Fibre Features, Centurion, Pretoria

Fibre Features' products are handcrafted in Pretoria, South Africa. Each product is unique with its own nuances characterized by texture, shade and colour. These features will endure all natural elements, including sun, frost, rain and snow. The natural rock finish will in fact be enhanced further by the elements, increasing the beauty of the feature. Installation is genuinely easy and is often a matter of placing the product and connecting. A natural landscaped appearance is immediately made possible, whether it is in the garden, on a patio or inside the home.

Milestones in the Company's History.

1989- “There has to be a way to make artificial rock that is lightweight. ‘Rock’ that will make life a lot easier for homeowners and landscapers when they try to create a part of nature in their gardens building water features and ponds. ‘Rock’ that will help to prevent the destruction of the natural countryside. It was this thought that started the journey for Fibre Features, in a small warehouse in Glen Anil, Durban, South Africa.

Ken Lombard and a friend, Wayne Potgieter, together with an industrial chemist, spent the next 18 months experimenting, to perfect a system - a system which would produce products that requires no maintenance and that would last a lifetime.

1991 - By late 1990, early 1991 the first acceptable product is produced. Stone Age in Pinetown was their very first customer. They purchased a light weight Pool Pump Cover .

1992 - Fibre Features is officially registered. Judy Lombard resigns from teaching and joins Fibre Features.

1993 - Most of this year is spent experimenting with different designs and perfecting the manufacturing system. Progress on the retail side is slow and the company realises the need to educate the consumer about the simplicity of installing a light weight water feature.

1994 - It became clear that Gauteng would be the obvious place to be if Fibre Features wanted to supply the South African market.  Ken secures a property in Gauteng and plans are put in place to re-locate.

1995 - Fibre Features sets up its new factory, with a compliment of 3 staff members. The 3 members became 4, when Mervin Leak joins them. Mervin soon proves to be one of Fibre Features biggest assets. The company exhibits at Malanseuns Open Days as well as the Sana Trade Days. This proves to be a good introduction to all the Nurseries and Garden Centres.

1996 - New and innovative products were launched at the various Trade days and the company started to assist Nurseries with building displays. The first products are sent to Superplants in Cape Town and that signified the start of a long and trusted relationship.

1997 - The business grows and receives its first enquiry from U.S.A. After many months of negotiations and meeting certain criteria, the company receives a visit from the USA distributor.

1998 - Fibre features sends sample products to the UK to be exhibited at the Glee Trade Show in Birmingham. The response was phenomenal. The USA places its first order. The local market is growing at a steady pace.

1999 – Fibre Features needs bigger premises to cope with the workload and moves to Sunderland Ridge in Centurion. The factory space increases to 1500 sq.meters and the company employs 45 people. By the end of 1999 Fibre Features secures orders from two of the biggest water gardening distributors in the world. Fibre Features is required to custom make certain products for them. The new premises are too small and the company moves to a 6000 sq. meter factory in the same area. This was to become the home of Fibre Features.

2000 Fibre features are faced with the challenge of how to satisfy all their customers. A policy was introduced to never let the South African market down. - a decision we are still proud of.

2001 Fibre features employ 160 people to meet production demands. The requirements amount to 2 x 40’ containers per week. The company introduces a nightshift to help with demand.

2002 - Fibre Features continues to design and produce new products. These products are showcased locally and internationally. The company wins an international award in the division – New Products in Water Gardening at the Glee International Trade Show in Birmingham U.K.

2003 - Fibre Feature’s products are being sold successfully on television in the USA. Fibre Feature’s focus moves to K.Z.N in an effort to grow the water feature market. By the end of 2003 negotiations are underway for a franchise in K.Z.N.

2004 - The K.Z.N. franchise opens and the market continues to grow. However the clouds of change are looming. The fuel price escalates significantly, the rand strengthens and many of the export customers find the product too expensive. The overall effect is a drastic slowdown of purchases. Despite the setbacks Fibre Features continues to market aggressively.

2005 - Fibre Features enters into an agreement with one of Europe’s biggest polyurethane artificial rock manufacturers - Fibre Features would manufacture most of their products for them in fibreglass.

2006 - Mary-Ann Malan takes over the K.Z.N. franchise. With her enthusiasm and dedication she takes the K.Z.N. sales to new heights.

2007 - At the time of going to print Mervin Leak celebrates 12 years with the company, together with many employees who have service in excess of 10 years. 2007 looks set to be a prosperous year.