Astratek is a Level 2 B-BBEEE contributor and was incorporated in 2019.
Our Team has a deep understanding of plant design and operations, and is well recognised in industry for our innovative and well-engineered solutions.
We are engineers at heart, which means we value engineering excellence, professionalism, reliability and honesty. Our team has worked together for many years in a successful South African manufacturing group where we have honed our skills in the real world.
Having had experience in a wide variety of projects, we understand the importance finding innovative solutions that are cost effective to build and operate ensuring you deliver what is required, every time. Your objective is our objective.
“Effective plant design requires that the designer have a full understanding of manufacturing process and way which the plant is to be operated, including surrounding operations and the nature of the demand. That is what Astratek brings to the table”.
Meet our Team
The Astratek family is passionate about learning. We are driven by entrepreneurial spirit. We are inspired by a responsibility to our clients and their customers. We collaborate to ensure we can offer best-in-class solutions. And we love what we do.
Our professional team includes qualified and experienced Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics and Chemical Engineers supported by a draughting team and Project managers.
Meet Peter Grobler
Pr Eng, BSc (Mech Eng) (Hons), B B&A (Hons) (Cum Laude), MBA
Peter is a founding member and Managing Director of the Astratek Group of Companies and is a qualified Mechanical Engineer.
With more than 35 years of experience in plant design and manufacturing plant operation, Peter has the pleasure of leading the exceptional group of people that are the team at Astratek. Peter is a registered professional engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and also serves on the SA EHEDG South Africa Steering Committee.
What does Peter do when he is not in Engineering mode?
He owns a fully kitted out 2003 Land Rover Defender which he loves to take on overland trips around Southern Africa.
Meet Louise Steyn
BEng (Chemical), MEng (Chemical)
Louise is a Director of Astratek Manufacturing Engineers and a qualified Chemical Engineer.
Her career commenced in 2014 in the alcoholic beverage manufacturing industry, later moving onto the carbonated soft drink manufacturing. Currently some of her responsibilities are Engineering Design, Process Design and Optimization, Data Analysis and Project Management.
She has experience in the Mining sector as well as the FMCG sector where she worked in both the food- and household chemical manufacturing divisions. Louise has experience not only in South Africa but also in African countries such as Ivory Coast, Ghana and Mozambique.
What does Louise do when she is not in Engineering mode?
In her spare time, she is an avid reader who loves to relax with the help of a good book.
Meet Esther Mwamba
BSc (Civil Engineering), MSc (Civil Engineering) (Cum Laude)
Esther is a Civil Engineer and began her career working predominantly on the structural aspects of industrial and residential facilities (both in structural steel and concrete designs) before venturing into the manufacturing industry.
She decided to become an Engineer due to her keen interest in science and her passion for problem solving. Esther is a registered candidate Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
What does Esther do when she is not in Engineering mode?
She is a bookworm who loves to get lost in a good read.
Meet Rénier Strauss
BEng (Mechanical), MEng (Mechanical) (Cum Laude)
Rénier is a Projects Engineer at Astratek and is a qualified Mechanical Engineer.
His career commenced in 2010 at a major automotive manufacturer, before moving on to mechanical- and structural design and analysis in the metals processing industry. He later founded and managed a mechanical engineering firm, designing and manufacturing machines and equipment for the automotive, agricultural, construction and film industries.
What does Rénier do when he is not in Engineering mode?
He enjoys being active and loves going out for a mountain bike ride, road cycle or a round of golf. Spare time is spent relaxing with friends or getting immersed in the world of Formula 1.
Meet Ivor Nel
BEng (Mechatronics)
Ivor is a Projects Engineer at Astratek and is a qualified Mechatronics Engineer.
His career commenced in 2014 in the alcoholic beverage manufacturing industry, later moving onto the carbonated soft drink manufacturing and various food manufacturing categories. Ivor has experience not only in South Africa but also other African countries such as Luanda and Angola.
What does Ivor do when he is not in Engineering mode?
He loves to explore the hiking trails of Table Mountain and will gladly accept a challenge to a round of golf.
Meet Matthew Purnell
BSc (Mechanical Engineering)
Matthew is a Projects Engineer at Astratek and is a qualified Mechanical Engineer.
His career started in 2014 in the automotive industry as a design engineer with exposure to production and design validation, later he moved into project engineering at a nationwide print and packaging company. Matthew has experience gained across South Africa but also in the United States of America.
What does Matthew do when he is not in Engineering mode?
