Sustainability has always been the driving force of the company since it was formed in 1983 to solve challenges around water scarcity and the negative impact this will have on communities, governments and companies.
The founder of Abeco, Mannie Snr. Ramos believed that water challenges would only worsen. He has been proven right as statistics put 460 Million Africans living in water stressed areas and 230 Million in water scarce areas, by 2025, just four years away.
In the words of Richard Branson, "I think if the people who work for a business are proud of the business they work for, they'll work that much harder, and therefore, I think turning your business into a real force for good is good business sense as well."
A company that has a strong purpose, operational excellence and experienced leaders, drive stakeholder value, which has proven to be the case at Abeco as it continues to outperform in the market.
Abeco is a private, family owned business together with equity stakeholder and funding partners, Investec Private Capital and Global Capital empowerment fund.
Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mannie Jnr. Ramos leads the company together with his brother, Managing Director (MD) Duane Ramos and his father Mannie Snr. Ramos as Executive Chairman.
Abeco manufacturers high-quality steel water storage tanks that hygienically store water in case of a shortage or water interruption, thereby ensuring water continuity on the continent.
Today, the company has an excellent reputation in over 30 countries in Africa, Central America and the Middle East.
Abeco’s customers also read like a who’s who list of the best companies from BP, JP Morgan, Rand Merchant Bank, Shell, GlaxoSmithKline, Investec, FNB and more.
While the impact of Covid-19 has garnered massive attention, water scarcity concerns are growing in the background.
South Africa faces big challenges caused by amongst other issues, a lack of investment in infrastructure, ageing infrastructure, high population growth rates, global warming, as well as inefficiency of water usage.
Water tanks are paramount for storing water – rainwater or other water sources – because every individual, business or community depends on water for survival.
The Benefits of Water Tanks For Companies
It sounds like a no brainer that every company should have a water tank to ensure they continue to operate when there is no water supply. Yet this is not so. “I believe this is because in South Africa we still perceive water as an endless resource,” says Mannie Jnr. Ramos. “Consider water consumption figures which are an average of 300 litres per day per person, which is nearly 100 litres above the global average, despite various water crises in the country.” He also believes that water storage is not perceived as a necessity and therefore is not budgeted for when planning ahead. “However, when there is big water crisis there is an immediate need and therefore a mad rush on tanks,” he says. “It does just not make sense. Water shortages are a business risk and must be taken as seriously as other critical business risks.” Water continuity at its basic level is necessary at a company for the following hygienic and safety reasons:- Washing of hands
- Washing of lunch plates, cups and glasses
- Flushing of toilets
- Washing of floors and desks
- Drinking water for hydration
- Water for factory processes
- Cleaning of warehouses
- Sanitation and cleaning in clinics
- Operating theatres
- Water for agriculture and animals
