The Pratley family has been a part of the very bedrock of Krugersdorp for over 70 years. They founded the Pratley Manufacturing and Engineering company and based its head office and manufacturing facilities in the town in 1948.

On Tuesday, 19 January, the family’s patriarch, company Managing Director and the guiding hand behind countless world-class products sadly passed away at the age of 66.

Kim Pratley took over the company’s reigns in 1983 when he was just 27 years old. With his leadership, Pratley today produces over 800 products and has filed over 350 patents world wide. The company is best known among the public for its adhesives such as Pratley Putty (which was used on the Ranger Moon Module in the 1960s), Steel Putty, Wondafix, Super Glue, Ezeebond and Pratlok, among others, while stepping up as an industry leader for its cable glands which were designed to be used in hazardous and highly flammable environments.

“As a company, we mourn the passing of our beloved father, dedicated Managing Director, mentor, friend and colleague. His passing leaves a deep hole in the lives of everyone at Pratley and all those who knew him.

He was so many things to so many of us, and as much sadness fills our hearts, we are comforted by the many memories and achievements that he spearheaded during his time as head of Pratley. His legacy will live on through everything we do going forward,” Andrew Pratley said.

Kim had left the company in the capable hands of his two sons, Andrew and Charles Pratley. Having grown up and worked in the company throughout their lives, and with degrees in IT and Engineering respectively, they have extensive knowledge of the industry.

“Even though we are grieving at this time and our sadness is palpable, we are a very resilient company that has been growing from strength to strength over the years. We are a decent and very capable team. We are world leaders in the things that we do and the products that we produce. Going forward, we look to a very bright future for Pratley, with several exciting things in the pipeline. Our fundamental principles, policies, ethics and recipe for success are proven and remain rock solid,” Charles said.