© WoodBiz Africa (Pty)Ltd
Interview in WoodBiz Africa / June 2024
by Joy Crane
Q&A: Bradly Larkan and Marnus Ferreira-Netto discuss adhesives
Kleiberit, the family-owned German industrial adhesives specialist at the forefront of the global industry for over 75 years, was introduced in South Africa 25 years ago and quickly gained traction in the woodworking and sawmilling industries. Its product range recently extended to cross-laminated timber (CLT) applications.
The company has three divisions: woodworking, FAST (filter, automotive, sandwich and textile) and the innovative surface-finishing-technology HotCoating for furniture-, flooring- and facade-elements. It includes digital printing and protective layers on a roll-to-roll basis as well as flat panels. Wanting to better understand the company, WoodBiz Africa spoke with Bradly Larkan and Marnus Ferreira-Netto during brief respites at the Kleiberit stand at WoodEX for Africa in June.
Bradly's home base is Ireland, and his business card reveals his expansive role at the company. He is Kleiberit's general manager for South Africa, the UK, and Ireland and vice president of North America. Marnus is based in South Africa and is Kleiberit's Sales Manager and technical expert in Southern Africa.
Tell us a bit about Kleiberit. Has it always been a glue manufacturer?
BRADLY: Kleiberit was founded in 1948 as a family-owned business making white glues for small joinery companies in Germany. It expanded and developed more sophisticated adhesive technologies like one and two component polyurethanes, hotmelt PU, PU dispersions, EVAs, and polyolefin systems over time.
Today, we have an entire basket of adhesive technologies and a global footprint. Kleiberit employs over 670 people, of which nearly 80 technical salespeople support our customers worldwide.
When did Kleiberit enter the South African market?
BRADLY: Hüster Machinetool Company was appointed to distribute our woodworking ranges in South Africa 25 years ago and is still doing so. We directly supply our FAST, HotCoating and structural timber customers.
The finger jointing lines Nukor supplies to sawmills include the Oest Group closed system glue applicator. We also have working knowledge of Mixon and Apquip applicator systems.
It is important to note that all Kleiberit products released in South Africa comply with the national standards (SANS) and are SABS and SATAS certified.
WHAT MAKES KLEIBERIT SUCH AN ENDURING BRAND?
MARNUS: Besides our joinery and cabinetmaking glues and hot melts, Kleiberit is known for its structural timber adhesives. South African sawmills have used PU glues since the early 2000s. I believe what differentiates us, is our commitment. We are not just a point of sale. Although sales are necessary, we try to build a partnership. We support customers with technical assistance, provide guidance on using the products properly, and train machine operators and workers to handle and apply adhesives safely. We also ensure they understand the material safety sheets and environmental controls for disposing of packaging safely.
You can read and download the entire interview below.
