Tuinroete Agri Success

The Aberdeen branch of Tuinroute Agri is very proud to have achieved second place in the recent Branch of the Year awards. The company, based in Mossel Bay, has 19 retail stores in the Cape, from Riversdal in the west to Jeffreys Bay in the east, with Aberdeen being the northernmost branch.

The large and well laid out new store on the edge of town opened in May 2010, a far cry from the small and rather cramped premises previously occupied in Porter Street. Originally opened  as a branch of LBK in 1997, the company merged with Tuinroete Agri in July 2008, and the range of products increased dramatically.

Despite the name which gives the impression that the store is only for farmers, many local people have discovered the wonderful range of products for the home. Their own brand bulk baking products sell at prices well below the big supermarkets, there is an extensive range of hardware and plumbing supplies, and even pet food and grooming products are available.

The company places great importance on social responsibility and giving back to the community. To this end, every year an underprivileged learner from Aberdeen Secondary School is sponsored with an amount of R1000 towards the cost of their school clothing and books. The deserving child was nominated by the school as a needy child with a drive to excell , and the company keep a close eye on his progress. They also provide very welcome sponsorships at the annual flock competition in Aberdeen.

The training and constant upgrading of skills is another reason that the Aberdeen branch believes gives them the edge on the other stores. Denzil van Wyk, the floor manager, recently completed NQF levels four and five in retail training, and storeman Michael Witbooi has completed NQF level four. Many of the staff have also attended courses in areas as diverse as irrigation, animal health and first aid.

Denzil van Wyk and Michael Witbooi proudly show off their NQF certificates

 

Staff at Tuinroute Agri

Back - Left to Right:  Francois Jantjies (Cashier), Adri Verwey (Admin), Micheal Witbooi (Storeman), Theunis Holtzhausen (Manager), Andrew O'Conner (Receiving clerk).

Front - Left to Right: Denzil van Wyk (Floor Manager), Jannie de Jaar (Cashier).