Time flies so fast. We are very proud to be celebrating a birthday and our 20th anniversary. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you as our business partners. Thank you for the many enriching industry discussions and especially for your loyalty! Let us reflect on the past 20 years together. How did it all begin?
The iconic glass cutter in South Africa
Before 2002, there was an agent in South Africa who imported the most iconic glass cutter - the Diamantor 200.1 with its well-known green wooden handle - as well as several other products from Germany. Gavin Francey also worked for this agent from the early 80’s had no idea of the prosperous future that awaited him.
1988 - An idea is born
At a meeting in South Africa in 1988, Gavin Francey met Ulrich and Norbert Bohle. They were the managing directors of the German Bohle parent company, which had been in existence since 1923. Fascinated by the extensive range of products, Gavin immediately realised that there would be significant demand for these products in the South African market. As his boss at the time did not share his enthusiasm, Gavin took the lead and set a plan in motion to extend the product range in the local market.
2001 - Conviction and drive
With an elaborate business plan and an already rented warehouse, Gavin travelled to Germany in 2001 and met with the board of the Bohle Group. His goal was to establish an official Bohle subsidiary in South Africa. At that time, the branch with the furthest distance to Germany was in the UK. There were some concerns whether South Africa would be a good market for international expansion outside of Europe. After a few days of intensive talks, the final answer was, "I think we can open the champagne". A resounding "yes" has never officially been said. ;)
The meaning of "Bohle"
In Johannesburg, the office was immediately set up in the same warehouse where the Bohle Glass Equipment is still located today. However, the name Bohle posed some challenges as it has many meanings in the eleven South African languages. In Zulu and Xhosa, it means "beautiful”. So, the company's purpose, "Glass Equipment", was added and Bohle Glass Equipment was born.
A gift for Valentine's Day
On Valentine's Day, 14 February 2002, the first shipment of goods arrived from Germany. From that day on, Bohle embraced the South African glass industry and quickly became known as a market-leading supplier of glass and glazing tools, industrial cutting equipment, glass bonding, glass processing machinery and many other products. By Christmas 2002, the company had already hired three more employees.
An industry in transition
The glass industry has evolved since 2002. Similarly, Bohle embraced the changes and continued its exciting journey. From 34 products sold by the agent in South Africa, the range has grown to over 1000 products. The one-man show has become a permanent team of seven. Gavin retired after 18 years and Sebastian Till, a long-time employee who started his career with Bohle as a student, took of in 2020, and has been managing the branch since then.
Today, Bohle is not only known for glazing tools, glass cutting, glass bonding and glass processing machines. In recent years, the demand for frameless glass hardware, including shower door hardware, interior sliding doors, glass partitioning and glass balustrades, has increased. These new established segments are now the primary growth drivers for the business.
Different markets require different product ranges
It quickly became clear that the European market requirements differed from those in Africa. This is particularly reflected in architectural glass fittings. Structural conditions are also different in the markets. As such, Bohle SA can independently develop and procure its own products and, for example, has its own successful range of shower door products. After all, it is all about serving local demand
But the values remain the same
All of Bohle’s operations across the globe have the same philosophy where quality is considered the leading principle. It goes without saying that this is the focus of all products and activities. This is also appreciated by neighbouring countries such as Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, which have become regular customers. There are also customers from distant countries such as Congo, Kenya and Mauritius.
And what are the next steps?
In the coming years, we will focus on expanding our business with architectural glass fittings. It is the key to continued success in the markets of Southern Africa. To offer first-class solutions our product development plays an essential role. There are still some products in the pipeline that will be ready for the market in the coming years, enabling us to continue to be the leading supplier of Glass equipment in SA.
In addition to the economic part of the business, the Bohle Group also takes its social responsibility and commitment in South Africa very seriously. Since 2019, Bohle is supporting the SOS Children's Village in Ennerdale. The organisation provides a place for children and young people who need family protection or lack the essential provision of meals. An additional educational programme is designed to help young people attend school and prepare them for their future careers.
The way forward is not always easy in South Africa - but the Bohle Group and Bohle SA are looking forward to partnering with you in many more successful years in Mzansi.