About CX Pallets:

CX Pallets (Pty) Ltd was founded in 2004 with the aim to provide an environment-friendly, disposable alternative to traditional wooden pallets.

Jan Vreken literally started the business out of his garage. After completing his post-graduate studies at Stellenbosch University, Jan started working as a supply chain consultant for Volition Consulting Services (then still the IQ Business Group). He came across the idea from a Swedish family friend who saw corrugated pallets in Sweden. Jan proceeded to do a thorough market investigation in South Africa and realised that corrugated pallets have been in use in Europe and the United States for over 20 years. The reason it never took off in South Africa was that the price of local wood was dirt cheap compared to the price of wood abroad.

However, with the introduction of the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures 15 (ISPM15) in 2005, an international law requiring all raw wood to be either heat-treated or fumigated, Jan knew that there was an opportunity in the local market. Subsequently the price and use of wooden pallets in international trade has come under significant pressure. Wood prices all over the world were at an all time high and the trend has continued to this day. The other reason why Jan believed in the concept was because of the mega trend of environmentally sustainable products, the so-called “Green Revolution”.

 On the first day after his honeymoon, Jan quit his job and started the business in all earnest. A small warehouse was secured and Jan moved in with nothing but the press he built in his garage, two pallet-jacks and a brand new Hyundai bakkie. He was assisted by two workers, one of which was his loyal petrol attendant at his local filling station.

The business had a slow start but at the end of year one, there was no looking back. He employed more people, built a bigger press and bought some second-hand packaging machinery. The rest, as they say, is history. With the addition of a brand new multi-blade cutting machine in 2008, the business is geared for serious growth.

Hannes Posthumus joined the team late in 2008 and has been heading up the operations side of the business. Hannes brings with him a wealth of technical expertise and experience gained from working in various industries since 1987.

The board of directors is headed by the Chairman, Bert Lundgren, a Swedish entrepreneur with extensive business interests in both Sweden and South Africa. Bert brought the concept to CX Pallets in 2003 and has been involved with the business ever since.

Michiel le Roux, another board member and shareholder, was the managing director of Distillers Corporation for 14 years before going into the banking industry. He is the founder and current Chairman of Capitec Bank Holdings.

Our factory in Germiston allows us to service major industries in Gauteng at most competitive prices. Located close to OR Tambo International, airfreight exporters are literally on our doorstep.

Design flexibility is very important in any packaging venture and our operation is set up to deal with a wide variety of customisations.

Service and quality is fundamental to our approach and we pride ourselves in finding innovative solutions to our clients’ needs.