Multitrade Distributors Reflects on 40 Years of Industry Leadership
Multitrade Distributors, a provider of tungsten carbide cutting tools and tool holders with its Head Office based in Illiondale, Gauteng, recently commemorated its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of excellence in the industry. The company was founded by Johny Hansen and his former business partner and has grown from humble beginnings to become a leading supplier of cutting tools in South Africa, with branches in Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town. Today, Multitrade Distributors supplies approximately 10% of the local cutting tool market.
Johny’s journey began over 50 years ago when he joined his father’s company, Hansen’s Engineering in Port Elizabeth. After honing his skills as a turner machinist and completing his studies and apprenticeship, Johny saw an opportunity to start his own business selling cutting tools. In 1983, Johny and Barry formed a partnership and started Multitrade Distributors in Port Elizabeth. They were made the sole agents for Mitsubishi Materials tooling in South Africa after exceeding the sales of the Cape Town agent by 500%. In 1984, Johny and his wife Yolande moved to Johannesburg to grow Multitrade Distributors, operating and selling cutting tools from the boot of Johny’s car before later renting office space from Mitsubishi Corporation.
Throughout the years, Multitrade Distributors has added new agencies and expanded its product range, now also supplying products from companies such as Moldino, Ceratizit, Union Materials, ARNO Werkzeuge, and D’Andrea to name a few. As well as additive manufacturing solutions from Meltio, GE Additive, and AMAZEMET through Multitrade 3D Systems. Johny attributes the company’s success to the support and partnerships with loyal customers, and suppliers, as well as the dedication and hard work of the Multitrade team.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the company’s valued customers, dedicated staff, and the extended supplier network, especially Mitsubishi Materials, for their unwavering support throughout the years. I would also like to thank Terry Nicholls and Mark Lotter for their commitment to the company’s growth over the years.” – Johny Hansen
Pamela Van Jaarsveld, the current Managing Director, added, “We are grateful to Johny and his team for their vision and dedication to building this company from the ground up. We are honoured to continue their legacy and are excited about the future of Multitrade Distributors. We remain committed to delivering value to our customers and partners and look forward to another 40 years of growth and success.”
As Multitrade Distributors reflects on 40 years of achievements, it stands poised for the future, continuing its legacy of providing quality cutting tools and services to the industry.
