The staff of STIHL SA in Pietermaritzburg vacated the premises on 12 July to protect the property. The unrest escalated on 13 July and the perpetrators gained access to the STIHL premises. Power saws and other STIHL equipment were stolen. On the same day perpetrators tried to set the building alight, but the fire extinguisher system prevented this. However, the remaining stock was damaged.
On 14 July, the worst happened and the building was burnt to the ground. Stock worth millions of rands was destroyed, which brought STIHL South African to a standstill. However, they did not accept defeat. They started to make plans to get going again. With new offices, a new warehouse in Johannesburg and a new transport company, STIHL managed to supply equipment to its traders within one month. STIHL world-wide assisted and stock was flown in. STIHL SA was brought to its knees by unforeseen circumstances, but they showed their steel.
It was a difficult time for the JDI STIHL-division. Stock became scarce and shelves emptied. However, our branches are now in a position to sell STIHL stock again and sales are stabilising. Although the workshops are still being experiencing some problems, these problems will be addressed shortly.
We would like to thank all our STIHL customers for their patience and understanding during this difficult time. Spring is in the air and we are ready to meet all your STIHL-requirements. Please contact us for any enquiries.
Louis Brooks
STIHL Group Manager