A 40-year journey to building a local legacy

Over the past four decades, Hersol Manufacturing Laboratories has grown from a one-man business to a leading South African manufacturer that employs approximately 500 people. In celebration of its 40th anniversary, we look at how the company has evolved and continues to positively impact the market for complementary medicines and health supplements. By Abby Vorster

Hersol Manufacturing Laboratories (Hersol) has the ability to supply most types of products within the complementary medicines (CAMs) and health supplements space. Based in Jeppestown, Johannesburg, the company manufactures a wide variety of dosage forms. These include single- and double-layer tablets, coated and uncoated (sugar and film coating) tablets, time-release dosage forms, effervescent tablets, capsules, powders, gels, ointments and lotions, syrups and liquids. All products produced by Hersol are manufactured according to pharmaceutical standards and legislation as prescribed by the relevant governing authorities. These include the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, SA Pharmacy Council and the FDA.

The business was established in 1980 by Laurence Solomons and Sam Hertzakowitz – who not only combined their expertise, but also the ‘her’ of Hertzakowitz and ‘sol’ of Solomons to create Hersol.

In the early days, the company operated from a modest IT network consisting of four computers. Today, its operations are reliant on a robust 80-workstation network, with integrated software running all aspects of the business.

A ONE-STOP SHOP

Growth and expansion have been key goals for Hersol, which the company has steadily achieved. In 40 years, the business has gone from producing products for a handful of customers to large-scale third-party manufacturing for multinational customers, export markets and leading retail pharmacies.

“We are a one-stop shop,” comments Hersol’s management team, “from NPD to market, and we do all pharmaceutical dosage forms (except steriles), in almost all types of available pharmaceutical packaging. Natural medicines also form part of our product range.

We have become multi-faceted in servicing our customers, always holding quality and service as our main ingredients to success.”

As a result of this growth, Hersol has increased its production capacity in line with customer demand. The company’s expansion incorporated installing new high-tech equipment, establishing a fully-equipped laboratory and most recently, the purchase of buildings adjacent to Hersol’s original site. It now owns two blocks within the Jeppestown suburb which it has transformed into world-class manufacturing and warehousing sites, using high-level construction.

The new building has given Hersol the room it needed to expand existing operations while increasing its capabilities in the research and development, production and packing of CAMs and health supplements.

With these developments and by localising manufacturing, Hersol continues to make a valuable contribution to South Africa’s economic development. Hersol has localised the production of various products that were initially manufactured overseas, securing both better quality and pricing as well as guaranteed supply for their customers, who are encouraged to manufacture locally. As a pioneering business, Hersol has also developed a range of dosage forms that have been highly successful in the local market.

Equipped with alternative energy and water sources

As an ethical and sustainable business, it is important for Hersol to operate in an energy- and resource-efficient manner. The company generates its own electricity via gas power supplied by Egoli Gas.

More recently, Hersol installed a new generator, bringing the total generators at the manufacturing site to three. These generators are not only necessary during loadshedding but also provide Hersol with the electricity capacity demanded by HVAC requirements.

Hersol also has stored water sources of over 30 0000ℓ in tanks on the premises.

STRONG CULTURE AND VALUES

Hersol’s team is its biggest asset. While the senior management has over 80 years’ combined experience in tabletting and R&D processes, every employee is highly skilled and valued for their contribution to the company.

Management comments: “We have harnessed our knowledge to provide brand owners with the best in the design and development of complementary medicines and health supplements,” “This experience is not only highly beneficial to our customers, but also enables us to react quickly to new trends and developments in the market.”

The company’s comprehensive quality system matches its production capabilities, enabling Hersol’s agility and flexibility to supply all customers, from small to large entities.

“We pride ourselves on consistent good quality, competitive pricing, excellent service and on-time delivery. Our R&D department is an important contributor of new ideas and concepts that add value. Our raw material suppliers ensure that the very latest and highest quality ingredients are available for incorporation into prototype and full-batch formulations – we use the most reliable raw material suppliers. Over the years we have developed products and dosage forms that have been exceptionally successful in the market.”

Did you know?

In light of the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hersol’s management has decided not to have a 40th celebration but rather to support those who are less fortunate and to increase its social responsibility efforts.

PERSEVERING DURING A PANDEMIC

With many businesses and the economy having been negatively affected by COVID-19, Hersol has been fortunate enough to keep up with customer demand, protect its staff and keep supply chains open during the pandemic.

“This was a big victory in our 40th year. COVID-19 has been an incomparable challenge and we have succeeded in getting through it thus far,” management comments.

Hersol has also diversified into packing CBD products for a select few customers and into developing dosage forms for CBD products.

“We’re also looking at becoming a prime packer of imported bulk product, as part of our expansion in this new area of the industry.”

Some 40 years from now, the industry can still expect to see interesting developments and progress from Hersol as the company looks forward to sustainable upward growth in the future.

Hersol cannot sit still – it is in the company’s culture to be on the lookout for new products and manufacturing technology while improving the education and skills base of its staff. Even in these difficult times the company has invested in the future of the business with expansion plans and by taking on new business.

The company’s senior leadership team extends a heartfelt thanks to its staff, suppliers, customers and the industry as a whole for the unwavering support over the past four decades – here’s to another 40 years at Hersol Manufacturing Laboratories! •