Step by Step for new LEMKEN Hub, SA

With a strong focus on sustainability and efficiency, LEMKEN provides farming solutions that not only enhance yield but also minimize environmental impact. This philosophy underpins all the company’s innovations and efforts, helping farmers achieve better results with greater ecological awareness.

In 2012, LEMKEN Germany invited Karel Munnik to establish LEMKEN SA, marking the beginning of the company’s presence in South Africa.

However, the company’s path to success was not effortless. It was paved by a combination of experience, technical knowledge, marketing skills, and personal commitment. Munnik’s deep understanding of mechanization, coupled with his strong connection to farmers and his dedication to after-sales service, played a key role. The relationship with farmers remained personal and direct, even though implements were sold through dealers. As Munnik explains, “If the farmer has a problem with his implement, he contacts us. It is important for us to help him in whatever way is necessary.” This level of service and care formed the backbone of LEMKEN SA’s growth.

The founding of LEMKEN SA was also made possible by the complementary partnership between Karel Munnik and Christo Prinsloo, a skilled diesel, petrol, and tractor mechanic. In the company’s early days, they carried all responsibilities on their own, from logistics to sales and technical support. As the company grew, so did its team. Monja Shears joined in December 2013, taking over administrative duties. Later, Blackie Swart and Jacobus Beyers were brought on board to handle sales and technical services in the western parts of the country. Roles were divided among the four team members, with Munnik taking on the position of managing director while also leading sales, and Prinsloo focusing on technical aspects and supporting sales in the eastern regions.

Transport logistics were handled from the start by Agritrans, a partnership that proved valuable. The company’s very first six LEMKEN tools arrived in South Africa in February 2012. Thanks to Agritrans’ location on a Free State farm near Frankfort, the landowner allowed Munnik and Prinsloo to conduct hands-on testing of the new implements. These early trials, combined with training in Germany, allowed them to gain the insights necessary to introduce LEMKEN products to the South African market confidently.

From these field tests, two standout implements - the Rubin 9/600 KUA and the Karat 9/600 KUA - were chosen to present to agricultural giant AFGRI. AFGRI responded with interest, indicating they would support LEMKEN if the market potential could be demonstrated. With no other option, Munnik and Prinsloo drove across the country from AFGRI branch to branch, demonstrating the equipment to farmers. These demonstrations were crucial; at the time, South African farmers were unfamiliar with the concept of disc ploughs featuring rear rollers. Farmers wanted to see how the equipment performed on their own land before committing to a purchase.

The approach paid off. Sales from these direct demonstrations captured AFGRI’s attention and solidified a dealer relationship. Their momentum was further boosted by a strong showing at Nampo 2012, despite being limited to a small 15 x 30 m stand. At the event, interest was not just local visitors from Zambia were drawn to the Rubin 6/900 KUA, helping expand LEMKEN’s reach across Southern Africa.

By August 2012, the first implements ordered during those demonstrations had been delivered. The very first customer was Mr. BP Greyling from Langfontein farm in Wakkerstroom, Mpumalanga, who received a Karat 9/600 KUA. From there, the business truly began to gain traction. By 2013, interest was pouring in from all corners of the country including regions not covered by AFGRI, such as the GWK area, the Eastern Cape, and even Namibia. Today, LEMKEN’s dealer network spans across South Africa, with very few regions left unserved.

As years progressed, more attention was paid to the rest of the product range, expanding its product offerings, and the highly adaptable Solitaire planter. This planter can sow any seed, from teff to soybeans, at precise rates per hectare. Its versatility and effectiveness have made it a popular choice across South Africa and in countries like Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, and Congo.

Over the past decade, the LEMKEN SA team has learned several key lessons - perhaps the most important being that farm equipment cannot be sold through brochures alone. The implements, although of superior quality, were relatively expensive compared to existing local alternatives. Therefore, it was vital to show farmers firsthand how the equipment reduced cultivation time and costs while maintaining or increasing yields. Many farmers needed proof through trials, and only once positive results were evident would they proceed with a purchase.

This customer-focused, trial-based approach continues to define LEMKEN SA’s business model. It underscores the company’s commitment not only to selling high-performance implements but also to building trust and long-term relationships with farmers. Quality products and top-tier customer service remain the pillars of their ongoing success in South Africa and beyond.

In January 2023 LEMKEN reached an acquisition agreement with a South African company, Equalizer and will significantly expand its product portfolio in seeding technology.

Today, LEMKEN SA has introduced a wide range of agricultural implements to the local market, successfully selling 1,893 units to date. The company has built a comprehensive operation, including its own spare parts storage and distribution centre based in Frankfort, Free State. This site also houses a training centre, administrative offices, assembly, and quality control, making it a vital hub for LEMKEN’s Southern African operations.