Rui Santos, managing director of Concor Buildings, previously Murray & Roberts Buildings
Concor Buildings brings agility to built environment
Conditions remain challenging within the built environment, and the sector needs a company that can offer agility and flexibility underpinned by the ability to deliver quality projects safely and within the expected time-frame.
Rui Santos, managing director of Concor Buildings, recently told South African Builder that this is exactly what his company is able to do.
Following the recent acquisition of the Murray & Roberts Infrastructure & Building Platform by a consortium led by the Southern Palace Group, the company, formerly known as Murray & Roberts Buildings, changed its name to Concor Buildings.
Santos is quick to add that the management teams stay in place, as well as all the in-house resources and competencies that have allowed the company to build its reputation for successful completion of both large and small projects. Known for achieving the highest standards of safety, Concor Buildings will continue to build on its 115 year heritage in the built environment.
Concor Buildings completed the refurbishment of the Menlyn Park shopping centre
Every company has a heritage and a story to tell, and it is no different for Concor Buildings who can point back to iconic buildings such as the Carlton Centre and ABSA Towers in the Johannesburg CBD, the Reserve Bank in Pretoria, various phases of Melrose Arch, the Gautrain Project, The Pavilion Shopping Centre in KwaZulu-Natal, the Dubai International Terminals 1 and 2 and the Burj al Arab, as well as numerous buildings in and around Sandton.
“We have successfully built some of the larger and most challenging buildings in our market and completed complex renovations and refurbishments, often within very sensitive occupied spaces,” Santos says, “but, in reality, in today’s fast paced construction environment a contractor is always judged to be as good as its last project.”
Santos is most proud to point out that the company was responsible for a recently completed project that due to its sheer magnitude and complexities was considered a “once in a lifetime” project by the industry.
BCX’s new premises recently completed by Concor Buildings
He is, of course, talking about the Menlyn Park shopping centre which, following its completion by Concor Buildings late last year, has been acclaimed as the largest mall in Africa.
Santos says that while the company was also involved in the first phase of the works to extend the centre, the complexities in the second phase far outweighed any in the first. The scope of works encompassed more than merely increasing floor space. An existing open parking area was converted to a three level parking garage, a massive open piazza was developed and the existing centre received a complete makeover connecting it into the new build.
All construction activities were done by Concor Buildings, including demolition work, in this fully functioning operational shopping mall. Close communication with all professional teams, attention to the finest details and careful scheduling of work and all logistics on site saw the project successfully completed.
“Every project is different; some are more complex than others while others still have exceptionally tight time-frames but at Concor Buildings we believe all deserve the same level of commitment. It is by applying our depth of management experience and expertise that we are able to optimise construction schedules, minimise risk and maximise the outcome for the customer,” Santos says.
Safety remains a key driver of all projects for Concor Buildings and Santos says the philosophy of aiming at a zero harm target is integral to all its operations. The company has a solid safety record, and its leadership in this area speaks for itself.
Another important advantage Concor Buildings has is that its core teams have been with the company for years, which ensures the on-site cohesiveness to achieve the necessary contract milestones. This, Santos says, is complimented by the close working relationships forged over extended periods of time with a strong base of skilled sub-contractor partnerships that add value.
The company is also fully committed to transformation and Santos says Concor Buildings is now part of the leading black owned construction company in South Africa. “Our commitment to skills development within our industry sector will continue and many of our sites provide experiential opportunities for young students and graduates.”
The two most recent contracts awarded to Concor Buildings are the new Skukuza Safari Lodge for the South African National Parks Board (SANParks) and new Makro Riversands store in Fourways. Santos says the Makro Riversands contract is a fast track project and the concrete works and roof structure are currently in progress. He says this is a project where the company has already demonstrated its ability to mobilise rapidly on site.
102 Rivonia Road was constructed by Concor Buildings