The story of Masonite South Africa begins in 1942, when US based company Masonite International first established a foothold in the African market. Over the course of 70 years Masonite South Africa became a trusted manufacturer of the original hardboard product known as Masonite – a name that soon became synonymous with premium quality in the DIY, construction, carpentry and packaging industries.
Through the commission of new board presses and the introduction of a softboard line, Masonite South Africa continued to focus on development and expansion. In the decades that followed, Masonite South Africa achieved considerable growth, both locally and internationally. The company boasts a proud legacy of manufacturing excellence, and holds an esteemed position as a global producer of high quality engineered wood products, with 25 percent of production focused on servicing Australia, Malaysia and the East. In 2016 Masonite South Africa was purchased by Millco, a consortium comprising two South African investment companies: Jacobs Capital and Black Bird Capital. Jacobs Capital, established in 2002 as a private investment company boasts a diverse portfolio valued at almost R2-billion*. It has developed from exclusively acquiring and developing businesses, to incorporating independent divisions that provide an extensive range of business advisory services as well as manage turnarounds, mergers and acquisitions. The entrepreneurial heads of Black Bird Capital, Nkosinathi Nhlangulela and Siyabonga Mncube specialise in identifying strategic partnerships and investment opportunities. As a result of the acquisition, Masonite South Africa is now a 100% locally owned company, backed by investors with international experience and a thorough understanding of the country in which the company’s products are manufactured.
