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Fifty years in the making: The story of Mesh Gear
with three machines and two operators. Fifty years later, the company
employs more than 100 people across four workshops. It is a milestone
few manufacturers achieve, and one built steadily over decades of
technical expertise, investment and continuity.
Starting Mesh Gear
In May 1976, Michael and his wife Heather founded Mesh
Gear Manufacturers. Their eldest son, Steven, was only a few months old at the
time. The business began modestly with three machines and two operators, one of
whom was Michael himself.
There was no elaborate business strategy, simply a focus
on producing quality work consistently and building trust with customers. Over
time, the company expanded its capabilities, invested in additional machinery
and steadily grew its customer base through repeat business and referrals. That
measured approach to growth became one of the defining characteristics of the
business.
Building capability
Over five decades, Mesh Gear has evolved into a highly
specialised gear manufacturing operation serving both local and international
markets. Today, the company operates across four workshops and has invested
heavily in advanced manufacturing technology.
Its capabilities now include high precision CNC gear
grinding, advanced 5-axis milling and the latest CNC Gear Tester (CMM)
technology. The company also maintains in house heat treatment facilities
supported by a fully equipped metallurgical laboratory. Processes such as
induction hardening, shot peening and stringent final inspection protocols
allow the company to manufacture components to internationally recognised
standards. Production volumes range from single custom components to batches of
up to 1 000 units, enabling the company to support both specialised engineering
projects and larger-scale production requirements.
Industries served
Mesh Gear’s components are typically used in industries where reliability and durability are essential. The company supplies gears and related components to sectors including off-highway earthmoving equipment, coal mining, crushing and screening, agriculture, rail and industrial gearbox applications. The business holds SGS system certification and supports both OEM and aftermarket customers across South Africa and abroad. In industries where downtime can carry significant operational costs, consistency and dependable performance remain central to the company’s reputation.
The second generation
Today, the business is led by Michael’s sons, Steven and Trevor Clayton. Like their father before them, both grew up in the industry and developed a practical understanding of manufacturing from the ground up. Under their leadership, the company has continued to invest in technology while maintaining the same core principles on which the business was established: consistent quality, technical capability and long-term relationships with both customers and employees. Three generations of the Clayton family have now been involved in gear manufacturing in KwaZulu-Natal. That continuity has provided stability in an industry often shaped by economic cycles, shifting markets and rapid technological change.
The future
Reaching 50 years in manufacturing is a significant achievement, particularly in a highly competitive industrial environment. Yet for Mesh Gear, the milestone is less about looking back than maintaining momentum for the future. The same principles established by Lemuel Clayton in the 1960s, doing the job properly, investing in the best available equipment and building lasting relationships, continue to guide the company today. Combined with ongoing investment in technology and skills development, those values position Mesh Gear to continue serving the industries that depend on precision-engineered components for many years to come.
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