Midland Meat, Vereeniging

Edwin Claassen started farming on a small scale some 40 years ago. He had some sheep and a few head of cattle which he fattened, using mainly his own maize and then sold to local butchers. Six years later Edwin acquired two butcheries, which not only enabled him to increase his meat production, but provided him with valuable hands on experience in the meat industry. As the infrasructure and demands of the butcheries expanded, Edwin's interest in agriculture increased. In 1980 he acquired the Wolwehoek Abattoir and subsequently opened a further three butcheries. He was fast becoming a recognised figure in the meat industry. In 1986 Edwin joined forces with two shareholders and started the very successful and profitable Midland Meat Factory, which was sold in 1995. Also in 1986, the EAC Group took over the Frankfort Abattoir. Further developments were the establishment of a feedlot for cattle and a piggery. Edwin's love for cattle also led to the establishment of three successful beef cattle breeds, to this day the pride and joy of the EAC Group. In the early part of 1996 the Group expanded its distribution network to Kwazulu-Natal with the acquisition of the Blokhuis Cattle/Sheep Feedlot and the Harrismith Abattoir. In 1997 Vereeniging Abattoir was purchased, reconstructed and opened together with two shareholders previously involved in the Midland meat factory. During 1998 a tannery up to the blue stage was constructed and opened in Wolwehoek. In early 2000 the EAC group acquired a cattle feedlot situated in Bethlehem. The heavy capital investment is adequate proof of Edwin's trust in the red meat industry.
His determination and courage were rewarded: he had developed from a modest small farmer into one of South Africa's foremost private meat producers.