Since 1993 VR has been driven by a passion for the industry, and our company culture has seen us grow from strength to strength
Purpose. Principles. Culture.
We're VR Group
We're VR Group
Witness the remarkable journey of one man's vision to becoming a triumphant leader in the earth moving industry - a testament to unwavering VR dedication to growth and determination
2022
Van Reenen Steel turns 30 years old & coincides the milestone with a rebrand to “VR” for the future. VR enters the Indonesian market & re-enters the Australian market with truck tray supply. VR completes the first installation of an MTG cast lip in Africa.
2021
VRS & RMS land their largest product order to date for 45 x 785 trays for the Sukari Gold Mine in Egypt. VRS awarded a five-year truck tray supply contract with Glencore Operations in South Africa, and the VR Group ends off the year with the highest number of active contracts currently held in its history
2019
After battling a long illness, John van Reenen passes away on March 14th, 2019. Jaco Greeff appointed to CEO by the remaining Shareholders. VR Steel LLC is shelved
2017
VRS lands its largest product order to date, a PO for 35 x EH5000 trays for the Lumwana Mining Company in Zambia through the area agent, Real Mining Supplies
2016
The first high-production design for a VRS truck tray is trialled in Mogalakwena as a next-generation offering
2014
The first VR dragline bucket started digging in USA. Austin Engineering in Australia made an unsuccessful bid to take over VRS. VRS grows its MTG GET Agency in the SADC region
2011
The VR Loadbody wins a SANS Design Excellence award, with VRC signing a Technical Co-operation & Manufacturing Agreement with Pinshou Coal Company in China
2010
The VR Loadbody wins the International Swedish Steel Prize for design innovation & steel fabrication efficiency
2008
The first VR Loadbody is successfully trialled in Sishen mine to launch one of the most successful product lines for the Group
2006
The Alrode plant is upgraded to allow for the onsite fabrication of VRS products for the global market
2004
The first VR Dragline bucket & set of steel-plate drag chains developed by the VRS design team is commissioned
2001
VRSS obtained ISO 9001:2000 certifications to develop their systems internally to support and facilitate improved customer satisfaction
2000
SSAB opened its own stockholding company in South Africa, with VRS actively promoting the sale of SSAB steels
1999
VR Dragline Maintenance (Pty) Ltd. began operations in Mpumalanga coal fields, a world class facility undertaking large fabrication repairs mines in the area
1996
VRSS invests heavily in processing equipment including a 1250-ton, the largest press on the continent
1995
VR Steel Services (Pty) Ltd South Africa (VRSS) commenced business in the Groups’ premises in Alrode, as a specialist steel service centre providing quality Q&T steel services
1993
VRS became SA distributors of HARDOX, WELDOX and ARMOX steel plates used in earthmoving, mining & defence industries
1992
VR Steel (Pty) Ltd. South Africa (VRS) founded by John van Reenen, selling quenched & tempered steel plates from its Alrode factory, South Africa
