Product quality and service is critical for growth

From a regional distribution company, Marshal Tools has grown into a national supplier of quality products to the hardware industry spanning three decades.

The Marshal journey began in the early 90’s with Trevor Marshall taking control of a KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) based manufacturing agency and distributor called Zelroy. At the time, Zelroy, which was established in 1981 and led by Jimmy Mcintosh, had built a solid reputation supplying internationally recognised brands to KZN hardware and engineering supply sectors. The brands included Record Tools, Rawlplug, Vicker Tools and Viro Locks to name just a few. Trevor’s son, Allan Marshall, joined the business in 1991 and the company showed impressive growth over the next decade.

2003 - 2007

Fast forward to the early 2000’s. Zelroy had expanded into the wholesale sector of the hardware industry, this resulted in the importing and distribution of Blumol holesaws, drill bits and recognised local brands. In 2003, while at the international Cologne Trade fair, inspiration struck and the idea of creating the Marshal brand was born. With the addition of product categories such as diamond blades, builder’s tools and general hand tools, the Marshal product portfolio, and service offering, was improved and expanded upon between 2003 and 2007.

2007 - 2016

In 2007, an opportunity arose for a partnership between Marshal Tools and a local wholesaler named Mattken Industries led by Carl Page. Mattken supplied a complimentary range of hardware including brushware, spray paints and plumbing products. Trevor and Allan recognised synergies between the two companies and this led to the two merging and effectively servicing the engineering and industrial sectors, DIY, electrical wholesale and now plumbing and paint sectors. It was at this stage that Trevor Marshall retired and left the two young men, Allan and Carl, to lead the business into the future.

2016-2021

A new and stronger Marshal Tools came into being. The company continued to show impressive growth under its new leadership, not only expanding its product offering but its market reach with the strengthening and upgrading of its KZN operations. This included the company’s relocation to new improved premises in 2010. Coupled with the addition of a network of experienced and passionate sales representatives and agents, Marshal Tools now distributed its product ranges nationally and to neighbouring SADC countries.

In May 2016, Marshal Tools secured the rights to distribute Tolsen, an internationally recognised brand with distributors in over 150 countries around the world. The expansive Tolsen product range, which comprises of over a thousand products, offers great value for money and a quality to price ratio stacked heavily in the quality department. Acquiring this brand was a real feather in the cap for Marshal Tools. Quality products at competitive prices coupled with impressive concept stand designs allowed Marshal Tools to provide competitive, innovative, great looking and complete solutions for its varied customer bases.

Marshal Tools – Cape Town Bound

In January 2021, Marshal Tools opened a new branch in Milnerton, Cape Town. The decision and planning to open this branch was amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and all the uncertainties that came with it. The Marshal team put their heads together to calculate risks and rewards, constantly watching the effects of the pandemic around the world, South Africa and Western Cape. The opening of the Cape Town branch was a culmination of years of hard work, dedication and determination to provide quality service to the region through accessibility.

On the cusp of their 40th year in business, the Cape Town branch was opened and the company is determined to succeed in its vision for the branch. It is with pride that the Marshal team can say it weathered the storms and will continue to provide customers with the best products and services.

The Cape Town branch was launched in January under strong, decisive, innovative leadership, and is making outstanding progress. Nivesh Gokul, who has been with Marshal for the past 10 years, leads the branch team. Marshal knows Gokul and his team will ensure the success of the branch in the years to come. The team is confident in its products and services to provide the Western Cape region with improved service offering, through readily available stock and reduced delivery times.

Marshal Tools can be found at 19 Creation Park on Computer Road in Milnerton for exceptional products and helpful, friendly staff. Marshal Tools prides itself in building strong, long lasting partnerships with its customers. The company constantly strives to not only source and supply quality products, but to be a supplier that adds value to its customers’ businesses through its products and value added services. This way, Marshal is creating a sustainable ecosystem between supplier and customer to grow together.

ON THE CUSP OF THE COMPANIES 40TH YEAR IN BUSINESS, THE CAPE TOWN BRANCH WAS OPENED AND THE COMPANY IS DETERMINED TO SUCCEED IN ITS VISION FOR THE BRANCH

For more information, contact the Branch Manager - Nivesh Gokul - Call: 021-180-2585 | Email: nivesh@marshaltools.co.za Sales representatives - David Bardien - Call: 083-954-9172 | Email: david@marshaltools.co.za or Alexander George - Call: 064-458-8135 | Email: alex@marshaltools.co.za