Total Port Alfred service receives an upgrade
ONE of Port Alfred’s favourite service stations opened yesterday following months of refurbishment, and the results are a cleaner forecourt, increased efficiency at the pumps and new ways to pay.
What hasn’t changed though is the garage’s commitment to quality service and friendliness.
“The new forecourt has been a dream and a project that I have been fighting for over a long period of time,” owner Noleen Acton said.
“Although Total Port Alfred may be seen as a smaller site in comparison to service stations on national roads and elsewhere, Total SA saw our passion and dream that we wanted to offer our customers. If it was not for the support of our customers, Total SA would never have invested in our town for the future.”
Acton said the renovation became an absolute necessity in order to be able to offer the best to its customers and the town. Total SA have extremely high environmental and safety standards, and will do all that is necessary to conform to these standards. By doing so, they improve the environment, safety and daily living standards.
“We needed to modernise in order to offer better service, a better shopping experience,” Acton said. “After all, one shops where one get the best service, and that is Total Port Alfred’s motto – Service Excellence.”
During the refurbishment the entire forecourt was demolished. Contamination was eliminated and items replaced as necessary. New high-specification tanks were installed with greater carrying capacity along with brand new pumps, each dispensing all products; presently ULP95 and Diesel 50ppm, with a modern tagging system that eliminates any possible errors and fraud.
The project started on May 15 and signed off by Total SA five months later, on October 18.
The cost of the refurbishment was carried in the joint venture between Toyota Port Alfred and Total SA and Total Port Alfred.
The extra tanks will provide a greater carrying capacity, also providing a system were a specific pump will not run dry before any other pump. This together with the fact that diesel and ULP95 can be dispensed from all pumps, will improve the flow and waiting period of a customer’s visit. With the new automated system, the attendants tag themselves into a pump and then register the sale required. This will prevent any over-fuelling and possibilities of fraud.
Account customers will also be issued with tags which will be tagged at the pump, and the purchase will go directly to the client’s accounts.
By providing specific information, such as in registration numbers, rand value limits, mileage, diesel or petrol specific and so forth, account customers will be able to monitor their accounts more effectively.
There are no self- service facilities, and Acton said, “South Africa, and especially Eastern Cape, are not up to that standard yet. Anyhow, we are here to create jobs, not to do away with them.”
There is still a facility for trucks but Total Port Alfred has chosen to focus more on its local customers and holiday-makers.
“We choose to retain our clients, offering them the best continuous service excellence,” Acton said. “Our happy customers bring smiles to our faces and, in turn, we want to create smiles by putting back into the community.
“The separate diesel pump does however accommodate all trucks and a new high powered diesel pump has been installed so that trucks do not have long periods of waiting while refuelling. This will also reduce any congestion.”
Acton is excited about the transformation has brought to the town of Port Alfred.
“We believe in a Japanese word ‘kaizen’, meaning continuous improvement no matter how small it may be. Port Alfred has so much potential, and it is important for the businesses and community to make sure that Port Alfred does all things possible to continuously improve,” she said.
Acton also said she could not forget her wonderful staff who have made this all possible.
“Without them Kowie Toyota/Total Port Alfred would not have achieved the success it has, being able to offer our customers the best service possible and, by doing so, retain the support from all our customers.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my loyal customers for their support and look forward to greeting you on the forecourt. “We also look forward to welcoming new customers to our happy family.
“Total Port Alfred together with the support of the town will continue supporting our ‘Creating Smiles’ campaign, by giving back a percentage of its diesel sales to local community projects.
“Management would like to thank you for your patience during the construction period and trust you will bear with us as we venture into offering you, our customers, service excellence,” she said.