NUUS | NEWS
Silos
– A brief history
With Senwes celebrating 110 years, we look at a brief history of all things related to grain
handling, silos, etcetera.
By Senwes Scenario Team
Highlights of the first 100 years
1 July 1909
The first maize is received at Klerksdorp
station by “De Centraal Westelijke
Ko-operatieve Landbouw Vereeniging".
1913
The grain interests of Senwes are
extended to the Orange Free State. In
1917, the first annual general meeting
for the Free State is held in Rendezvous
(today known as Viljoenskroon), which
was founded as a town in 1921).
Rendezvous was the first fixed property of
Senwes in the Free State.
1926
The building of railway grain elevators
by the SA Railways commences. Maize
16
is received in bulk. Purpose: To make
exports to Europe possible.
1945
Maize-milling facilities commence and
the purchasing of mills is considered.
During this year Senwes buys the mills in
Heuningspruit, Champion (Kroonstad) and
Lederle (Theunissen). In 1946 Senwes
adds Acme (Klerksdorp) and Tweespruit
Mills. In 1949 the Zastron Flour Mill is
acquired.
1960
Metrification and computer technology
is gradually imported into agricultural
business.
1961
Senwes leads the silo-building program in
South Africa.
SENWES SCENARIO | HERFS • AUTUMN 2019
1962
An extensive grain elevator building
programme is launched to manage bulk
grain better.
1970
Defatted germ meal and edible oils are
exported to the Fiji Islands from 1971.
1971
Scales and weighbridges are converted
to metric measures.
1972
A new animal feed and oil-pressing
factory is erected at Viljoenskroon and
officially opened in 1973.
1992
Kroonstad Wes (Co-operative) Limited
amalgamates with Sentraalwes
(Co-operative) Limited.