When Francois Struwig started his generator rental business in 2007, he was not expecting to ride out a global crash, a once in a century pandemic, and navigate two business pivots to become one of South Africa’s premium security and communications solutions providers. But with innovation hard baked into the company DNA, and NAVIC’s national ANPR platform behind him, Belrex Innovations continues to grow from strength to strength.
Francois, the founder of Belrex, recalls the pivotal moment that set the company on its transformative path. “I was doing a generator installation at a local restaurant and the manager mentioned that they were experiencing spikes in theft whenever the power went out. I immediately realised that the solution lay in installing cameras to his existing security offering,” he explains.
The Internet changed everything
From that initial spark, Belrex’s camera business took off. The company quickly expanded its reach, securing contracts with major clients like SAB breweries and Coca-Cola. While the growth was initially based on an analogue camera solution, it was the introduction of Internet Protocol cameras in 2015 that truly opened up new possibilities for Belrex.
“The IP cameras allowed us to explore wireless and long-distance installations, which was a game-changer. We soon started experimenting with ANPR technology, and that’s when the doors really started to open for us,” Francois explains.
An indestructible offering that delivers rain or shine
The company’s innovative approach to ANPR has been a key driver of its success. Belrex has designed a unique pole system that is not only incredibly secure but with cameras that can operate off-grid in the most inclement weather, clients can count on a 99% uptime.
What’s more, the poles, standing up to 6 metres tall and weighing 4.5 tons, are equipped with a range of cutting-edge features including tear gas deterrents and remote monitoring capabilities. The poles also have their own interference response triggers and Francois is proud of the fact that only two poles have suffered any attempted vandalism since he deployed the new design.
In addition to its network of ANPR and overview cameras, the company’s 24-hour control room makes use of state-of-the-art technology, including a remote management system, ensuring the Belrex team always has eyes on its clients and their properties. Always the entrepreneur, Francois is a registered ISP and now offers Wi-Fi internet access to his clients.
The company’s commitment to innovation has paid off, with Belrex’s camera network now covering more than 10 000 square kilometres across the Free State, North West, and Gauteng regions.
NAVIC gives Belrex the edge for future growth
Those working in the security industry know the lows involved with dealing with crime day-in and day-out. But this is tempered by the incredible highs that come with witnessing firsthand how successful collaboration can save lives and protect families.
“We’ve seen some incredible success stories. One of the most notable was when our ANPR cameras helped identify a vehicle involved in a high-profile kidnapping incident in Vanderbijlpark. The police were able to track down the perpetrator and rescue the little girl, all thanks to the data our system provided. Most recently, a stop and search resulted in seizure of drugs worth R17.3 million making a real difference to our communities.”
As Belrex looks to the future, Francois says ANPR remains at the core of his growth strategy. Since partnering with NAVIC, the company has significantly benefited from the access to a comprehensive national ANPR footprint which has been instrumental in its fight against the rising tide of stock theft. NAVIC has assisted Belrex track and stop many vehicles involved in stock theft, including a few which had even tried obscuring their plates in an effort to evade detection.
Another unique sales benefit has been the opportunity to offer personalised services. For instance, the ability to list plates as friendly on the NAVIC system means Belrex can set times frames when vehicles are cleared be on the road. Should the vehicles trigger a camera outside the set times, the vehicle alert is responded to immediately by Belrex teams. These time exclusions also mean the company can track the vehicle and even turn the ignition off remotely with the company’s remote device offering.
“ANPR is the future of security, and we’re determined to be at the forefront of this revolution. Our goal is to provide our clients with the most comprehensive, reliable, and innovative security solutions available, and ANPR is the key to achieving that,” Francois shares.
With its unwavering commitment to innovation, its focus on customer-centric solutions, and its proven track record of success, Belrex is poised to continue its remarkable growth trajectory, cementing its position as a leader in the security industry, with NAVIC as a trusted partner.