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WHO WE ARE

Established in 1931, we are the longest running manufacturer of quality concrete masonry in operation in Cape Town. With over 75 years of industry experience and a proven track record, we are the preferred masonry supplier to many of Cape Town’s leading developers and construction companies. We have two factories, located in Philippi and Blackheath, which allow us to effectively service all surrounding areas.

Our product range includes bricks, hollow maxis, solid maxis, blocks, retaining wall blocks. With a commitment to customer service and the highest quality products, you can rest assured that we will take care of all your masonry needs completely.

OUR CUSTOMERS ARE THE REASON FOR OUR EXISTENCE:

“They are my 1st choice because they set the standards for the industry and always strive for new & better ways to meet my needs. Nothing is ever too -much-trouble and they go the extra mile to resolve any issues that may arise. They are smart, friendly, highly efficient, very easy to deal with and the ‘ Cape Brick Promise’, underwrites their quality & value proposition, so I sleep easy. Oh, and by the way, I love their passion and I feel good about using their products – because they put their money where their mouth is when it comes to being genuinely “Green”.

COMPANY HISTORY

1931

ESTABLISHED: James Edwin Gracie “Sonny” and Fasie Malherbe bought brick making equipment and established the official Cape Brick company, manufacturing ash bricks with burnt ash from the Dock Road Power Station in Paarden Eiland.

1939-1945

WORLD WAR 2: World War 2 during which time the majority of Cape Brick production was taken by the army to build fortifications around the peninsula. Army trucks would line up daily to take away the newly made bricks.

1960

MIKE & PETER: Mike Gracie (salesman) and Peter Gracie (engineer), the sons of the founder, Sonny Gracie, joined the company.

1965

FASIE MALHERBE: Fasie Malherbe was killed in a car accident on Houw Hoek Pass.

1971

RETIRED: Sonny Gracie retired leaving Mike and Peter running the company.

1975

CONCRETE BRICKS: Changed from making ash bricks to concrete bricks.

1996

LEASE EXPIRED: Lease expired at the Power station and the company moved to the Transnet Railways premised in Salt River. Mike Smit came in as a partner to Mike and Peter Gracie.

1998

ANTHONY GRACIE: Anthony Gracie, son of Peter and Grandson of founder Sonny Gracie, joined the business as Managing Director. At the same time Mike Gracie left.

1999

TRESFON BROTHERS: Jacques Tresfon (Financial Director) and Jean Tresfon (Sales Director), being half-brothers to Anthony Gracie also joined the company.

1999

VB4X: New VB4x block machine purchased and setup.

2001

RECYCLING: Recycling operations started, making Cape Brick the first concrete brick manufacturer to do this and thus starting a journey towards becoming the most environmentally friendly brick manufacturer in the Cape.

2011

JEAN: Jean Tresfon left the company to follow his passion of underwater photography.

2012

RETIRED: Peter Gracie retired.

2012

PHILIPPI: Company moved to Philippi after growing out of space in Salt River premises.

2014

BLACKHEATH: 2nd Production Factory setup in Blackheath.

2016

NEW FACTORY: Completion of the new factory buildings and offices in Philippi and installation of Kraft curing system which improved curing times and product quality.

2017

AUTOMATED PACKING: Automated packing system installed in Philippi factory to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

2018

MYWOOD: New Mywood UP composite production boards installed at Philippi factory improve efficiency and product quality.

2019

AUTOMATED PACKING: Automation of the Blackheath factory packing system to improve efficiency and reduce waste.