AWNMASTERCAPE WAS FOUNDED ORIGINALLY AS
AWNMASTER IN DURBAN IN 1979
Awnmaster was founded in Durban in 1979 by John Singleton, joined by His son Anthony in 1984 and run as a family business ever since.
Awnmaster operated in Kwa-Zulu Natal only and manufactured a range of basic awnings made of different materials which included aluminium and fiberglass. At that point in time a decision was taken to introduce more sophisticated awnings to the range. Plant and machinery was upgraded for this purpose and with progress we soon became one of the market leaders in awning manufacture in South Africa and currently employ 80 staff.
We were the first to introduce the use of filigree awnings and this decorative fascia became popular with many homeowners. We were also one of the first awning companies to fabricate a 6m fascia gutter for carports and are one of a handful of companies able to offer this product. The procurement of a shade cloth company (formally known as Cover it) has enabled us to offer a comprehensive range of roof coverings in a variety of materials to meet the varying needs and requirements of the market.
Our Western Garden Route Branch opened in 2000 and quickly escalated into one of the Western Garden Route’s most recognisable brands. Awnmaster followed the same ethos as Durban in supplying our clients with the best possible advice and structures to suit their needs.
For operational reasons Awnmaster was franchised off in 2010 and purchased by Brett Archibald who was joined by Cobus De Wet as a partner in 2011. In 2013 Brett Archibald had an unfortunate accident and spent 48 hours lost at sea which changed the course of his life. After careful deliberation and with sadness, Brett decided to opt out of the company in June of 2013.
Cobus De Wet purchased the company and AWNMASTER CAPE (PTY) LTD became an independent concern but continues to operate on a similar basis to our Kwazulu-Natal branch. Awnmaster Garden Route is still closely affiliated with our Kwazulu-Natal Branch and this has also helped us to cement national relationships with our clients and enabled us to operate under a national umbrella.
Awnmaster Garden Route has a dedicated staff compliment, some who have been with us since the beginning. We are determined to grow the business to a bigger market share with the help from our new and old clients and have grown our sales team to four consultants. We only employ in-house fitting teams who are trained by us. We do however, in the spirit of reconciliation and empowerment, try and help some of our staff to become sub- Contractors and work for themselves. We have been very successful with this and currently supply work to at least two companies created in this way. Employed or self-employed, all our staff goes through rigorous in-house training and are trained to the highest standards and conformity in our field of business and our dedication to current BBB-EE requirements.
Awnmaster Garden Route does not shy away from difficult installations and client requirements, we strive to always be different and a step ahead of the competition in design and new applications. Without losing sight of all the domestic customers, who have supported us since 1979. Some of our biggest clients include ACSA/ Group 5/ Steffanutti Stocks/ Grid Construction/ WBHO/Grinaker-TA/Transnet/ Liviero Building/NMC and numerous state departments and other smaller Construction companies.
We are also in the process of expanding into more commercial applications with our cladding and sun control products. Affordability with an unwavering dedication to quality is key to our success as a company and promise to our most treasured clientele.
With a sales force of four consultants and highly skilled technical ability, we are able to offer the customer a total of 40 years of experience in awnings, carports and patios. This, together with the belief that “the customer always comes first”, have equipped us to offer the very best in before and after sales service.
All our installations are custom-designed to meet the needs of the client and to function practically in their environment, whether it is a domestic, industrial or commercial application. All our Structures are based and designed on our experience and knowledge of engineering requirements. Where needed and stipulated we will employ structural engineers to further assist in meeting the approval from all local councils in the Greater Western Garden Route area. Awnmaster Garden Route products are also price-competitive because we firmly believe in giving the customer value for money without compromising quality.