Van Ryn Rubber: Four decades of manufacturing excellence in Pinetown
Founded in 1979, Van Ryn Rubber has grown into a high-volume rubber manufacturing business based in Maxmead.
Now led by Shannon Proctor, the company has evolved over more than four decades into a manufacturer supplying industries across South Africa and international markets, producing high-specification components used in automotive, industrial and infrastructure applications.
From its facility in Maxmead, Van Ryn Rubber processes approximately 500 tonnes of raw rubber each month and produces up to 17 million items.
The company manufactures a wide range of products, including seals, valves, grommets, diaphragms and precision rubber components.
These products support applications such as PVC piping, automotive oil filters, plumbing systems, packaging, irrigation equipment and industrial machinery, where consistent performance is essential.
Shannon Proctor entered the manufacturing sector from a financial background.
Following the acquisition of Van Ryn Rubber and its integration into the broader BLP Rubber Group, the business strengthened its production capability and technical capacity, supporting growth across both local and international markets.
A growing global footprint
Today, Van Ryn Rubber employs more than 200 people and exports to 32 countries worldwide. The business supplies customers across multiple industries, supporting operations that rely on dependable rubber components for performance and reliability.
While the company continues to expand its international presence, it remains firmly rooted in KwaZulu-Natal’s manufacturing sector.
Ongoing investment in machinery, technology and technical expertise supports the business’s ability to meet evolving industry requirements.
Shannon’s advice to other businesses is: Control what you can control. This came from spending too much time worrying about power issues, red tape, cheap imports and all the noise around us.
To any business owner listening: keep your mindset right, keep improving your standards, your plant and your people. Even in a so-called boring industry, this approach can open export doors into more than 48 countries.
With more than four decades of manufacturing experience, Van Ryn Rubber continues to build on its established capabilities, supplying high-volume rubber components to customers locally and globally.
In his profile of the business, Pavlo said he can see this company becoming one of the standout high-spec international rubber manufacturers to emerge from South Africa.
Bigger in export markets. Stronger in water and infrastructure systems. Better known for the kind of technical reliability that makes global customers feel confident placing the next order.
This Future50 feature was presented by Pavlo Phitidis from Aurik and powered by FNB Business.
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