On Monday, 2nd September, Catapult Group welcomed U.S. Senator Todd Young (Indiana) and Ambassador Reuben E. Brigety II to the Swartland Investments export factory in Atlantis, Western Cape. The high-profile visit highlighted Swartland’s growing export business, focusing on opportunities and challenges related to expanding its reach in the U.S. market.
The visit allowed the Senator and Ambassador to understand Swartland’s operations firsthand, especially its utilisation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which facilitates duty-free exports to the U.S. market. Discussions centred around Swartland’s current business performance, future growth plans, and the company’s obstacles as it seeks to expand its footprint abroad.
Jürgen Stragier, Catapult Group’s Group Chief Executive Officer, John Lamb, Group Business Development Officer, and Bruce Waller, Swartland Manufacturing Executive, welcomed the guests.
The visit included a tour of the factory, where the delegation witnessed the impressive scale of Swartland’s export doors operation, which currently employs over 300 local workers.
The guests were particularly struck by the business’s positive impact on the local community and the potential for further job creation as Swartland expands. In line with its growth plans, the company aims to increase its workforce significantly, driving local employment and international trade.
Jurgen Stragier reflected on the successful engagement: “It was a great visit, and we are thankful to Senator Young and Ambassador Brigety for allowing us to engage with them directly. We look forward to fostering a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the USA as we continue to grow.”