Company Profile
History
The late Ernest Zeh emigrated from Germany to South Africa and founded Columbit in 1937. With his first hand knowledge of the latest overseas production techniques Ernest soon realized that the local wine industry was poised for great exposure.
At the time when compared with European wine producing countries such as France and Germany, the South African wine industry was still rather primitive in its use of equipment.
The prospect of exports encouraged many producers to invest in new technology and chemicals to simplify and improve operations. With the consumer shift from Brandy to Natural wine, local wine producers urgently required methods to control fermentation and filtration so that good quality white wines could be made.
Machinery imported and later manufactured by Columbit helped in the production of many excellent wines.
Over a period of 73 years, Columbit the company has maintained its commitment to the wine industry with Columbit Staff members traveling abroad to remain current with trends and innovative production methods.
Today Columbit is a diversified operation representing European Principles supplying top quality consumables and equipment to the Wine, Food and Beverage industries. All divisions are backed by first class staff, technical support, service and spares.
Currently, we have 130 employees with offices in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
Business Ethics
We have succeeded as a business over the last 73 years through a simple blend of honesty, integrity, quality and a goal of providing service and innovation.
- Integrity
and Honesty
Our simple philosophy is that one cannot buy a good name in business, one needs to earn a good name by being honest. - Quality
We strive to only market and support the finest quality products. We have built our business through keeping our commitments in terms of the performance of our products.
- Service
Without the custom of our clients, we have no business and therefore strive to provide our customer satisfaction to our clients with friendly service and the correct products at reasonable prices.
- Innovation
We are an extension of our suppliers and therefore, together with our suppliers endeavor to bring our clients the latest technology, experience and service to keep your business at the forefront of technology in your specialist field.
Board of Directors
New Directors at the helm of Columbit Holdings, Columbit Industries and Colpak
Harold ZehGroup Chairman |
Tony HaughtonGroup CEO & |
Russell SmithGroup Finance |
 Grant ZehCEO & Managing Director |
Nathan ScottCEO & Managing Director |
Steven BroekhuysenCEO & Managing Director Colpak |
Anton TheunissenFinance Director |
Bob JonesBusiness Development Director Colpak |
Chairman’s Announcement
Within our personal lives and business environment, we establish goals and routines, we work within the boundaries we know and find comfort in those things familiar. While seeking stability and certainty, we thrive by having a vision, a purpose, fixed principles and clear direction.
There are times however when change is inevitable. It encourages us to look for exciting opportunities and more efficient ways to continue moving forward.
The Passing of Ernest Zeh, brings a natural evolution in company leadership style, and with this, some changes. To this end, I have appointed, from the Senior Management, a team of Directors, in whom I have the utmost faith.
We reflect on the legacy which Ernest Zeh established over 72 years of successful business and appreciate all he has built; a solid foundation, great potential for further growth and most importantly, the strong work ethic, commitment and dedication of a loyal and hard working team of employees.
Our future success however will depend on forward thinking and committed individuals who continue to identify and exploit key market opportunities. We recognise that this cannot be achieved by the directors alone but that it will require a concerted team effort from all our staff.
Columbit has a clear direction and a solid, secure future.
Our Vision:
Columbit strives to be a world class market leader supplying the food and beverage industries with quality consumables, printed flexible packaging, equipment and service.
Our Mission:
As Brand Custodians we employ professional people who are enthusiastically committed to service excellence and sustainable profitability. We apply our energy and ingenuity, to build a growing, continually improving business from which all stakeholders will benefit.
Our Values:
We believe in honesty, integrity, hard work and dedication. We accept ownership of our individual responsibility and the impact of our actions on our suppliers, customers, our business and the environment.
We respect the cultural diversity of all the role players and encourage an entrepreneurial spirit.
For more information please contact Columbit T (2) 9700 7666 or email