African Business Review
In 2007 many major oil companies in Zimbabwe either began to withdraw or downsize their facilities, causing a marked reduction in the nation’s supply of fuel. Coupled with an escalating political situation and a devalued currency, circumstances looked bleak for the landlocked country in southern Africa. However more entrepreneurial citizens, such as RAM Petroleum’s Managing Director, Andrew Marchussen, saw a wealth of possibility and prospects.
“I saw an opportunity and managed to convince two smal investors to become involved,” explains Marchussen. “I started in mid-2007 as a one-man show managing one load of fuel a week, not under any particular brand name, but gaining valuable market experience and contacts.”
RAM Petroleum officially came into being in 2009 and now supplies diesel, unleaded petrol, paraffin and more recently, a new ethanol blended product. As Zimbabwe enjoys a time of political stability and economic growth, RAM has grown to become one of the country’s most dependable, efficient and reliable bulk distribution services.
One of RAM’s continual goals is to increase the exposure for their brand, relying more on interacting with communities and word-of-mouth than over-bearing corporate advertising.
“We sponsor a lot of events throughout the country as well as being involved in a lot of corporate hosting in conjunction with Dominus Sports,” Marchussen says. “We get involved where we can and in the future we would be keen to become more engaged in larger sponsorships, revenue permitting. We are also committed fundraisers and sponsor many worthwhile causes.”
One of the more recent projects proving successful in not only increasing brand identification, but the company as a whole is a move into the retail sector through petrol station sites. Starting with just two at the end of 2011, the company now has seven sites with more planned for the future.
Read the article here: http://www.africanbusinessreview.co.za/
About RAM Petroleum
Established in 2009 by entrepreneur Andrew Marchussen, RAM Petroleum is known for its speedy delivery – within 72 hours of payment, countrywide. RAM takes great pride in living up to our promises, keeping the prices steady, and always, always being on time.
For more information, visit: www.ramafrica.com
About African Business Review
African Business Review is a leading digital media source of news and content for C-level executives focused on business and industry-specific news throughout Africa. African Business Review is the territory-dedicated arm of the WDM Group. Founded in 2007 by entrepreneur Glen White, WDM Group retains a diversified portfolio of websites, magazines, mobile apps, daily news feeds and weekly e-newsletters that leverage technology to innovatively deliver high-quality content, analytical data, and industry news.
For more information, contact 1-760-827-7800 or visit http://www.africanbusinessreview.co.za/
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