GLS Consulting
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Transcript of GLS Consulting
WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL
Clean water is something that is often taken for granted and it is enlightening to find the amount of work it takes to keep the water flowing smoothly and reliably. When you do find out the level of activity and expertise needed to do this you may never turn the tap on in the same way again. I was lucky enough to speak with cofounder and director Dr. Leon Geustyn regarding the remarkable and essential GLS Consulting.
KEEPING THE Water FLOWING
“Our business today focusses on water and sewer
system modelling and master planning,” Leon explains,
“This includes areas such as water quality modelling;
risk based pipeline replacement prioritization analysis and water and
sewer system asset management planning.”
While being a South African company their level of expertise has
attracted clients from across the globe.
“We operate from a single office in Stellenbosch, South Africa,”
he continues, “Serving more than thirty municipalities, including five
metro’s in South Africa. Through specialist assistance to associated
companies we also provide our services to clients in South East Asia,
the United States of America, Holland and Turkey.”
The Source Of The Company’s Strength
“GLS employ highly skilled people with over half the staff having
obtained tertiary qualifications,” Leon tells us, describing the source-
pool for his company’s strength, “Three of them hold PhD’s and twelve
are either holding or in the process of completing Masters Degrees in
Engineering as well as one holding an MBA.”
With forty three staff members working for the company financial
and mentoring support is provided at all levels of advanced education.
Over and above this continuous high level training is provided to staff
on the sophisticated technology and methodology applied by GLS
and the software training courses provided by GLS are accredited for
trainees to obtain CPD points.
“Staff development is incredibly important,” Leon indicates
strongly, “And it’s important that everyone has the necessary
GLS CONSULTING
Founded in 1989 with the key intention of providing a comprehensive and expert service, GLS Consulting has become one of the key names in water keeping all the bases covered. Having a 50% share in IMQS they have been able to further expand upon their services and offer their clients a comprehensive solution to their projects.
qualifications and most importantly the working experience to keep
our offering at the cutting edge of our industry.”
Keeping The Customers On CourseGLS has a programme of continuous research, development and
improvement of skills and technology that allows for state of the
art and a cost-efficient service to customers. Over the years they
have managed to maintain a strong position in the market with large
growth potential in its niche. This has been accomplished through
their ability to apply internationally competitive software supported
by a very high level of expertise and experience.
When it comes to implementing this expertise into a customer
focus Leon believes that individual development is not only expected
but strongly supported.
“All of our projects are performed against a strictly controlled
and detailed scope of works and quality control processes,” Leon
explains. GLS is in the process of becoming ISO 9001 Compliant
and they approach each of the clients through focussed teamwork,
“We perform our services via a structure where the client is the
responsibility of a single team with only a small percentage of their
time being taken by other projects.”
This results in an “always available and informed” support service
to clients with a priority given to the long term relationships shared
with long standing customers, some of which have lasted over twenty
three years.
2014 And OnwardsIn August 2013 GLS became a fully owned business unit of the
South African listed company EOH. Also recently an exclusive license
for the application of all GLS’ software technology and services
outside of Africa and Western
Europe was obtained by the
Canadian listed company Pure
Technologies and in Western
Europe GLS’ services and
software technology have been
applied in association with the
Dutch based company Quasset.
The joining of EOH provides
a large opportunity for both
growth and broadening of
services provided by GLS in
Africa. This is due to several
factors, largely related to the
ability to provide clients with
the service as a part of a total
multi-disciplinary service not
only pertaining to engineering,
but also IT systems, financial
planning and general strategic
support.
“The strong support
provided also allows for GLS to
embark on larger contracts and
initiatives than is currently the case,” Leon adds, “Becoming part of a
truly South African industry leader, harbouring all of the exciting and
interesting diversity within highly skilled and experienced people, has
been an invigorating experience for GLS and we are looking forward
to new opportunities growing from our existing strong platform.”
The joining of forces with Pure Technologies through licensing
has already exposed GLS to participation in projects in markets where
they may not have ventured alone.
“The extremely comprehensive expertise and experience on
related technologies provided by Pure has enhanced our offering
with GLS and we are now capable of being a truly international
competitor,” Leon explains, “The association with Quasset has already
allowed GLS to participate in major projects in the Netherlands, with
large growth potential in Europe.”
While, within the South African context GLS would like to consider
its combination of skills, experience, reputation and footprint having
made the company attractive for an acquisition by an industry leader,
such as EOH. This status was achieved over 25 years of diligence and
hard work by a group of clever people that changed very little over
time. When commenting on this Leon simply says, “There is no easy
road!”
“As far as our international
associations are concerned the
initial connection was related
to the proven high level of
technology that GLS could
provide,” he continues, “But
since then strong reliance was
made on the establishing of
trust amongst individuals in all
parties.”
While the home fires had to
be kept burning it was required
from a core team tasked with
the process to be prepared
to travel internationally and
adapt to working in different
environments and time zones
and this often impacting on
private time and personal
comfort.
“This is not a road to travel
on unless as a team you have
strong confidence in your own
abilities and technology and are able to bear with the usual venture
related perils,” Leon specifies, “But the payoff is hugely satisfying
when successful.”
Although the formalities have been concluded, thus establishing
the terms at which work is performed, these ventures still require a
continuous commitment in providing support ranging from marketing
all the way through to training. While the challenges posed by time
zone differences and international travelling remain, “The impact
is offset by the numerous related opportunities provided to GLS
staff and the financial benefits of working in a stable market earning
foreign currency.”
Phone +27 21 880 0388
Fax +27 21 880 0389
Email [email protected] www.gls.co.za
OUR CLIENTS
Johannesburg Water City of Tshwane City of Cape Town Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Bu� alo City Emfuleni Municipality All the
municipalities in the Western Cape Province Randfontein LM Midvaal LM
Lesedi LM Renosterberg LM Ubuntu LM Emthanjeni LM Siya Themba LM
“Leaders in providing solutions related to the optimal planning and management of water and
sewer reticulation systems”
GLS CONSULTING
“ This is not a road to travel on unless as a team you have strong confidence in your own abilities and technology and are able to bear with the usual venture related perils, but the payoff is hugely satisfying when successful.”
Phone +27 21 880 0388
Fax +27 21 880 0389
Email [email protected] www.gls.co.za
OUR CLIENTS
Johannesburg Water City of Tshwane City of Cape Town Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Bu� alo City Emfuleni Municipality All the
municipalities in the Western Cape Province Randfontein LM Midvaal LM
Lesedi LM Renosterberg LM Ubuntu LM Emthanjeni LM Siya Themba LM
“Leaders in providing solutions related to the optimal planning and management of water and
sewer reticulation systems”
www.littlegatepublishing.com
GLS CONSULTING
+27 218 800 388
WWW.GLS.CO.ZA