Chemcraft began in 1973 with one goal: to build seating that lasts. From a small fibreglass workshop to a trusted national supplier, we’ve spent five decades perfecting tough, reliable furniture — made for South African schools, canteens, clinics, and communities.
Built to Last
Durable fibreglass, powder-coated steel, and impact-resistant plastics—made to withstand life.
Smart, Stackable Design
Space-saving, easy-to-clean products built for busy environments like classrooms and canteens.
Rooted in Benoni
Locally made and family-run for three generations—Chemcraft is proudly South African.
Service You Can Count On
Reliable lead times, custom options, and after-sale support that keeps clients coming back.
In 1973, Gilroy McAlpine opened a modest fibreglass workshop with a simple mission: to build durable, no-nonsense furniture for South Africa’s mining industry. It wasn’t glamorous work, but it was needed — tough beds, dining tables, and basic chairs that could withstand daily use by hundreds of mineworkers.
Then came the Integra chair — a strong, stackable plastic seat that proved there was a better way to furnish high-volume spaces. That success sparked something bigger.
By the late 1980s, Gilroy had designed and developed his own chair — one that would become a South African staple. The Alpine Chair was born. Designed for strength. Made to move. Built to last.
Today, you’ll find Chemcraft chairs in places that matter: classrooms, clinics, canteens, correctional facilities, stadiums, and churches — across every province in the country.
In 2000, at just 21, Neil McAlpine joined the business — learning the operation from the factory floor up. Over the next two decades, he worked side by side with founder Gilroy McAlpine, steadily taking on more responsibility and carrying the Chemcraft legacy into a new era.
Appointed Director in 2019, Neil stepped into the role of Managing Director after Gilroy’s passing in 2021. And while much has changed — new facilities, expanded ranges, new clients — the core hasn’t.
Chemcraft remains proudly family-run, rooted in its founding values of quality, innovation, and service.
We still manufacture locally in Benoni. We still test every product ourselves. We still believe that when you do something properly, people come back.
That’s why Chemcraft chairs and tables continue to serve South African institutions — year after year, decade after decade.
Our eco-friendly buy-back initiative allows customers to return the plastic parts of their used Chemcraft chairs — reducing waste, extending product life, and supporting local sustainability efforts.
Whether you’re upgrading your space or replacing old stock, we’ll help you do it responsibly.
