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Interview with Mr. Jaafar Roz, founder and Managing Director of Auswater Systems Pty Ltd

March 2025

INTERVIEW WITH MR. JAAFAR ROZ, FOUNDER OF AUSWATER SYSTEMS PTY LTD

Jaafar Roz is the founder of Auswater Systems Pty Ltd, a provider of water and waste water treatment systems and services to mining and industrial clients in Western Australia. Jaafar built the business over 29 years and sold it to De.mem in July 2024. Now, he provides insight into the integration of Auswater into De.mem Ltd group, which he supports closely as the founder and former owner of the company. He remains with De.mem group as the Managing Director of the Auswater entity.

Mr. Roz, how is the integration of Auswater progressing?

The integration has been really good. The De.mem team is a highly professional one and as such has contributed to a successful partnership.

What are the concrete goals that have been achieved?

Lots of goals have been achieved in the short six months after the acquisition. We have completed the relocation into the joint office with our sister company in Perth, De.mem-Capic. We have started a new facility in Kalgoorlie, jointly with De.mem-Capic, which provides us with customer support capability in this important location. Also, we are accessing products from sister companies in the group which is helping us expand into new areas. As a result, we have already achieved the first “cross sales” of De.mem products into our existing customer base, which adds to our historic revenue base.

What goals still need to be tackled and achieved?

We have identified a couple of larger sales opportunities. This potential new business has become possible through our new location with our sister company De.mem-Capic. Through the new facilities, we are able to supply certain types of chemicals to our customer base. This has not been possible before the acquisition. Pending some product development work, this could turn into additional business for Auswater.

What do you see as the biggest advantages for De.mem since the takeover – what specifically does De.mem benefit from?

The new office/ facilities offer us the opportunity to manufacture our own products – both water treatment chemicals and equipment. Also, we can make full use of the warehouse facility available, and have our speciality chemicals that we used to purchase from other suppliers formulated for us in house. The ASX listing and brand of the De.mem group help with regards to the penetration into new customer relationships, in particular when dealing with larger corporate customers.

What are the biggest advantages for local customers?

We can offer more support due to the much larger organisation backing up our service offering and the expanded expertise.

How long do you expect it will take for Auswater to be realise the full benefits of the integration with De.mem group ?

While the initial milestones have already been achieved – see the initial cross sales as mentioned above – the wide product and technology range of De.mem group provides for plenty of additional sales opportunities for the next 2-3 years.

What is it about this work/integration that has given you particular pleasure?

The support and facilities of our group sister companies. The management is very supportive and professional which makes the work and integration a pleasure.