Frans Wilbrink

I studied at the University of Natal, Durban where I obtained a B.Sc. degree with Chemistry and Biochemistry as majors. The following year I did my postgraduate studies at the University of the Free State (Higher Education Diploma – Postgraduate) before being called up for military service. I served a great part of my service as a personnel officer.

I worked at the Atomic Energy Board as a Research Officer. After two years I moved to Durban where I took up a position with Associated Additives as Laboratory Manager and later as Production Manager. Two years later I was offered the position of Plant Manager with Hoechst, a German based company. It was with them that I obtained valuable experience and received excellent in-house training in various factories in Europe.

In 1998 I was appointed as Works Manager of a Factory in Alrode, South of Johannesburg. Within nine month I turned this “minus” five-star factory into a three-star unit. When I arrived, the accident frequency rate was 49.3 and a year later it had dropped to 2.1. My factory was nominated the most improve factory on the East Rand.

During the first half of 1990 I decided to go on my own. I formed Wilbrink & Associates which was registered with the Department of Labour as an Approved Inspection Authority. I have since helped many factories achieve their goal of improving safety and thus efficiency and in complying with the various Acts governing our factories. Some of the Companies on our books are Aberdare Cables, Barloworld, Scott Bader, Sancryl Chemicals, and many others.

I appeared often in court as a specialist witness and on several occasions was requested to arbitrate over technical matters. During 2015 I completed a post graduate Civil Mediation course through the University of the North-West. I have since been appointed on the General Commercial Panel of the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa. I am also a member of SAAM.

I am fully bilingual and have completed assignment across South Africa and neighbouring states. I concentrate on technical and labour matters that need to be mediated or arbitrated.