Our Story | Agrinet

Our Journey

OUR HERITAGE & FOUNDATION

Agrinet enjoys rich and diverse sourcing, manufacturing and distribution history spanning from humble beginnings in 1950 as Vetsak.

The long-standing principles and disciplines of being knowledgeable, sourcing/developing, innovation and being solutions-driven has allowed Agrinet to evolve successfully, and grow from strength to strength over the last 6 decades.
Today, Agrinet continues to build from a solid value and knowledge base but is also constantly adapting to key trends and the ever-changing needs of our clients and end-users in order to deliver solutions that matter every day.

A BRIEF HISTORY

Agrinet originated from VETSAK, a central buying co-operative for agri-businesses, established in 1950. Vetsak was established by the primary co-operatives in the old Transvaal and Free State as a central buying or secondary co-operative. The different primary co-operatives were established by farmers. All primary co-operatives were members of Vetsak.
The main purpose of Vetsak was to source product, to manufacture and to distribute to members of shareholder stores, who in turn supplied the farmers.
Apart from distribution of tools, irrigation and farm requisites, Vetsak was responsible for establishing the Fiat tractor brand in South Africa, later known as New Holland Tractors.
Vetsak has been involved in several manufacturing enterprises, amongst others micro-irrigation, assembling of tractors and trucks, tobacco curing, pipe, tanks, fencing material, farm chemicals, and ground engagement parts.
During the early nineties, the focus of the business moved away from manufacturing and all such activities were disposed of or closed. Emphasis was on trade, specifically mechanization, general merchandise, and irrigation. The products were sourced locally and abroad.
In 1996 the business of the central buying co-operative in the Western Cape, called Boeresake, was acquired. Most of the primary co-operatives in the Western Cape became members of Vetsak.
In 1998 the name of Vetsak was changed to Agrinet.
Agrinet enjoys rich and diverse sourcing, manufacturing and distribution history spanning from humble beginnings in 1950 as Vetsak.
The long-standing principles and disciplines of being knowledgeable, sourcing/developing, innovation and being solutions-driven has allowed Agrinet to evolve successfully, and grow from strength to strength over the last 6 decades.
Today, Agrinet continues to build from a solid value and knowledge base but is also constantly adapting to key trends and the ever-changing needs of our clients and end-users in order to deliver solutions that matter every day.

1951

FORDSBURG - Beginning of VETSAK.
Mission - To be the lead supplier of a comprehensive range of quality products which we supply to the agricultural, industrial, institutional and retail markets and thereby contributing to the prosperity of all stake holders. 10 000m2

Started with 12 employees.

1951

THE LOGO -

1. The gate simbolises prospects and greater opportunities for a better future and a profitable farm

2. Over time the gates became a mark of promise to clients that no product passed through the gates of Agrinet without the approval of our expert product management teams.

Agricultural and product knowledge of ambassadors on their visits to farmers are the cornerstones of VETSAK / Agrinet's success. Together lasting partnerships were built.

1952

Cnr ANVIL & INDUSTRY RD
Moved to Isando - 10 000m2

1959

Manufacturing Own Products
Pipes, micro-irrigation, tobacco curing, tanks, fencing material, farm chemicals, assembling trucks and tractors & more

THE FIAT STORY

1964 - 1st Fiat tractor sold to Mr HJ Kleynhans of Ventersdorp. He was also the first farmer to buy an ADE-engine tractor in South Africa.

1963

Karet Trailer locally manufactured.

1963-86

Since the launch of the Karet trailer in '63, over 15 000 trailers have been sold up until '86.

1977

Fiat commercial vehicle agency established, Putco busses produced.

1978

VETSAK - produces 1st Fiat tractor locally, 100% South African.

1980

Supply

101 500

products to farmers.

1981

Biggest consignment of tractors delivered at the Durban harbor by the South African ship Helderberg.

1981

VETSAK Monteer was VETSAK's initiative to establish a South African tractor industry that led to Vetsak Monteer, a modern tractor and truck assembly plant.

1983

VETSAK bought an experimental farm to research and develop farming products.

1983

VETSAK branded trucks manufactured in co-operation with Fiat.

1983

VETSAK appointed as Yanmar Agency.

1984

Due to a range of problems farmers experienced with the standard zink tanks, VETSAK designed and developed a polythen tank. The design stayed unchanged for 31 years.

1990

Before 1990 all logistics were done by rail. 1990 called for own road transport.

1991

Micro Computers for reps vastly improved service delivery to customers.

1993

Exporting to SA's neighbouring countries and Europe.

1994

Kaufmann launched.

1996

Cape Town branch established.

1996

In 1996 VETSAK bought the trade division of Boeresake (the central buying co-op of the Cape province), Agrinet. By obtaining the rights to the name they decided to change VETSAK to Agrinet for a more national competitor feel.

For the first time there was only one central national distributor to serve the co-op chains nationwide.