Belgotex, Belgotex is Africa’s leading carpet and artificial grass manufacturer. As a soft flooring specialist, the company designs, makes and distributes high-quality broadloom and modular carpets with custom solutions available to the commercial marketBelgotex has been a leader in the local flooring industry for more than 38 years and has a healthy export market for high end residential, corporate and commercial flooring. As a member of the multinational Belgotex International Group, with seven companies over four continents, the South African entity is proud to take Africa to the world. Belgotex’s global footprint is on the pulse of design, décor and lifestyle trends that enrich the brand experience that is delivered on home soil. Belgotex is Africa’s leading carpet and artificial grass manufacturer. As a soft flooring specialist, the company designs, makes and distributes high-quality broadloom and modular carpets with custom solutions available to the commercial market. Their extensive product portfolio includes luxury and specialist vinyls and artificial grass. The company’s continuous investment in technology has laid the foundation for manufacturing excellence and adapting to market trends has ensured that Belgotex remains competitive, locally and internationally. Belgotex takes great pride in their innovative approach to business, and in an age where the product is no longer a differentiator, they focus their investments and energy on their people, their brand, and their distribution channel. The Green Journey Operating from their 100 000m2 green factory, Belgotex is committed to sustainability on all levels. ‘We Tread Softly’ is one of their core values, and this is very evident in what they do. Raw materials for several products are derived from post-industrial and post-consumer waste, and the needle-punch ranges are made with a blend of polypropylene and recycled eco-fibre. This considerably lowers the embodied energy associated with virgin raw material use. A Carbon Footprint analysis was done in 2010 and, Belgotex developed their blueprint for carbon emission reductions, using integrated carbon management systems to reduce their carbon footprint significantly. Numerous energy optimisation initiatives have provided more sustainable energy sources, including the 17 million rand photovoltaic solar power plant that provides about 5% of the company’s annual energy requirement. The rainwater harvesting initiative considerably reduced water consumption by using rainwater from the factory’s roofs in non-critical applications. The company’s move to 100% solution dyed yarn production has also resulted in significant water, chemical and energy savings. This has saved a precious resource, distanced Belgotex from old technology and offers clients a far superior ‘stain proof’ yarn system. In alignment with the three Rs of waste management – reduce, reuse, and recycle – Belgotex seeks to reduce inputs, reuse materials and recycle waste from the company’s operations, effectively reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill. The ongoing ‘Green Journey’ aligns with Belgotex’s value We Tread Softly, which speaks to the company’s commitment to operational sustainability practices. Best Practice The company adheres to international best-practice principles and frameworks such as the ISO Quality and Environmental ISO 9001 (Quality management system), ISO 14001 (Environmental management system), ISO 14064/7 (Greenhouse gas emissions reporting), ISO 14040/4/6 (Life cycle assessment), ISO 14024/5 (Environmental labelling), GRI-GR4 Guidelines, 12 Principles, and the GreenTag and GreenStar 6 Star certifications. Belgotex Foundation The company has a history of establishing, supporting, and implementing programmes that uplift communities and organisations. The Belgotex Foundation, established in 2015, was initially dedicated to early childhood development. The Foundation success fully transformed numerous projects with their wide range of products but has concluded that the role of the Foundation was far greater than ECD revamps and upgrades. Edward Colle, Belgotex’s CEO and co-founder of the Belgotex Foundation said, “Belgotex believes wholeheartedly in a ‘hand-up’ rather than a ‘hand-out’ approach, and we are proud to be associated with initiatives that support the efforts of communities and individuals to improve their socio-economic circumstances.” “If we look around, we cannot be proud of the current situation in society. It may be more evident in this beautiful country we live in, but the same social decay and lack of inclusive growth is evident globally. This is not part of our purpose, and if we don’t address the situation, we will leave our children a very challenging set of cards. On a fundamental level, if we cannot look after our planet and the society that occupies it, we will have a very dysfunctional set of circumstances which will put immense pressure on business, as the environment will not be conducive to any form of growth. The sooner we address and deal with these issues the better it will be in the long run.” The Belgotex Academy was launched in 1999 and provides flooring installation training, technical sales training and estimating training across the various product categories offered by Belgotex. In addition, the company offers youth and employee development through internship and learnership programmes, various training and awareness programmes and employee wellness campaigns.EDWARD COLLE, after completing his studies at Stellenbosch, Colle spent four years working in one of his mother's businesses before officially joining Belgotex. He views this time as vital to his professional development, and the broad foundation he gained in this smaller business has stood him in good stead in his career at Belgotex. Belgotex was founded in the 1950s and evolved into a multi-national corporate spanning five continents. Despite being brought up in the flooring industry and being the third generation in this family-owned business, Colle earned his stripes before being promoted to the executive team. Starting on the factory floor, he moved slowly through the business, taking learnings from each stage of his journey and getting to know the staff on a personal level. Colle has spent the last eleven years with Belgotex and was appointed as CEO of Belgotex in August 2018. He has a passion for the industry which motivates him daily and is committed to building the company's brand. Sustainability in all aspects of the business is central to the way Belgotex does business. Colle brings a unique perspective to