Happy birthday to Trans Natal Glass
On 1 April this year, Trans Natal's staff celebrated the milestone of being a pillar in the community for 50 years.
Patrick Birnie was passionate about crystal glassware.
It was his dream to own a company that specialises in this field so he sold his Trans Natal Coal shares and established Trans Natal Cut Glass on 1 April 1964.
The company began operating from a small premises in Doornfontein and relocated to Louis Friedman Street, Krugersdorp in 1970.
The company bought their current premises at 185 Voortrekker Road (between Telkom and Burger Box Roadhouse) in 1983.
Zacharia Mohape joined Patrick on 1 March 1965 as a trainee under William Cooper, an eighth generation glass cutter from Stewarts in the United Kingdom. Thus he learned to cut crystal glass and although recently retired, he now consults with the company to train new cutters in the art of glass cutting by hand.
Erl Birnie, Patrick’s only child, joined his father in the business in 1967 and Craig Birnie, Erl’s youngest son and Trans Natal’s current CEO, joined Trans Natal 10 years ago.
Over the years, Trans Natal has grown its product range to over 2 500 items, which include ceramic and metalware, fashion glassware, décor items, giftware and allied products.
They pride themselves on fashion, unique product, competitive prices and friendly service.
The family and their colleagues were devastated when the warehouse and factory burned down on 17 November 2011 totally destroying stock, the plant and the equipment.
It was the belief in their loyal customers together with their staff’s passion for the company’s growth and success that the Birnies took the decision to rebuild Trans Natal.
On 1 April this year, Trans Natal’s staff celebrated the milestone of being a pillar in the community for 50 years. The staff enjoyed boerewors rolls and of course birthday cake during the special celebration.
They trust and hope for many more anniversary celebrations to come.
