Page 22 - Landscape-Issue147

FEATURE

A CENTURY OF SUCCESS

FOR WILSONSTONE

WilsonStone, pioneer manufacturers of granite-finished paving slabs, celebrates
its 100th anniversary this year. Founded in 1925 as Wilson Cement Industries by

Arentz Edward Stafford, the company changed its name to WilsonStone in 1995.
Stafford was a well-known figure in Johannesburg’s business circles at the time.

nder his guidance and expertise, the on many of the paving slabs laid down on 2008: GRC (glass reinforced concrete)
business expanded rapidly in terms Johannesburg’s streets and pavements. division started
Uof its product range. It started out 2012: Fiber cement division started.
as a small factory in Eloff Street Extension Timeline summary
employing ten people, and now has two 1925-1950s: Wilson Cement Industries Current product range
factories – one in Boksburg and one in founded and run by Arentz Edward Stafford As the company grew and expanded,
Grabouw – and a staff complement of 57 1950s – 1975: Ralph De La Bruyere becomes so too did its product offering, which is
people. This comprises six office workers, MD following Stafford’s retirement currently as follows:
50 factory workers and one commissioned 1975 – 2005: Wilson Cement Industries Pavers and paving: exposed aggregate
salesperson. under John Edwards paving, cut stone pavers, driveway paving,
In the very early days, 300 – 400 paving 1995: Company name changes to Clarens pavers and stone tiles.
slabs were produced per week but growth WilsonStone Landscaping: pots, planters, benches,
was rapid and in time, the familiar trade mark 2005 – present: WilsonStone under William rest sets, bollards, dustbins, recycling
of Wilson Cement Industries could be seen Edwards bins, drinking fountains, planters, tree

The WilsonStone product range

1925 1950s 1950s 1975 1975 2005
Wilson Cement Industries founded and run by Arentz Edward Stafford Ralph De La Bruyere becomes MD following Stafford’s retirement Wilson Cement Industries under John Edwards

20 Landscape SA • Issue 147 2025 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za