the business. He is acutely aware of the value of multiple insights and diversity of opinion, and says this inclusive attitude allows him to have an objective view of the world. This embodies his philosophy that there is no black or white in life and that your experiences and exposure to life are going to inform your perspective. Colle has a progressive management style and strongly supports the concept of the win-win approach. He has a clear vision for the future of Belgotex and the company continually strives to develop the business and inspire their people to achieve the unimaginable. Colle credits his ability to empathise with others, and trying to understand other people's viewpoints, as a strength that he contributed to his success. He points out that challenging the status quo is not always plain sailing, but by doing so they create greater opportunities and a greater meaning in what they do. "When facing challenges," says Colle, "managing your frustrations and focusing on your objectives are essential." The "Belgotex Green Journey" was initiated well before he joined the company, and he is committed to taking it to the next level. He views the environmental sustainability of the business as best practice, and as a never-ending journey. "On a fundamental level, if we cannot look after our planet and the society that occupies it, we will have a very dysfunctional set of circumstances which will put immense pressure on business, as the environment will not be conducive to any form of growth." Belgotex believes wholeheartedly in a 'hand-up' rather than a 'hand-out' approach, and Colle is co-founder of the Belgotex Foundation which was established seven years ago. The Foundation's focus was initially focused on three key areas: wildlife conservation, early childhood development and economic upliftment through vocational training, but has recently morphed into something much bigger. "We're proud to be associated with initiatives that support the efforts of communities and individuals to improve their socio-economic circumstances," says Colle. "And we have the opportunity to make a significant difference in society through the scale we've created." On a personal level, Colle and his wife Sarah are embarking on a 90-hectare agricultural restoration project. Sarah is a chef by profession so has always had a passion for food. Their plan is to run a training facility for the community in which they live so that these skills can be transferred and create a restaurant and deli which serves all the local ingredients to its patrons. "I'm not sure that we will ever find the perfect balance in life between work, family and social," says Colle, "but we try to juggle these three balls as effectively as possible." EDWARD COLLE, after completing his studies at Stellenbosch, Colle spent four years working in one of his mother's businesses before officially joining Belgotex. He views this time as vital to his professional development, and the broad foundation he gained in this smaller business has stood him in good stead in his career at Belgotex. Belgotex was founded in the 1950s and evolved into a multi-national corporate spanning five continents. Despite being brought up in the flooring industry and being the third generation in this family-owned business, Colle earned his stripes before being promoted to the executive team. Starting on the factory floor, he moved slowly through the business, taking learnings from each stage of his journey and getting to know the staff on a personal level. Colle has spent the last eleven years with Belgotex and was appointed as CEO of Belgotex in August 2018. He has a passion for the industry which motivates him daily and is committed to building the company's brand. Sustainability in all aspects of the business is central to the way Belgotex does business. Colle brings a unique perspective to the business. He is acutely aware of the value of multiple insights and diversity of opinion, and says this inclusive attitude allows him to have an objective view of the world. This embodies his philosophy that there is no black or white in life and that your experiences and exposure to life are going to inform your perspective. Colle has a progressive management style and strongly supports the concept of the win-win approach. He has a clear vision for the future of Belgotex and the company continually strives to develop the business and inspire their people to achieve the unimaginable. Colle credits his ability to empathise with others, and trying to understand other people's viewpoints, as a strength that he contributed to his success. He points out that challenging the status quo is not always plain sailing, but by doing so they create greater opportunities and a greater meaning in what they do. "When facing challenges," says Colle, "managing your frustrations and focusing on your objectives are essential." The "Belgotex Green Journey" was initiated well before he joined the company, and he is committed to taking it to the next level. He views the environmental sustainability of the business as best practice, and as a never-ending journey. "On a fundamental level, if we cannot look after our planet and the society that occupies it, we will have a very dysfunctional set of circumstances which will put immense pressure on business, as the environment will not be conducive to any form of growth." Belgotex believes wholeheartedly in a 'hand-up' rather than a 'hand-out' approach, and Colle is co-founder of the Belgotex Foundation which was established seven years ago. The Foundation's focus was initially focused on three key areas: wildlife conservation, early childhood development and economic upliftment through vocational training, but has recently morphed into something much bigger. "We're proud to be associated with initiatives that support the efforts of communities and individuals to improve their socio-economic circumstances," says Colle. "And we have the opportunity to make a significant difference in society through the scale we've created." On a personal level, Colle and his wife Sarah are embarking on a 90-hectare agricultural restoration project. Sarah is a chef by profession so has always had a passion for food. Their plan is to run a training facility for the community in which they live so that these skills can be transferred and create a restaurant and deli which serves all the local ingredients to its patrons. "I'm not sure that we will ever find the perfect balance in life between work, family and social," says Colle, "but we try to juggle these three balls as effectively as possible."