He tries to keep up with his wife on a trail run on Table Mountain or they will be busy planning their next trip.
Meet Koos Eksteen
BSc B Engineering, Advanced Executive Program (UNISA)
Koos is a Projects Engineer at Astratek and is a qualified Civil and Structural Engineer.
He has extensive experience of civil and structural engineering aspects within the FMCG industry. Earthworks, structural steel & concrete designs, domestic and factory effluent handling as well as site management of the building contractors forms part of his responsibilities. Koos is a registered member of the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and have been involved on numerous projects on our portfolio.
What does Koos do when he is not in Engineering mode?
He is a passionate “off the beaten track” camper whenever time allows. If not camping he is an avid contract bridge player.
Meet Evert de Vries
HNDT Electrical Engineering HC T4, T5 – Utilisation of Electric Plant, Senior Management Program (Tuks University )
Evert is a Senior Project Engineer at Astratek and a qualified Electrical Engineer.
As one of the longest standing team members, he has extensive experience in Design and facility Engineering, Project implementation, site management, commissioning and hand-over, Equipment procurement, design, installation and commissioning of electrical systems (MV & LV) equipment. Evert is also a registered member of the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
What does Evert do when he is not in Engineering mode?
He is a passionate drummer and serves as a band member in his church and he is not afraid of bees as he is also a keen amateur Beekeeper.
Meet Kaeleigh Vetch
BscEng (Mechanical) Junior Engineer
Kaeleigh is a Junior Engineer who recently graduated from UCT.
She chose to become an engineer so that she could combine her passion for science and problem solving. In her final year of studies she designed a set of tools for precision cutting of bone specimens which created an interest in biomedical engineering as well.
What does Kaeleigh do when she is not in Engineering mode?
In her free time she is an avid reader and a keen baker. Kaeleigh’s secret talent is being able to play the bagpipes.
Meet Ruchin Engelbrecht
Multi-Disciplinary Drawing-Office Practice (N4 & N5)
Ruchin is a Draughtsman at Astratek Manufacturing Engineers with extensive experience in Civil Infrastructure drawings.
Part of his responsibilities includes 2D and 3D draughting, Civil design drawings and Process design layouts. Ruchin is a registered member of the South African Institute of Draughting (SAID).
What does Ruchin do when he is not in Draughting mode?
He enjoys all sport, whether it’s watching a game or participating in it himself.
Meet Hannatjie van Dyk
Engineering Draughting (N3)
Hannatjie is a Draughtsman at Astratek Manufacturing Engineers with extensive experience in Civil & Structural drawings, using Auto Cad and Revit 3D Structures to build models.
Part of her responsibilities includes 2D and 3D draughting, and designs of processing facility drawings and Process design layouts.
What does Hannatjie do when she is not in Draughting mode?
She enjoys the outdoors and nature in all its facets.
Meet Riël de Villiers
BComm (Man Acc), Professional Accountant
Riël is the Financial Manager of Astratek.
His career started in 2012 as an article clerk and received his qualification at the end of 2014. Since he has been working as a Consultant/Financial Manager for various companies in the construction, manufacturing and service delivery sectors.
What does Riël do when he is not in finance mode?
He is always game for a round of golf and enjoys getting his “engineering” on with his kids by building Lego.
Meet James Sadler
Legal Advisor & Project Administrator (LLB)
James has a legal background and works as a Project Administrator at Astratek.
Part of his duties are to support the Engineering team with administration work, keep track on the status of projects and provide in-house support with regards to contracts, resolutions and other legal aspects. He also assists the Project Engineers with site management on construction sites and machine installations. James is a very hands-on individual with exceptional organising skills and attention to detail.
What does James do when he is not in administration mode?
He enjoys keeping busy with DIY tasks or working on a good old Land Rover. To get rid of his additional energy he appreciates being outdoors whether it be cycling, hiking, kayaking or camping and exploring.
Meet Marian Russell
Digital Marketing Certificate
Marian is the Administration Manager and is responsible for Systems Management, Administration support, Marketing, in-house Accounting and Team support.
With a Digital marketing qualification and extensive experience in office administration, events planning and marketing, she has an eye for attending to details, organizing the team and acting as a client liaison.
Marian will ensure you as our valued client is assisted in all areas of administration and other enquiries.
What does Marian do when she is not in office mode?
She enjoys working in her herb garden, spending time with her husband and dogs and on occasion she enjoys being on the stage acting in a play.