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At a glance
Our journey started more than 100 years ago, with the belief that a single grain in fertile ground can change lives forever.
The products manufactured at our mills are essential ingredients in the creation of a vast number of individual products which are used by myriad companies in various industries, such as food and beverages, paper manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, building materials and adhesives.
This diversity has ensured that we have a lasting impact on the lives of millions of consumers across the African continent and around the world.
Ingrain is one of Africa's largest producers of unmodified and modified starch, glucose, and other related products. Our growth over the years has enabled us to access developing regional markets directly through our own exports, and indirectly, by supporting various customer export programmes. We have developed extensive export networks and alliances in several offshore markets that have resulted in long-standing customer relationships for Ingrain and our products have built up an enviable reputation for their high quality.
We are a company that believes in growing and building together, building relationships has helped us evolve into who we are today as Ingrain.
On 31 October 2020, Barloworld completed the purchase of Tongaat Hulett Starch (THS), which was subsequently rebranded Ingrain. The deal allowed Barloworld to become a consumer-led industrial company with a balanced portfolio of enduring companies in developing regions.
Ingrain's new identity solidifies Barloworld as an industry leader that is deeply rooted in the South African heritage. Similar to how grains grow and sprout, Ingrain adds value across different industries and will continue to have an impact in its new home within the 'One Barloworld' family.
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We Touch Lives!
At Ingrain, our products are part of your everyday life. Watch this video to see how we make an impact through starch and glucose that touch lives daily.
Our history
1919
1919
The African Products (Pty) Ltd was established in 1919.
1920
1920
The first manufacturing factory was built in Georgetown East, Germiston with an initial capital of £50,000.
1921 – 1922
1921 – 1922
First production of industrial starch and corn flour at the Germiston Mill commenced mid-1921. Production rate reached 100 ton per month in mid‑1922.
1949 – 1951
1949 – 1951
Glucose and Starch Products Limited (“GSP”) was established in Bellville. The product range included: modified starch, dextrins, and special-purpose glucose syrups.
1958
1958
The company expanded through investment in Glucose and Starch Products Limited (Currently Bellville Mill).
1968
1968
The Company acquired the Maize Products Company in 1968 which was established by farmers as a competitor to Ingrain.
1994
1994
Experiencing high-capacity utilisation across all its operations, Ingrain evaluated various options to increase its capacity.
1997
1997
A R720 million Kliprivier Mill was commissioned, providing a platform for future growth. The Kliprivier Mill incorporated the latest technological advances in wet-milling at the time.
2003 - 2004
2003 - 2004
During this time the company invested in a modern distribution and packing facility to support spray-dried glucose expansion. The integrated SAP Enterprise Resource Planning system went live.
2007
2007
The company, then named African Products, changed its name to Tongaat Hulett Starch as part of Tongaat Hulett Corporate. Which led to the establishment of trading operations in Australia and New Zealand.
2013
2013
The company invested to support growth in modified starch production and launched the Stywax® brand of modified starches.
2014 - 2015
2014 - 2015
The company made a R137 million investment to support growth in the spray-drying industry.
2020
2020
Barloworld Limited acquired the company as part of their Consumer Industries Vertical and subsequently the company was rebranded to Ingrain.
2021
2021
Ingrain celebrates 1 year being part of the Barloworld family.
2022
2022
Ingrain celebrates 100 years of being in the industry and making a world of difference by touching lives.
2023
2023
A Space to Defy Limits
In December 2023, Ingrain relocated its head office to Isando. This strategic move marked a new chapter for the company, fostering closer collaboration, improving accessibility, and reinforcing our commitment to innovation and growth in serving our customers and stakeholders.
2024
2024
Focused on customer-centricity, our strategic shift included sales realignment, supply chain investment, and a 40% efficiency gain.
2025
2025
Ingrain launches the new Effluent Plant at our Meyerton Mill. A milestone that represents not only operational progress, but a bold step forward in our commitment to doing business sustainably.