It is with a deep sense of pride that Maxiflex celebrates its 30th birthday as a specialist and trusted supplier of a comprehensive range of premium quality, highly efficient and reliable door and dock loading solutions to Southern African industry.
The family-owned business was founded in 1990 by Frans Janssen, manufacturing, supplying and installing Maxiflex PVC strip curtains, protection screens and impact doors under the Janssen Products cc name. The Maxiflex brand rapidly gained a reputation for high quality, prompting the trading name of Maxiflex Door Systems. The acquisition of sole distributorships and consequent product expansions necessitated relocation to a larger self-built facility in Spartan, Johannesburg, in 1996, followed by a second move to the current premises, also in Spartan, which houses a 2000 m² warehouse, offices and a fully equipped showroom. The Johannesburg head office, backed by branches in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban supports customers across southern Africa. The company holds the exclusive distributorship of ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems in Sub-Sahara Africa.
Keeping it in the family, Bram Janssen took over the reins from his father as Managing Director in 2010. “It is extremely gratifying to see that we continue to follow many of the values laid down by my father all those years ago. Take for example our pride in the quality of our products and workmanship. We strive to instill this passion and sense of pride in our staff, a mindset that rubs off onto our customers. Our 30 year presence in the industry gives our customers confidence in the quality of our product and service offering for complete peace-of-mind.”
A global/local methodology, a solution-over-product approach, cutting-edge technology and a dedicated team are some of the factors cited by Bram that have contributed to the company’s 30 year milestone. “We combine a European mentality of quality with a South African flair of flexibility which enables us to develop and offer our customers the very best solutions. In addition, we consider ourselves not as a product supplier but rather a supplier of complete world-class solutions backed by professional, expert, honest and courteous advice and service; this is what differentiates us in the market.” He adds that their success would also not be possible without the strong, dedicated and loyal team of 60+ employees. The longest serving staff member, who recently retired, started with Frans Janssen on day one 30 years ago! Many employees have been with Maxiflex for over ten years and a few staff members are close to reaching their 25 years of loyal service.
Maxiflex has certainly seen numerous and significant changes over its 30 year history and constant adaptation and flexibility have been fundamental to the company’s sustainability. Ever dwindling global resources and climate change are driving a growing demand for products that are efficient and environmentally friendly compliant.
Maxiflex was the first company to introduce ASSA ABLOY’s efficient high-speed doors to the South African market which, alongside its insulated sectional door offerings have become a necessity rather than a luxury for the freezer and cold storage industries. The high-speed doors’ rapid opening and closing speeds (up to 3,0 m/s) and the excellent sealing properties of the insulated sectional doors help to maintain constant interior climate control, consequently reducing energy consumption. While this advanced technology comes at a price, Bram points out that it will benefit customers more in the long run in terms of lower operating and ownership costs over the products’ life span with a subsequent greater return on investment.
Conscious of the environment, Maxiflex uses only top quality materials in the manufacture of its PVC strip curtains and according to Bram, this quality has, for the most part, remained unchanged over the years. He warns customers to be aware of inferior quality products in the market that are more harmful to the environment and advises that they ask the right questions when purchasing their material.
The company has faced and overcome numerous challenges over the past three decades and Bram notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has most certainly exacerbated some of the recent challenges. Severe pressure on an already fragile economy and weakening Rand and a drought in much needed foreign investment all forecast protracted tough times ahead for business and industry. Customers are currently extremely price conscious which is taking precedence over quality, the effects of which Bram points out will only be felt a few years down the line.
Through consistently identifying new opportunities and improving and expanding existing product ranges, Maxiflex continues to maintain its competitive edge in delivering unmatched customer solutions. A good example of the company’s commitment to this mandate is the acquisition in 2018 of the sole Southern African distributor rights for Stackdoor®, a ground-breaking security grille which has enabled Maxiflex to successfully expand its product portfolio into the security sector.
The COVID-19 pandemic has not impeded the company’s search for new opportunities; the proactive Maxiflex team has been working tirelessly on the development of products to assist customers in protecting employee safety.
“Our range of flexible PVC sheeting can be used to create safe and clear barriers for staff as well as customers and we have extended our product range to include automatic sliding and swing door operators for a touchless entry into offices or factory openings,” affirms Bram.
Amidst all its successes and achievements, Maxiflex remains ever cognisant of its social responsibilities. “The company has been involved in numerous social drives over the years including lending support to a number of schools in setting up their own self-sustaining food gardens so that the children can receive fresh, healthy nutrients essential for their physical and mental well-being.
In wrapping up, Bram says, “I would like to assure all our valued customers that as their partner, we will remain committed to offering the highest levels of product and service quality and in sourcing cutting-edge technologies to be able to sustainably deliver efficient, robust and reliable door and dock loading solutions.”
