Engen Oil Centre Port Elizabeth recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with a memorable event held at the elegant Remo’s Italian Restaurant. The evening brought together employees, shareholders, loyal customers, and esteemed guests to reflect on two decades of success, growth, and unwavering commitment to service excellence.
From its humble beginnings in 2004, Engen Oil Centre Port Elizabeth has grown into a market leader, playing a pivotal role in the success of the broader group, which now includes PE Fuels, Gas Centre and Gascor. The event was both a celebration of this journey and a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who contributed to its remarkable story.
A Vision Realised
Geoff France, a founding director, delivered a heartfelt and humorous speech, recounting the origins of the Oil Centre. He shared how Engen’s vision of empowering local entrepreneurs led to the creation of the very first Oil Centre in South Africa.
“Engen wanted local entrepreneurs to drive service, delivery, and growth,” he recalled. “Mike, being Mike, had already convinced Engen he was the man for the job before even bringing Nigel and me on board. Those early years were intense but rewarding, with annual growth rates of 30% in our first two years.”
Geoff took a moment to recognise the critical contributions of both long-serving employees and key figures within the group as well as Herci Venter from Engen, who played a key figure in the creation of the Oil Centre concept within Engen at the time.
A Legacy of Leadership and Growth
Geoff also acknowledged the company’s growing leadership team. In 2015, Valiant Ah Hing joined as a shareholder, injecting fresh energy and ideas into the business. Earlier this year, founding partner Nigel Fox’s retirement marked the start of a new chapter, with Johan Du Plessis stepping into the role of Managing Director and Franco Nel, a valued team member of 11 years, taking on the position of Financial Director. This seamless transition reflects the company’s commitment to strong, forward-thinking leadership.
The evening highlighted both the evolution of the Oil Centre and the significant changes the world has seen over the past two decades. Johan Du Plessis spoke about the organisation’s journey and its commitment to the future.
“With your support, we’ve built a company that stands as a market leader. And now, as part of Vivo Energy—the largest distributor of lubricants and fuels on the African continent—we’re better positioned than ever to deliver cutting-edge technology and world-class products,” Johan noted.
Johan also highlighted the exceptional expertise of the company’s sales team, with over 70 years of combined industry experience. Their dedication to delivering tailored solutions not only meets the unique needs of their clients but also reinforces Engen Oil Centre’s longstanding reputation for excellence in customer-focused service.
Acknowledging the Past, Embracing the Future
The event also paid tribute to the people who form the backbone of the company. Long-serving employees, including Lindy and Shelley, were recognised for their dedication as the first faces and voices customers encounter. Their service epitomises the company’s ethos of building strong relationships and delivering unparalleled customer experiences.
Looking ahead, the company remains committed to staying at the forefront of the industry. “Change is a natural part of life,” Geoff remarked, referencing the evolution of technology and global events over the past two decades. “But one thing that remains constant is our ethos of service and quality.”
A Night to Remember
The celebration at Remo’s Italian Restaurant was a fitting tribute to the company’s legacy, combining gratitude, laughter, and a shared vision for the future. With the strong foundation built over the past 20 years, Engen Oil Centre Port Elizabeth is poised to continue its legacy of excellence and innovation for decades to come.
