in Midrand, at two separate premises. Now situated in Woodmead, both the Head Office and Distribution centre are housed.

The offices are open-plan and spacious, with managerial offices neatly positioned at the end of the area. Each building spans two storeys and has its own refreshment kitchen. The whole area, including the warehouses, is open and refreshingly welcoming –
particularly in the reception area, where visitors enter.

The showroom as seen from reception. Image supplied by © Rory Macnamara – Plumbing Africa

The sheer size of the complex leaves a lasting first impression when entering from the street, clearly showing that the investment to create a complex did not skimp on anything.

We spoke to Dale Hawkins, who together with their JV company, GDM Sebenza JV, installed the plumbing.

Geberit HDPE, Mepla and Pluvia systems were installed, which allowed easy installation throughout the complex. Propelair Toilet systems – Agrement SA certified – were installed in all toilets, and sanitaryware was partly Geberit and Plumblink’s own Plumbline range of sanware .

1 to 4: A section of the showroom. Images supplied by © Rory Macnamara – Plumbing Africa

The green element of the project involved water-wise landscaping and two JOJO Tanks. Each tank has a capacity of 10 000ℓ and is supported by two booster pumps providing back up water supply. Furthermore, use of the Propelair toilet system in the building saves water with its unique air extraction flush that uses minimal water.

The plant room houses two SIRAC Heat Pumps that ensure efficiency in hot water supply.

New to the head office is a neatly laid out showroom, which shows a variety of sanitaryware, brassware and accessories, whilst allows the customer to look around comfortably without feeling hemmed in. Operating showers are displayed – from handheld to installed, from top of range to the functional handheld. The unit, whilst showing off the showerheads, also shows the variety of taps and mixers.

The overall effect is professional with staff ready to assist a guide one without becoming a nuisance or that feeling of being pressurised.