Company Profile

 
Company Profile of Corobrik, leading brick supplier in SA

Corobrik Carbon
Emissions Projects Video


Corobrik Paving 2012 Video


Corobrik Facebrick 2012 Video

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Corobrik (Pty) Ltd was established in Durban in 1902. Utilising its expertise gained over more than 111 years in the brick business, superior technology, manufacturing practices, distribution network and logistic capabilities, Corobrik has grown to be the leading brick manufacturer, distributor and marketer of clay bricks, clay pavers and associated allied building products in South Africa, the logistic capability of 4 million products per working day.

Corobrik has its head office in Durban, with three regional offices in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town and 28 Corobrik Centres located country-wide, which together with Corobrik’s extensive network of independent accredited distributors provides Corobrik with a national presence to serve the needs of its target markets.


Corobrik presently operates 15 factories, which together with Corobrik’s alliance partners, permits Corobrik to offer to its customers the complete spectrum of brick and paver options under the Corobrik brand.

Employment Equity

 

Our commitment to redressing the imbalances of the past extends to our staff and management structures. In tune with the Employment Equity Act, we have instigated a multi-faceted education and development programme, which expedites the advancement and promotion of previously disadvantaged employees and includes:
  • An Employment Equity Committee which represents all groups and levels.
  • The appointment of a Skills Development Facilitator
  • A Leadership Development Programme
  • A Production Management
  • Training Programme
  • Weekly technical training lectures
  • Company sponsored employee study and development schemes
  • The allocation of a substantial education and training budget.
  • Annual tertiary study bursaries for employees’ children.

Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment
We are proudly South African in everything we do and take as much pride in empowering our staff as we do in uplifting communities. As of June 2008, total share equity in Corobrik under the control of historically disadvantaged South Africans (HDSA) rose to 53.3%, when 26% of the share equity was placed in employee hands through the Corobrik Staff Trust, this at no cost to Corobrik employees.
The Staff Trust is a HDSA entity where each employee beneficiary has one vote. The Trust holds 26% of the issued share capital of the company for the benefit of the beneficiaries. Two trustees serve on the Corobrik Board.

Trustees of the Corobrik Staff Trust attending the inaugural meeting of Trustees at Avoca
Dirk Meyer briefing new Trustee Directors, Levy Mashishi (left) and Anthony Matlala (right), ahead of their first Board Meeting

Safety in the Workplace

 

A safe working environment is of crucial importance. Our S.H.E. (Safety, Health and Environment Programme) exceeds the standards set by the Mine, Health and Safety Act and includes:
  • Regular factory safety audits
  • Monthly S.H.E meetings
  • Training and staff induction programmes:
    • Safety and housekeeping in the workplace
    • Hazards in the workplace
    • Fire fighting
    • Accident / incident investigations
    • Machinery lockout procedures
    • Personal protective equipment
    • HIV / AIDS and other diseases
    • First Aid
    • Family Planning
    • Drug and alcohol abuse


Simulated training includes dealing with disasters consequent to gas explosions.
Simulated training includes dealing with disasters consequent to gas explosions.

Environment

 
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Our world is precious and we are committed to ensuring that our activities are based on sound sustainable environmental practices which adhere to the Minerals and Mine, Health and Safety Acts.

Sustainable Development:
Key activities of the business conducted within a sustainable development framework include:-
  • Quarrying and manufacturing operations are located in rural and semi rural areas this providing long term employment opportunities to neighbouring communities.
  • Social and labour plans exist for all quarrying and manufacturing operations within the framework of the New Order Mining Rights.
  • Quarrying and manufacturing operations are undertaken within the parameters and requirements of an approved Environmental Management Plan for each quarry and process.
  • At the end of the life time of each quarry, the Environmental Management Plan provides for its rehabilitation and reuse as a nature reserve around a pollution free dam, recreational area, landfill use or land for commercial/residential development.
Results of rehabilitation of two Corobrik Quarries.

Quarry rehabilitation to achieve pollution free dams takes into consideration water quality and the establishment of water PH levels where indigenous plants, birds and fish can thrive.
Quarry rehabilitation to achieve pollution free dams takes into consideration water quality and the establishment of water PH levels where indigenous plants, birds and fish can thrive.

The more effective use of energy and incremental reductions to Corobrik’s carbon footprint at time of manufacture and during delivery of its products to sites is a key operational objective.

Notwithstanding that Corobrik employs latest technologies and operates energy efficient kilns, ensuring that the embodied energy of its products is in line with international best practice for the technologies employed, Corobrik remains committed to driving further efficiencies in the use of energy and the wider use of clean burning fuels [such as natural gas] even though natural gas is more expensive.

Corobrik presently has six factories being fired on natural gas with further conversions to natural gas under investigation.

Typical top down gas firing system
Driers and Kiln energy optimization technologies
Robotics being used to marshal ten core hole bricks – optimising manufacturing efficiencies and quality
Computer systems incorporated to enhance process controls and quality outcome




Indicative of Corobrik’s commitment to the environment, Corobrik in 2005 registered its Lawley factory fuel switch conversion with the United Nations Clean Development Mechanism Committee. On the 13th June 2008, Lawley factory was awarded its first certificates of Certified Emissions Reduction, this making Corobrik the first company in South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa to be granted approval to trade carbon credits within the framework of the United Nations emissions trading scheme.
 
Dirk Meyer presenting Minister Sonjica with a commemorative certificate of Corobrik’s first certificates of emissions reductions achieved
 
Innovations able to achieve incremental reductions in energy consumption are continuously being sought. In the past year, major capital has been expended on the systematic roll out of new extrusion technology at all Corobrik operations, to help drive energy reductions and lower Corobrik’s carbon footprint.