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Roberta Katunga, Senior Sunday Leisure Reporter
WITH five years of operation in the country’s fuel industry, Trek Petroleum has seemingly raised the bar on the appearance of service stations boasting of different artefacts and manicured gardens which are not a norm in the industry.
In an interview with Sunday Leisure, general manager Onias Sanangura revealed that for Trek it was more than just the service of providing fuel but that the company has incorporated its social responsibility by considering the environment they operate in.
Mr Sanangura said rebranding and giving the service stations some character and face was an additional service to consumers.
One can be forgiven for assuming that they are at a park and not a garage when they enter the Trek premises.
“We decided to go an extra mile to consider the environment through planting lawns and different kinds of flowers at all our service stations. It is not just a place where you come for fuel and related products but somewhere where one can appreciate the scenery,” said Mr Sanangura.
He said the Trek bulls that are now synonymous with most Trek garages were now a trademark that makes it easier for their customers to identify with the brand.
Trek Petroleum which owns 24 service stations countrywide began operating in 2010 and has employed about 600 people.
“Most of our garages are similar nationwide although due to space limitations some have less additional things but we have tried to create a similar and welcoming environment,” he said.
Mr Sanangura revealed that planting lawns and flowers that require constant attention like being watered and trimmed has been an additional cost to the company.
He said to come up with that concept, the company has had to invest an average of between $20 000 to $30 000 per garage depending on the size.
“To us it is not always about the money but an appreciation of the fact that out of all the service stations, someone has chosen ours. Customers do not just need fuel hence as a business it is important to divorce yourself from the norm and think outside the box to get ideas of how to be different and stand out,” Mr Sanangura said.
In what is set to become a first such offer at a service station, Trek is working with TelOne to offer Wi-Fi services at all their sites and plans to incorporate a sitting area are also in the process.
Mr Sanangura said the Wi-Fi service would be ready next year as at the moment the service provider was working on the logistics and appropriate equipment.
“This is not just a pipeline dream but something that is already being worked on together with TelOne. Our customers will be able to access the Wi-Fi and a sitting arrangement is being worked on,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu