BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO - SA
Pioneering best practices across the board , the multinational tobacco products manufacturer has become one of South Africa ’ s top companies as well as a leading regional organisation .
Through its commitment to operational excellence , British American Tobacco ( BAT ) has proven healthy growth is possible , even in an increasingly competitive and regulated sector . By championing the work of its staff and supporting the communities it operates in , the company has positioned itself to continue its dominant position in Southern Africa and beyond . We spoke to Seyi Adeyemo , BAT ’ s Head of Supply Chain for the Southern African region , to learn more about how a company with a global remit was able to achieve this while retaining local relevance .
BAT ’ s operations cover every aspect of the tobacco product cycle , everything from growing the tobacco , through to manufacture , marketing and distribution to the adult consumer who gets to enjoy his or her smoking moments . Three manufacturing facilities ( including one which ranks as one of the largest in the world ) cover the company ’ s regional production requirement including exports to over 20 countries in Africa and the Middle East . Local Distribution is serviced by eight mega depots and 10 cross docks with multiple distribution networks across the country .
This supply chain directly oversees 10 markets comprising : South Africa ; Angola ; Zambia ; Lesotho ; Botswana ; Namibia ; Malawi ; Swaziland ; Mozambique and Zimbabwe . Although focused regionally , Adeyemo said , the tobacco products manufactured at these facilities were exported globally , not to
48 November 2015