With the official launch of the Heidelberg Factory Extension in mid-February, Eskort, the top pork producer in South Africa, has increased its production capacity in Gauteng by 50%.

Eskort has expanded its facility in Heidelburg by 10,000m², a development that aims to boost production and cater to the growing demands of the retail market.

The expanded facility has the biggest continuous box freeze in Africa. Its freezing chamber maintains the air to an impressive -41°C – temperature that only naturally happens in polar regions. It can freeze 120,000kg of goods to -18°C a day.

Heidelberg’s refrigerated and frozen warehouses are now equipped with innovative multi-level picking mezzanine floor systems, a first in South Africa’s food manufacturing industry. By including mezzanine floors that add additional levels for storage and picking, these systems maximise vertical space and enable Eskort to process large order numbers swiftly and effectively.

The factory extension’s inauguration signifies the next growth phase for Eskort, a company originating in Estcourt in 1917. Eskort’s farmers, who serve as company shareholders, contribute to its antibiotic-free pork production. The substantial investment in biosecurity, supported by international and local certifications, ensures the trust of South African consumers in Eskort’s premium export-quality products.

The factory’s development is evidence of Eskort’s ongoing adaptation, resilience, and vision. This accomplishment results from Eskort’s successful application of leadership principles learned from its century-long journey as a leading brand in retail and protein.