23 September 2020

Continuing the legacy of historic Modderfontein

Submitted by: Moloko Ramashapa
Continuing the legacy of historic Modderfontein

In 2006 when Biodx was looking for premises to house their research laboratories and offices they couldn’t have wished for a better match than the former research labs of AECI in the heritage area of Modderfontein.

When you visit Biodx you’re immediately struck by the peace and beauty of the area, known as Modderfontein Reserve. Set up by AECI in 1988 it covers an area of 275 hectares and is home to over 290 bird species, including the African fish-eagle, and a breeding pair of Blue Cranes. Driving around the area you may also be lucky enough to spot some black-backed jackal, duiker, reedbuck and genet, with zebra, black wildebeest, blesbok, reedbuck and Highveld Springbok being housed in a special area in the north-west part of the reserve.

The original Modderfontein (muddy spring) factory was officially opened by President Paul Kruger of the Transvaal Republic in April 1896, specifically to manufacture dynamite, first for the burgeoning gold mining industry and then when the Anglo Boer War broke out in 1899 to supply munitions to the two Boer Republics. Its reputation as the largest commercial explosives factory in the world lasted until the mid-1990’s.

Luring workers from around Europe to bring their skills to South Africa in the early 1900s, the area quickly grew with staff coming from the UK, Italy, Austria, Denmark and Holland. Modderfontein Village soon had homes, a school, several shops and a mansion for Franz Hoenig, the first factory manager, which is now one of the oldest restored hoses in Gauteng.

In 1900 a ‘peacekeeping’ force called the South African Constabulary was formed and also housed in Modderfontein together with Lord Baden-Powell’s headquarters.Ever since those early days AECI, one of the major industrial organisations in South Africa, has called Modderfontein home for its factory, which still runs today.

When Biodx moved into the old AECI research labs it was like reliving history and they cherish this heritage. “You can feel that these buildings hold the knowledge of their past,” comments Burt Rodrigues, CEO of Biodx. “It’s exciting for us to be part of such history and now adding to this legacy of world class South African research and development.”

*To find out more about this fascinating area visit the Dynamite Company Museum at No 2, Main Street, Modderfontein call: 011 608 2747.

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About Biodx
Biodx is on a journey to reduce society’s dependence on synthetic chemicals. Harnessing the power of biotechnology, we’re breaking boundaries, crossing new frontiers, and helping to evolve the future of disinfection. All towards enabling a better world.With technical support from the CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) as well as financial support from TIA (Technology Innovation Agency) and IDC (Industrial Development Corporation), we’ve spent the last 15 years researching and developing cutting edge antimicrobial and antiviral technologies, proven in field trials to be between 8% and 52% more effective than conventional disinfecting chemicals.

Using a natural citrus extract stabilised with an organic biodegradable compound, which contains no chlorine, ethanol or aldehydes. Non-corrosive and earth-friendly, the formulation, rapidly kills 99.999% of many bacteria species and is also effective against viruses.Substantiated by NRCS and SABS SANS (636, 1853) certified, Biodx offers a revolutionary active ingredient for formulators of sanitisers and disinfectants supplying contract cleaning, healthcare/medical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, retail, manufacturing and agricultural industries.Biodx has applied for EU BPR registration and subsequently had products submitted for testing and verification to stringent EU NEN standards in the Netherlands. Biodx products conform to the above standards.

https://biodx.co


Issued By:  The Lime Envelope

On Behalf Of:  Biodx
For Media Information: Kerry Oliver
Telephone:  011 467 9233 / 082 927 9470
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