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INTRODUCTION

Belgotex is Africa’s leading carpet and artificial grass manufacturer. As a soft flooring specialist, the company designs, makes and distributes high-quality broadloom and modular carpets with custom solutions available to the commercial market

Leadership

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Edward Colle

Treading Softly

Belgotex has been a leader in the local flooring industry for more than 38 years and has a healthy export market for high end residential, corporate and commercial flooring.

As a member of the multinational Belgotex International Group, with seven companies over four continents, the South African entity is proud to take Africa to the world. Belgotex’s global footprint is on the pulse of design, décor and lifestyle trends that enrich the brand experience that is delivered on home soil.

Belgotex is Africa’s leading carpet and artificial grass manufacturer. As a soft flooring specialist, the company designs, makes and distributes high-quality broadloom and modular carpets with custom solutions available to the commercial market. Their extensive product portfolio includes luxury and specialist vinyls and artificial grass.

The company’s continuous investment in technology has laid the foundation for manufacturing excellence and adapting to market trends has ensured that Belgotex remains competitive, locally and internationally. Belgotex takes great pride in their innovative approach to business, and in an age where the product is no longer a differentiator, they focus their investments and energy on their people, their brand, and their distribution channel.

The Green Journey
Operating from their 100 000m2 green factory, Belgotex is committed to sustainability on all levels. ‘We Tread Softly’ is one of their core values, and this is very evident in what they do.

Raw materials for several products are derived from post-industrial and post-consumer waste, and the needle-punch ranges are made with a blend of polypropylene and recycled eco-fibre. This considerably lowers the embodied energy associated with virgin raw material use.

A Carbon Footprint analysis was done in 2010 and, Belgotex developed their blueprint for carbon emission reductions, using integrated carbon management systems to reduce their carbon footprint significantly. Numerous energy optimisation initiatives have provided more sustainable energy sources, including the 17 million rand photovoltaic solar power plant that provides about 5% of the company’s annual energy requirement.

