Ke Nako, South Africa
Monday, 14 June 2010

The paint partner and importer Freeworld Automotive Coatings in South Africa trained at the Spies Hecker Center in Cologne for the first time.

“Ke Nako” or “It’s time” – for South Africa. The official slogan for the 2010 World Cup at the Cape was also inspiration for the training of the South African paint partner at the Spies Hecker Center. The technical team from the Rainbow Nation came to Germany to experience the new facilities and headquarters for the first time.

For a whole week, eight South African technicians familiarized themselves with modern paint technology and discussed new technical trends. The focus, however, was also on personal contacts between the South Africans and the employees at headquarters from Marketing, Coloristics and Sales. “We worked together in a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere and discovered many things in common outside the various aspect of our work,” enthuses Frank Barduna, Head of Manager Technical Service International. “An intensive exchange of views is particularly important with our international partners.”

In past years, the technical trainers from Cologne often travelled to their colleagues in South Africa in order to provide training locally. “It was a great experience however to play host to the South African visitors this year and we look forward to building further on this 27 partnership-years in the future.” remarks Frank Barduna.

“Staying with Friends” was the motto of training in Cologne. “The almost family atmosphere at the Spies Hecker Center is unique,” says Fritz Weisshaupt, Technical Manager at Freeworld Automotive Coatings. “We rely on our close partnership with Spies Hecker. This motivates our team and keeps us efficient.”