Celebrating
90 years with
McKinnon Chain
It's been a work-home for many generations
Step back in time with us, to an era where the clink of steel and the spirit of innovation built a legend: McKinnon Chain.
Our story begins in 1909 with the formation of the McKinnon Chain Company in the USA, merging to become Columbus McKinnon Corporation by 1929. A true pioneer, Columbus McKinnon introduced alloy chain to the world in 1933.
The Vereeniging, Gauteng, South Africa premises in Steel Road, Peacehaven in 1967.
HOW THE BRAND HAS EVOLVED OVER THE LAST 90 YEARS
HOW THE COMPANY HAS EVOLVED OVER THE LAST 90 YEARS
EMPLOYEES FROM THE 90'S BLESSED US WITH HISTORY TALES
Piet Otto, Director and Co-Owner: 1969-1999
"My journey with McKinnon Chain began in November 1969 in Port Elizabeth, joining a company that truly felt like a happy, highly respected family, built by incredible colleagues. A pivotal moment arose when Columbus McKinnon Chain in the USA decided to sell its non-American entities, including us. Mr. Stone, who held us South Africans in high regard, graciously offered our management team, led by Alexander Steppe, the first chance to acquire McKinnon. Facing a counter-offer from Haggie, our dedicated management team—including factory leaders and Head Office’s Tank Pearce, Alex Steppe, Chris Bester, and myself—secured the necessary financing, successfully exceeding their bid to acquire McKinnon Chain. Sadly, only Alex Steppe, Chris Bester, and I are still with us from that defining era. The years I dedicated to McKinnon Chain were a profound privilege; my love and respect for that company, its people, and its enduring legacy remain truly immeasurable."
"I worked for Smiths Saddlery, McKinnon Chain's top distributor for 23 years before joining McKinnon in 1988 as Manager Mining untill 2015.
During my time, we took on the challenging task of launching the Max Alloy Grade 8 chain fittings."
Doug Poole, Marketing Manager, 1988-2015
Dough's dedication and expertise led him through various roles. A key achievement during his tenure was the successful launch of the Max Alloy Grade 8 chain fittings in 2004 (Which only relaunched again in 2024), a testament to "Bringing Technology to the Customers' Front Door" , which he attributes to strong support from both distributors and management. Doug consistently praises McKinnon Chain's unwavering product quality, highlighting its global recognition as a leading manufacturer with exports to 43 countries, reflecting a strong commitment to integrity and traceability. He cherishes memories of camaraderie from Friday gatherings, industry golf days, and valued the mentorship of colleagues like Chris Bester without whom he would not have developed the writing skills and drive that helped make his career so successful.
Silvio Pellizon
General Manager
1998-2008
Christian J. Bester,
Deputy Managing Director, 1967-1999
He dedicated an impressive 32 years to McKinnon Chain, from 1967 to 1999, rising from a Sales Clerk to Deputy Managing Director. His career progression saw him in key roles like Sales Office Manager, Sales Manager, and Sales Director, and he was part of the first shareholding allocation in 1987, reflecting his strategic contributions. A major challenge during his tenure was fierce competition, which McKinnon Chain navigated with responsible and ethical management, eventually leading to a successful merger. Mr. Bester attributes McKinnon's sustained success to its many long-serving employees, whose collective experience ensured consistent quality and problem-solving. He emphasizes the company's unwavering reputation for ethical dealings, high integrity, and consistency with customers, suppliers, and personnel alike, and fondly recalls learning much from colleague Alex Steppe. His enduring advice for current employees is to embrace "dedicated hard-work, executed with imagination," embodying the spirit and values that have shaped McKinnon Chain over the decades.
"Christian Bester owned 28% of McKinnon before part of it was sold to Haggie Limited in June 1993. Christian Bester in his 32-year association with McKinnon chain has played an important role in maintaining and developing the high respect with which the Company is regarded. Similarly, he was held in high esteem by his colleagues and has a reputation of integrity and fairness in all his dealings."
TAKE A LOOK AT THE CURRENT LONG SERVICES EMPLOYEES
EACH WITH OVER 20 YEARS+ SERVICE
