12/02/2024
Cake and Bubbly for the team at our offices today to celebrate our 26th year with grateful thanks to our community for your loyal support over the years!
Here's a little trip down memory lane:
Hillcrest Trading & Electrical was established on the 11th February 1998. The purchase of the old trading store located in the Christians Centre (now Pick ‘n Pay), was where it all began.
The odd plug top and an assortment of globes were part of the product range, amongst the bicycle spares, paraffin lanterns and loose ci******es, “The Good Old Days”. Still had electricity.
The public soon became aware that Mr Peter Vermaak was a licensed and registered electrician. A decision was taken to set up an electrical contracting division, headed by Peter whilst Ken Jones (brother-in-law) would attend to the retail section of the business.
With the demolition of the Christians Centre, other premises had to be found. Rental space became available diagonally across the road where the old tearoom and bakery, Lil’s Corner, was situated. With the rapid growth of both divisions, the premises next door, occupied by the United Building Society were soon also to become part of the floor space.
In 2009, Peter Vermaak decided to relocate his family to Hermanus and attempt semi-retirement (to no avail). Ken Jones remained behind and ran the operation until December 2018. The lease agreement came to an end and a family decision was made to relinquish the retail side of the business and concentrate solely on the electrical contracting.
Mr Sifiso Shezi, a long-standing member of staff for 23 years, became a fully-fledged member of the closed corporation, a man very much in demand and praised by the community.
The business relocated to a residential area, retaining all stock from the retail store. A decision was also made to enter the commercial and industrial sector, but still to service the domestic market.
It soon became apparent that more personnel were required to undertake some of the bigger projects we were involved in, without affecting our service levels on the domestic side.
A meeting was held with Mr Hagen Kassier, owner and senior licensed electrician of MRC Energy Pty Ltd A joint venture agreement was entered into, strengthening our skills base, and ensuring workmanship is closely monitored by Hagen.
Bringing us to today: With the merger, new premises were required to accommodate both companies. Our new location is Shop No. 16, Gillitts Shopping Centre, 1 Clifton Road, Gillitts.
