It's been a busy period for the D&S Group since the last Newsletter as we celebrated our annual Founders Day that marked our 75th Anniversary as well as holding our annual Mid-Year Strategy Review, an important event in the Group calendar. May also marks the middle of the financial year and I am pleased to report some growth from last year, though many of our markets remain muted as the effects of Covid continue to be felt. It is a most pernicious pandemic that recurs with a vengeance once some progress appears to have been made!
The D&S Group is pleased to announce a new and exciting partnership with the Hach Corporation USA, a global leader in water testing analysis whose unique and innovative range of products will complement the existing range of solutions offered by D&S' Water Treatment Division.
Dr MAS Waweru, or 'Daktari' as he is affectionately known within the D&S family will in June retire from the company with full honours after an exemplary and unblemished twenty-nine year career. Currently the Managing Director of Kenya, he previously served as the first ever Chief Operations Officer, having previously been Commercial Director.
Dayliff, the brand of Davis & Shirtliff, can trace its origins back to the 1970s when it was first applied to engineered water treatment systems and various swimming pool chemicals and accessories. Subsequently in 2008, the decision was taken to strengthen the company's position by launching a comprehensive range of water pumps and associated items that offered customers unrivaled choice, availability, value and support from the D&S Group.
I write this message on the eve of D&S's 75th anniversary, a major achievement for any organisation and one that I am particularly proud of having essentially been involved for the entire period, firstly as a child witnessing my father's efforts to establish the company and for the past 45 years, initially as an engineer, then a director and now the Chairman.
Davis & Shirtliff, through its #ImprovingLives initiative, focuses its charitable activities on providing access to safe and potable water to needy communities and institutions, mainly for disadvantaged children. In 2018, 64 projects were completed benefitting 50,000 people and in 2019, 91 projects were completed benefitting 94,000 people.
With much occasion D&S recently hosted a major event to officially inaugurate its impressive new Tatu Distribution Centre. As the distribution business has grown this significant investment was driven by the increasing congestion at the Dundori Road warehousing facilities and a fresh start had become essential.