Edward Viljoen

At Dormas, I worked on everything from older mechanical machines to the latest automated systems. My job involved regular maintenance and upgrades, and I was often called out for urgent breakdowns where quick fault-finding was crucial to keep production running smoothly and also getting the best results out of the sorting systems. This systems ranged from 1 lane 8 outlets to a high speed 12 lane 49 outlet sorters. I also worked closely with teams from the Netherlands and Italy to sort out more complex technical issues. A big part of my role was keeping service records up to date, training clients—both on-site and remotely—and doing precise calibration on things like cameras, load cells, and sensors to make sure the sorting systems ran accurately. I got hands-on with all kinds of components, from pulleys, sprockets, shafts chains and pneumatics to solenoids and electronic boards. I was also involved in the online technical support to remote clients. 4 technicians serviced 200 machines all across Southern Africa. Efficiency was of utmost importance to keep all operations running smoothly.

I started my own steel fabrication and welding business while still in high school, officially registering the company in 2019. I managed all aspects of the business—from project planning and financial oversight to maintaining long-term client relationships. My work included manufacturing steel gates, burglar bars, boundary fencing, and fulfilling custom client requests. I performed a wide range of welding techniques, including MIG, Stick, and basic TIG, across materials such as steel, stainless steel, and aluminium. I also carried out onsite welding repairs for tow trucks, shipping containers, and various mechanical components. In addition, I coordinated with multiple companies to deliver projects that met client specifications and upheld high quality standards, while negotiating with steel suppliers to secure better pricing and reduce lead times. This company is still running on the side but on a smaller scale.