Wholly owned subsidiary of Hudaco Trading and industrial power tools distributor Rutherford was established in South Africa in 1912. In its early years, the company mainly sold general engineering requisites in the shape of packings, brassware, belting but, in latter years, it became well established in diesel engines, power-generating plants, wood-working machinery, pumps and electric drills and lathes.

Hudaco Industries is a South African group of companies specialising in the import and value-added distribution of selected high-quality industrial and security products in the Southern African region. The replacement market is a particular focus and the group is active in two main areas: engineering consumables and consumer-related products.

Rutherford, which is black economic empowerment Level 4 compliant, is now the exclusive distributor for Makita Power Tools in Southern Africa and has been for over 40 years. It is headquartered at 77 Smits street, in Industries West, Germiston, Gauteng, where it has a 7 100 m2 base. It also has 3 300 m2 premises at the corner of Van Riebeeck and Jan Smuts, Beaconvale, Parow, Western Cape, and a 1 930 m2 office in 12 Halifax road, Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal.

With nearly 100 years of experience in advanced motor design, Makita applies the latest innovation to engineer and manufacture the best power tools in the world. Makita has an extensive range of corded and cordless power tools that are distributed to mass stores and a specialised dealer network. Full technical support and back-up services are offered from three main branches.

Through focused marketing, new technology and world-class after-sales support, Makita has become a brand leader in the region. A fully fledged Makita training centre operates from all three branches, dedicated to educating operators on the safe use of Makita power tools. Makita representatives are also extremely hands-on in the field, doing on-site demonstrations using our Buddy trailer system.

Rutherford employs about 200 people and complies with the OHSAS 18001:2007 health and safety management system, the ISO 9001:2008 quality management system and the ISO 14001:2004 environmental management system.

In 2013, Rutherford Makita Power Tools received the DIY Trade News’s ‘Gold Award – Power Tool Company Of The Year’. This was the second year in a row that Rutherford Makita received this award.