Life is a Garden | South Africa

Manfred Bleyenheuft of Gardena has announced his retirement after 27 years at the company

In August this year, Gardena CEO, Manfred Bleyenheuft will be retiring. In 1983 he was approached by the Gardena Germany to form a partnership with a view to conquering South Africa’s hobby gardening sector. He recalls: “The journey started with humble beginnings when four staff members generated a ‘whopping’ turnover of just over R1 million in the first year, which even generated a small profit that gave us enormous encouragement.”

Says Manfred: “The fine and innovative products coming out of the German factories were well received by the South African hardware and gardening industry. The loyal dealership established over many years was greatly responsible for the Gardena brand becoming a household name for the discerning hobby gardener and market leader in its category, a position Gardena still holds today.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed the journey with all its challenges, disappointments and euphoria. To work within such an enormously passionate organisation was an extremely pleasant experience and a privilege. All good things come to an end and my already-extended contractual arrangements with Gardena Germany will reach their final conclusion by the end of August this year, when I shall retire and a new management structure will take the company forward,” he says.

Gardena was acquired by Husqvarna A.B., a large organisation quoted on the Stockholm stock market, a company which is also a leader in a number of markets and product categories around the globe.