Multiknit
celebrates 50 years!
8
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014
INDUSTRY NEWS
Export to more than 65 countries worldwide TOGETHER with loyal and satisfied customers around the world, hundreds of Multiknit employees are celebrating the company’s 50th year in business. Originally based in Kwazulu Natal, Multiknit commenced trading in 1964 with the import of hessian bags for the packaging of wattle extract and maize. From these small beginnings, the company purchased and commissioned extrusion and knitting equipment, and in 1969 started producing its own synthetic knitted fabrics and produce bags. Multiknit has since grown to be the market leader in the manufacture of these products in the southern hemisphere. Through its international division, it exports to more than 65 countries worldwide. Expansion and acquisition Multiknit has grown remarkably in its 50 years, through product expansions and the acquisition of a number of related businesses. In 1982, Multiknit purchased the Mkhuhlu-based Sabie River Bag Company and two years later, Mkhuhlu became the chosen site for a new 17 000m2 factory. Upon completion of the factory, the Pinetown manufacturing operation relocated to Mkhuhlu. In 1985, Multiknit purchased Alan
Nicoll, a Randfontein-based company specialising in knitted fabrics for underground support systems to the mining sector, as well as decorative fabrics to the industrial sector. And in the same year, Multiknit International was formed to venture into the international arena, initially focusing on the UK, Holland, the USA and Australian markets. In 1989 the management of Multiknit bought the company from The Natal Chemical Syndicate, whereafter they purchased Sakpro, a knitted bag manufacturer based in White River. The bag manufacturing operation in Mkhuhlu was then relocated to White River in order to centralise all bag-producing operations. The Randfontein manufacturing facility was later moved to and consolidated with the Mkhuhlu production facility, focusing on knitted shade fabrics and related products. This strategic decision proved very successful in ensuring that both factories became dedicated and focused production units. The two highly sophisticated, multi-million rand manufacturing plants, measuring 24 000m2, form the core of Multiknit’s production operations. The premises in Randfontein remain in operation as a central warehousing and marketing facility for Knittex. Ongoing R&D The Multiknit Group comprises three marketing divisions, namely Knittex,
Multiknit manufactures Colourshade shade netting. This contemporary all-climate protection is the best solution for industrial, commercial and domestic applications and comes in a range of fade-resistant colours. Colourshade is manufactured using virgin HDPE, UV stabilisers and high quality refined pigments with high light-fastness properties, which provide excellent faderesistant and strength properties for the individual yarns in the shade netting
Sakpro and Multiknit International, all of which are highly focused on the markets they serve. Their specialised approach has made it possible to produce customised products to meet the precise specifications required by a variety of clients. Multiknit believes in client loyalty, and for this reason it dedicates resources and expertise to the specific markets it serves. An ongoing research and development programme forms a major part of its operating philosophy, allowing it to stay abreast of the latest technology and techniques – and able to deliver innovative needs-based solutions. Its vast product range includes decorative and agricultural shade fabrics, as well as various produce bags. Other specialist products include recreational groundsheets, soil stabilization net, windbreak net, perimeter netting, frost protection membranes and ropes and twines. Multiknit now employs 625 highly skilled and motivated people, in its factories and its 10 countrywide distribution outlets. One of the company’s core strengths is the average service record of the senior management team, which exceeds 21 years! In addition, Multiknit has the most experienced technicians in the knitted synthetic fabrics industry, meticulously applying exacting step-by-step quality control programmes, designed to ensure that every Multiknit product exceeds industry standards. Congratulations Multiknit, it’s no wonder it’s known as “more than a shade better than the rest”.
Multiknit management – Deon Joubert (managing director), Tommy Rogers (chairman and CEO), Bruce Norris (chief financial officer) and Brian Hogg (financial director)
www.mudi.co.za
NEWS-MULTIKNIT.indd 8
2014/10/06 8:49 AM