FG Knights boasts 100 years of FMCG excellence
HEADED by four dynamic men, FG Knights celebrates 100 years of excellence in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry.
FG Knights is a KZN Durban based FMCG sales and merchandising company which has been operational since its establishment in 1918. Originally a family-owned business, in 1997 FG Knights evolved and refocused its business to a pure agency under the guidance and control of its current board, Bruce Ferguson, Lance de Vlieg, Peter Manning and Logan Govender. In 2015, the company joined forces with the Smollan group and has kept the torch burning amid an uncertain FMCG environment.
The company has seen exponential growth over the last 20 years with an increase in staff and industry relations. In 1997, there were 150 employees and in 2018, there are 1300 employees working for FG Knights. With its team of dedicated staff, in both management and stores, there is no doubt that it can offer personal attention and service to its clients.
The company enjoys a reputation as one of KZN’s biggest and most successful sales and merchandising manufacturing representatives. This reputation is further promoted by the number of awards and commendations bestowed on the company. The company’s longevity in the FMCG industry is based on the strong management and employee base, with a marked focus on customer relations and the building of partnerships with principals and customers alike.
The level three B-BBEE company continually represent its principals, retailers and wholesalers with whom it has built a lasting and mutual rapport.
Speaking to The Mercury, the trio said that taking an agency approach was risky for business but FG Knights managed to expand its base of businesses and was successful through its synergies.
“Teamwork has helped us overcome many obstacles and challenges. Our 30-year partnership has made it work well. Our vision ‘to be the most admired agency in KZN’ has evolved with the shifts that took place, and has improved the continuity and stability of the company with every year being better than the previous,” they said.
In 2003, FG Knights secured the Nestle agency. The company has four separate divisions within the business and formed a partnership with an international retail solutions company, Smollan.
Speaking about their five-year plan for business and life, the trio said there will be changes. Bruce Ferguson and Logan Govender will be retiring in the near future, but with strong succession plans in place Lance de Vlieg will carry on the reigns alongside an energetic and enthusiastic team.