Responding to growing market demand, manufacturer and distributor of high-performance adhesives Pratley has expanded and relocated its Durban, KwaZulu-Natal depot.

The new facility in Cornubia, north of Durban, offers increased stockholding capacity, a modern training hub and enhanced security for customers.

The newly established depot is significantly larger, enabling Pratley to stock higher volumes across its product range, translating to faster product availability and improved service efficiency.

Customers in the KwaZulu-Natal region also no longer need to rely on stock deliveries from the company’s head office in Krugersdorp, Gauteng.

“The decision to expand and relocate our Durban depot was driven by two key factors. First, our previous premises were in an ageing and deteriorating section in Durban, which posed security risks for both staff and customers. Second, we needed a much larger facility to accommodate increased stock volumes, as our sales continue to grow,” says Pratley marketing director Eldon Kruger.

“We are now able to maintain higher inventory levels in Durban. This means reduced delivery times and a much more responsive service to meet our customers’ needs,” he adds.

One impactful upgrade is the facility’s ability to accommodate interlink trucks, compared with the previous 7 t transport capacity. This has streamlined logistics, reduced transport costs and significantly improved delivery efficiency across KwaZulu-Natal.

Among the products now more readily available are Pratley’s lightweight mineral products such as Pratliperl and Grolite, with stock levels of over 1 000 bags for each product.

The depot now also carries a broader selection of Pratley electrical termination products, including cable glands and junction boxes, as well as the company’s renowned high-strength adhesives and epoxy solutions.

Strategically located in Cornubia near Umhlanga in Durban, the new site offers easy access from both Durban and Richards Bay which are two key industrial hubs, positioning the company closer to its customers and also strengthening logistical efficiency.

The upgraded depot also includes a new training centre, which is aimed at educating and empowering customers on the proper use of Pratley’s products.

“One of our objectives is to engage the younger generation by showcasing the advantages of using Pratley products in real-world applications, empowering them with the knowledge to use them effectively,” Kruger notes.

The Durban expansion follows similar developments in Cape Town, where Pratley has also acquired additional depot properties to improve supply chain efficiency and customer support across South Africa.

“This expansion reflects our broader strategy to enhance national supply and support. We warmly encourage our clients to visit our new depot or take advantage of the training facilities, which are valuable resources designed to strengthen product knowledge and improve customer experience,” Kruger says.