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MD’s Synopsis
Robert Plattner
MD
believed we were onto something. These few believers
and investors were all that stood between us and an
ignominious end to our dream.
Like many a start-up, the company’s major challenge
in the early years was funding and we had to survive
on a shoestring budget for many years. We negotiated
extended credit lines with many of our suppliers during
those difficult years and it is safe to say that without their
patience and forbearance we wouldn’t be where we are
today. We owe those people and companies a debt of
inestimable gratitude.
But the tough years were good for us too because they
taught us that the best response to adversity is innovation.
Many a time when we found ourselves seemingly in a
cul de sac, we managed to dig deep and find solutions to
apparently insurmountable challenges.
Going through adversity together strengthened the
business relationship between Jochen and me.
It also hardened our resolve to contribute to the
provision of shelter which was of a high quality and
yet affordable. Over the years more shareholders
joined the company and the strength, commitment and
dedication of those shareholders kept the company
moving forward.
As it is with all successful companies, one of
Hydraform’s greatest assets is its people, many of
whom have been with the company for a long time.
Their dedication, hard work and support has been a major
contributor to the success of the business.
Another significant contributor to our success is our
network of distributors around the world, many of whom
took a big risk themselves with a new and largely unknown
product offering. Their efforts in achieving sales and
building high-quality Hydraform buildings demands our
appreciation.
Finally, it is pertinent to point out that this magazine
celebrating our first quarter-century in business could not
be a comprehensive catalogue of our successes in Africa
and around the world. That would have been a tome as
weighty as
Lord of the Rings
– albeit with a few more
pictures.
Instead, we elected to provide a mere snapshot of our
activities over these years so as to reflect the diverse
nature of the projects in which we have been involved.
Quite obviously, after 25 years in business there is a
considerable body of work that bears the inimitable
Hydraform stamp.
Here’s to the next 25 years.
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