Power tools
A Century for
Rutherford
Rutherford, a wholly owned subsidiary of
After importing Makita products since
JSE-listed Hudaco Trading (Pty) Ltd, is cel-
the 1960’s, Rutherford was appointed sole
of successful business operations, are world
ebrating 100 years of service to the Southern
distributor of the Makita brand in Southern
renowned brands backed by quality technical
African industrial arena. The company was
Africa in 1985 and today, through focused
back-up and a depth of technical know-how.
established by AE Rutherford at 90 Bree Street,
marketing, new technology and world class
Cape Town, in 1912 and specialised in sales of
after sales support, Makita has become a brand
the immense product knowledge pool
general engineering requisites and consumables,
leader in the region. Fully-fledged Makita
accumulated by our employees,” he adds. “In
including woodworking machines and tools, belt
training centres operate at its Germiston, Cape
our economy, it’s rare to find so many long-
drives, stone and ore crushers and screens, as well
Town and Durban branches, dedicated to
serving employees. Our management team
as concrete and “macadam” mixers.
educating South African operators on the safe
averages 19 years with the company, while the
use of Makita power tools.
average length of service among our admin
From these early beginnings, the roots of
today’s broad-reaching Rutherford operation
African companies able to celebrate 100 years
“However, another success factor is
Established in 1998, its Marine division has
staff is 12 years and our sales team, nine years.
associated with leading agencies such as
sole distribution rights for the Mercury range
This has brought stability to the company and
Makita Industrial Power Tools and Mercury
of outboards and MerCruiser inboards, along
benefited our customers with a wealth of in-
Marine engines, were evident in the sale of
with the Quicksilver range of marine oils and
field product experience across the board.
such equipment as Tauco and Van Dorn electric
accessories. Rutherford also offers technicians
drills, alongside Penta petrol/paraffin and
employed by its dealers and partners the
Rutherford staff ensures that their skills remain
Skandia diesel marine engines and Archimedes
benefits of a Marine academy. Rutherford
up to date and relevant. At the same time we’re
outboard engines.
Marine’s strength lies in focused distribution of
nurturing a group of bright, young up-and-
its principal brands, backed by a strong dealer
coming team players who are steadily moving up
network and marketing support systems.
the ranks and who will ensure a sound succession
Today Rutherford, a level 4 BBBEE and a
value added company, distributes several world
renowned brands through its four divisions,
Its V.I. Instruments division, is the sole
“A basic education and training programme for
plan in the medium to long term.”
each one a leader in its category, manned by
importer of the Topcon range of survey
a total staff complement of 204 people. The
equipment, well known locally for its Levels,
for building on Rutherford’s century of service
company has branches in three major centres
Total Stations, Global Positioning and
into the future, is to consolidate the company’s
Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, with
Machine Control Systems. V.I. Instruments
position as a leading supplier. In recent years
a sales office added in Port Elizabeth in 2011.
is also the exclusive importer of the world-
this strategy has seen the company expand its
Rutherford holds three key ISO accreditations:
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