Integr8...ing

Front row, from left to right: Brenda Leavy, Amanda Maritz, Khizmie Mohammed, Jomon Davy 2nd row: Tom Fenlon, James Cassin, Sherwyn Greene, Kevin Moroney, Suresh Mariaraj; 3rd row: Haneef Mullan, Niall Barry, Mohamed Abidullah, Dave Ross; Back row : Donal O’Neill, Paul O’Brien, Mike Ryan, Rajiv Thampi; Missing from Workshop: Balaji Kuberi

An official gathering recently took place of all the Kentz subsidiary IT Managers and representatives from HR, QA, HSE and Operations Management. It was held in Hotel Minella, Clonmel. The purpose of the Integr8 workshop was to outline the future plans for the use of Information Technology across the group.

The workshop, which took place on 3rd and 4th April, discussed the progress to date on various systems within the scope of the Integr8 project. The group also discussed the benefits that can be expected from the standardisation and sharing of applications and data, IT security issues and communication technologies, such as the proposed new global network, Voice over IP, and improved e-mail access.

Two teams were set up to analyse and design components of the proposed new network essential for the next stage of the project. Currently CCMS and Project Cost Management Systems are under review. Some of the early systems we hope to have up and running soon are HR/Recruitment Systems and HR Talent Management Systems.

The race is 109 km in distance and is cycled around the Cape Peninsula – starting and finishing in Cape Town city centre. A number of Kentz South Africa employees cycled in this year’s Argus and all finished in credible times. Chris Dumas, Commercial Manager Projects Business Unit, completed his fifth Argus and finished in a time of 3 hours 23 minutes. Tony Lopez, Project Manager Projects Business Unit, completed his fourth Argus in 3 hours 12 minutes, an outstanding time considering that the winner of the race Robbie Hunter, a professional cyclist, finished in approximately 2 hours 21 minutes. Paul dos Santos, Estimating Manager Automation and Drives Business Unit, completed his second Argus in 3 hours 46 minutes. Takis Karallis, Head of Group HR, completed his first Argus in 4 hours 8 minutes.

Of the 36,000 entrants, 28,000 finished the race. The Kentz cyclists all finished in the top half of the field. Well done to all who participated!

Bahrain Regional Office

The Bahraini Regional Office is now up and running. Mr Eamonn O’Hanlon, Mr Rory O’Donnell, Mr K P Raman and Mr Michael Ross-Lonergan are based in this office. Ms Rekha is Secretary, Ms Afrah is Receptionist and Mr Waheed is driver. Although only a few months opened, this Bahraini Office is already a hive of activity as the regionalisation structure takes shape.

	Takis Karallis

Takis Karallis joined Kentz some twelve years ago as as Regional HR Manager of Kentz Southern Africa. In due course, he was also given responsibility for coordinating the region’s HSE efforts.

His new appointment as Group HR Director encompasses a move to Ireland and given the weather conditions in Ireland, Hayley Barker (who has taken over from Takis as HR Manager) together with his "girls" decided to give him a couple of "fun" items at his farewell, amongst which was a plastic raincoat and an umbrella. He was also presented with additional items that they felt would be of "assistance" during his tenure in Ireland...??

Takis was an integral member of the South African Management Team and will be sorely missed by his colleagues and friends. Kentz SA wish him all the very best in his new appointment and hope he'll be very happy. "Don't forget us in the sunshine, Takis!!"

	Anna Brett, Kentz pictured with Clonmel Lady Mayor, Councillor Phil Prendergast and Valerie O'Reilly, Unicorn PR at a reception held in Waterford for Chernobyl Aid Ireland

Kentz are delighted to be a Gold Sponsor of Chernobyl Aid Ireland. In the aftermath of the 1986 radiation disaster, Clonmel’s Adi Roche was the first person to highlight the plight of the families surviving in the area and who would be affected for generations to come. Since the '80s many groups such as CAI, based in Waterford, have been established and continue to make a difference in the lives of a people who may otherwise be forgotten.

A convoy of six trucks and one CIE bus began its two-week, round trip to Belarus, Russia on Friday 20th April, delivering much needed supplies to the orphanages there. As a Gold Sponsor, Kentz provided much needed funds for this annual trip.

Minister for Transport Martin Cullen can be seen in the picture below, with members of the Harley Davidson Club of Ireland, who escorted the convoy from Dungarvan to Waterford before the official departure on Friday evening. Minister Cullen gave high praise to the ongoing efforts of the fundraisers and sponsors and the people who give their time voluntarily on such trips. I’m sure everyone will agree this is an extremely worthwhile cause for Kentz to sponsor.

Minister Martin Cullen, with members of the Harley Davidson Club of Ireland

Gladness Cele

It is with regret that we lost Gladness on 4th January 2007 to the scourge of HIV Aids. In spite of our efforts helping her to manage her HIV condition, we lost the struggle.
Gladness started with Kentz (Pty) Ltd in the Durban office on 1st September 1997 as tea lady/office cleaner and was promoted to receptionist in 1998.

Gladness was a very conscientious, pleasant person and she is sorely missed by her colleagues in the Maintenance & Shutdowns Division.

Hamba kahle, Gladness
(this means "Go well" in Zulu)

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