CIS Named “Supplier of the Year” at Africa Oil & Gas Awards

Craig International Supplies (CIS), a division of Aberdeen head-quartered global shipping and energy services firm Craig Group, has been named Supplier of the Year at the Africa Oil & Gas Awards 2013.

The oilfield procurement company’s Cape Town-based operation won the award for excellent service in sourcing and supplying oilfield products and services and for achieving significant growth across the entire African continent.

The Africa Oil & Gas Awards are the only awards for the industry in the continent and are judged by a panel of African Ministeries for Energy and oil and gas operators. They recognise achievements in Africa’s oil and gas sector, rewarding those companies which have played a defining role in moving the industry forward.

CIS is now recognised as the gateway to oilfield procurement for South and West Africa following major expansion to its network of bases and an impressive, growing client list across the entire continent.

With a team of specialised buyers in place to meet customers’ requirements and add value to their supply chain, CIS holds around $1 million worth of stock to enable client demand to be met at short notice. In addition, the firm has a unique online procurement tool, ebuy, which enables clients to access 50,000 products across 1000 product categories online, anytime.

Earlier this year, the company opened a base in Ghana to serve as a hub for procurement services to clients in-country and in neighbouring Nigeria, Cameroon and the Ivory Coast.

Thinus von Waltsleben, Country Manager CIS Pty, said: “With a depth of experience and a global network of bases holding substantial stock, CIS is fast becoming a leader in its field in Africa. Our commitment to adding value and reducing costs in the supply chain has seen us not only source and supply a range of oilfield products and equipment but also help customers with travel arrangements, supply and installation of office furniture, as well as setting up remote camps which include portable offices, water supply, catering and vehicles. Essentially, we are the go to company for procurement.”

Douglas Craig, chairman and managing director of Craig Group added: “This is a major achievement for a family-owned, Aberdeen company and we are rightly proud of our success in this key market. Over the years, CIS has evolved to become a truly global company with divisions in Houston, Cape Town, Ghana and Poland with future bases planned in Mozambique and Australia. Our international growth strategy aims to achieve new business in a range of countries, balancing risk while seeking returns and good margins on our investment. At the heart of our international strategy is our adherence to local culture and local business needs and a drive to help our clients achieve their local content initiatives.”

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Press Release, October 09, 2013