88 years of excellence: Excelsior Paints says “Thank you, South Africa!”

As one of South Africa’s most respected independently owned paint manufacturers, Excelsior Paints is celebrating an incredible 88 years of dedication, colour, and innovation in June 2025. Excelsior’s journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the retailers who have stood by the brand over the years.

Excelsior has proudly dealt directly with retailers—never selling to the public—and this unwavering B2B focus has allowed the company to foster deep partnerships countrywide. “We owe everything to our retailers. Their loyalty and belief in our brand have been the foundation of our success. Without them, we would be nothing,” say the Excelsior team.

A milestone celebration for retailers

To honour this milestone, Excelsior Paints is inviting its retail partners to join the celebration. As a token of appreciation, Excelsior is rolling out an exciting range of birthday giveaways, special discounts, and prizes—all themed around its 88th year. “88 Years, 88 Surprises” will see retailers nationwide treated to a host of exclusive offers and rewards. Retailers never know what’s next, but can look forward to 88 reasons to smile.

A rich legacy rooted in South Africa’s history

Founded in 1937 by German immigrant Walter Rauner and his wife, Excelsior Paints began in a modest Johannesburg factory during the city’s early mining days. The original gallon drum—now an iconic symbol—was a staple in hardware stores for decades. With the arrival of Guy Lawson in 1995, Excelsior remained proudly family-run but was poised for bigger achievements. Today, Excelsior Paints produces nearly 88,000 litres of paint per day, six days a week—a momentous statistic for its 88th year.

Spotlight: Kim van Rensburg—The woman behind the legacy

University of the Witwatersrand graduate and mother of five, Kim van Rensburg, joined Excelsior in 2000, initially in an administrative role beside her father, Ron and brother Guy. Her sharp business sense and work ethic soon saw her move into key leadership. As director, Kim now oversees administration, finance, HR, and legal, leading a team of more than 200 employees. She shapes a workplace culture built on excellence, respect, and accountability, and is equally comfortable on the factory floor as in the boardroom.

“Kim van Rensburg is the glue that holds it all together,” say her colleagues—her steady, strategic leadership keeping Excelsior one step ahead, supporting innovation while upholding core values.

Building the future: innovation and sustainability

Excelsior Paints has its sights firmly set on sustainable growth. Investments include:

• Solar-powered factory (with Decentral Energy Services)
• Advanced water purification systems
• Recyclable solvent packaging
• The ‘Return the Pack’ initiative, allowing customers to return empty buckets for recycling and charitable use

The Excelsior Academy of Paint Excellence, the national delivery network of 40+ drivers, and ongoing local job creation underline the brand’s commitment to a better, more sustainable South Africa.

Tradition meets progress—88 years young, and counting

With three generations of the van Rensburg family still involved, Excelsior Paints remains a powerful example of the harmony between tradition and modernity. Here’s to 88 years of colour, care, and community—and many more.

For more information, visit: www.excelsiorpaints.co.za or call 011-474-1900.