Profile
4. An exciting time for introducing innovations
and new technologies in irrigation unfolded.
Prior to immigrating, while we were selling our home in
Fresno, I spent four weeks in 1969 securing exclusive
distribution and license agreements to manufacture
the products in the Republic of South Africa, which
was critical in order to obtain “Import Permits” for the
specialised irrigation and construction equipment. I
signed an order for 19 Higromatics with the manager
of Soetveld Farms. Susi and I were eager to put
down our roots and change the country’s farms and
environmental projects from “brown to green”.
lot of our friends. The letterheads, logos, certificates
and so on were created by Gus Harris, an advertising
agent, in New York City. While a tax attorney Michael
Leysinger in Switzerland worked on the Constitution
and By-Laws.
The first meeting of the Founding Fathers and Original
Committee was held in the Vetsak boardroom, Isando.
Those present (to the best of my knowledge) were: André
Brink, Peter Green, John Echard, James Keevy, Hugh
Lyle, Rod Mountain, Jerry Rossiter, Pieter Wessels, Tony
Williams and Ken Woodward.
5. There were a number of exclusive
American licensees and distribution
agreements you negotiated.
They included: Higromatic Center Pivot and fieldhoppers with Nelson Sprinklers & Big Guns; Dole flow
control valves ½”, ¾” and 1” with flows from 1-gpm