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Back in 1989 after a successful career as an educator lecturing advanced mathematics at the Port Elizabeth Technikon, Gerrie van der Merwe decided it was time to consider a career change. He accepted an invitation to participate in his brother in-law’s Worcester-based road tanker transport business. Three years after acquiring full control of the business, Gerrie was joined by his two sons Gerhard and Wentzel. Family friend and long standing business associate Rossouw van Eeden, joined the team.

After taking delivery of a new road tanker built by a prominent company at the time, the three young entrepreneurs expressed their dismay at the poor workmanship and generally unacceptable finishes by suggesting to Gerrie that they seriously consider building their own tanks. Gerrie needed to be sure there would be commitment to such a venture. He offered to provide the material if the young trio would attempt to build a scale model steel tank to his satisfaction. After several months of dedicated and concerted effort a tank that met their collective expectation and standards emerged.

With great enthusiasm, GRW Engineering was founded in 1996 with a mission to build world-class road tankers comparable with the highest international manufacturing and quality standards. Almost immediately, GRW came under pressure to commence building tankers for prominent users in the wine transportation industry.

To gain an appropriate understanding of the design concepts, production methods and procedures which form the backbone of GRW tankers, it is necessary to detail some of the philosophy that drives their commitment to achieve the highest level of customer retention by exceeding the expectations of the most demanding users of GRW products. This includes product innovation, trained and motivated employees committed to life-long learning, working closely with clients, teamwork and dedication to the maintenance of production and operating standards.

Today the company manufactures road and intermodul tank containers to a wide and reputable customer base.