MODDERFONTEIN
The factory at Modderfontein (muddy fountain) was responsible for the birth of the explosives and chemicals industry in South Africa. An industry that has made a substantial contribution to the economy of not only the local community, but to that of the country as a whole. As such it has been an integral part of the country’s history.
The factory was established to manufacture dynamite specifically to supply the burgeoning gold mining industry in the Witwatersrand. It was designed as the biggest explosives factory in the world, a distinction it held until the mid-1990’s. Construction work at the Factory, the site of which was chosen specifically for its proximity to clean water, its typography, and distance from urban areas, began after March 5th 1895, and was officially opened by President Kruger on 25 April 1896.
Many of the buildings that formed part of the initial factory, as overseen by Frans Hoenig, the first works manager, are still in existence today, and are located within the Central Factory Area. The historical use of the Central Factory was primarily directed toward the manufacturing of sulphuric and nitric acid for blasting explosives, as well as the preparation of dope materials, glycerine blending, manufacturing of waxed paper cartridges, and wooden box making for storage of the finished dynamite products, in the magazine area prior to despatch to customers.
