The Hart group acquired Aloe Engineering in 1978. This take-over increased the already extensive range of Hart products by more than 300 items, which included stewpans, serviette rings, colanders, champagne buckets, tot drainers, kidney dishes and pressure cookers. The move from the old factory on four floors in Van Beek Street to the 20 000 square metre plant at Alrode near Alberton took place during the Christmas shut-down period.
“The new automated layout is in full production with an increase in efficiency expected compared with the old Van Beek days,” said Heinz Wirtz, the Aloe production manager.
“This move means that Hart are now producing plastic, aluminium and stainless steel holloware, as well as appliances under one roof in the Transvaal. Resulting in an overall decrease in overheads and an improvement in productivity,” says Mr Tim Ray, general production manager at Alrode: “and with this new arrangement we can minimise cost as well as keep a stricter control on quality.”