The rainwater harvesting initiative considerably reduced water consumption by using rainwater from the factory’s roofs in non-critical applications. The company’s move to 100% solution dyed yarn production has also resulted in significant water, chemical and energy savings. This has saved a precious resource, distanced Belgotex from old technology and offers clients a far superior ‘stain proof’ yarn system.

In alignment with the three Rs of waste management – reduce, reuse, and recycle – Belgotex seeks to reduce inputs, reuse materials and recycle waste from the company’s operations, effectively reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.

The ongoing ‘Green Journey’ aligns with Belgotex’s value We Tread Softly, which speaks to the company’s commitment to operational sustainability practices.

Best Practice
The company adheres to international best-practice principles and frameworks such as the ISO Quality and Environmental ISO 9001 (Quality management system), ISO 14001 (Environmental management system), ISO 14064/7 (Greenhouse gas emissions reporting), ISO 14040/4/6 (Life cycle assessment), ISO 14024/5 (Environmental labelling), GRI-GR4 Guidelines, 12 Principles, and the GreenTag and GreenStar 6 Star certifications.

Belgotex Foundation
The company has a history of establishing, supporting, and implementing programmes that uplift communities and organisations. The Belgotex Foundation, established in 2015, was initially dedicated to early childhood development. The Foundation success fully transformed numerous projects with their wide range of products but has concluded that the role of the Foundation was far greater than ECD revamps and upgrades.

Edward Colle, Belgotex’s CEO and co-founder of the Belgotex Foundation said, “Belgotex believes wholeheartedly in a ‘hand-up’ rather than a ‘hand-out’ approach, and we are proud to be associated with initiatives that support the efforts of communities and individuals to improve their socio-economic circumstances.”

“If we look around, we cannot be proud of the current situation in society. It may be more evident in this beautiful country we live in, but the same social decay and lack of inclusive growth is evident globally.

This is not part of our purpose, and if we don’t address the situation, we will leave our children a very challenging set of cards. On a fundamental level, if we cannot look after our planet and the society that occupies it, we will have a very dysfunctional set of circumstances which will put immense pressure on business, as the environment will not be conducive to any form of growth. The sooner we address and deal with these issues the better it will be in the long run.”

The Belgotex Academy was launched in 1999 and provides flooring installation training, technical sales training and estimating training across the various product categories offered by Belgotex. In addition, the company offers youth and employee development through internship and learnership programmes, various training and awareness programmes and employee wellness campaigns.

Full Name of Company: Belgotex South Africa
Nature of Business: Manufacturing
Services / Products: Flooring - carpets, vinyl, artificial grass, artificial sports surfaces, underlay
Date Established: 1983
Subsidiaries: Greenfields, Likewise, Voke, YUDU
Customer Base: Suppliers/ Retailers
No. of Employees: 700+
Auditors / Accountants: Deloitte
Bankers: Standard Bank
Industry Quality Standards: ISO 9001; ISO 14000 series of standards: ISO 14025, ISO 14040/4/6, ISO 14064/7; ISO 18001, GreenTag Certification, GreenStar 6 Star Rating

VISION
To be a recognised, world-class, African brand showcase through our deep connection with our people, product and the planet.

MISSION
Belgotex design, manufacture and deliver quality floors that endure the speed of life.

CORE PURPOSE
We bring a platform for authenticity to every walk of life through creativity, communication and collaboration.

KEY PERSONNEL
CEO: Edward Colle
Financial Director: Steve Truter

CONTACT DETAILS
Head Office
Physical Address: 20 Chesterfield Road
Postal Address: P.O. Box 3228, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
Tel: +27 (0)33 897 7500
E-mail: info@belgotex.co.za; hello@belgotex.co.za
Website: www.belgotex.co.za

Branches:
Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Free State,
Umhlanga

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