68+ Years Experience
4000+ Products
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1957 – B.G. Boat Parts Founded

B.G. Boat Parts is founded by Bernie Bevan and David Stumbles in Honeydew, Johannesburg.

1957 – 1960s: First Marine Fittings

The company develops and manufactures its first BG marine fittings and sailing accessories.

1968 – Official Company Start Recorded

Company records note the business as officially started by BG Bevan.

1960s – Early Market Growth

Early marketing includes direct visits to boat shops, advertising in SA Yachting and exhibiting at boat shows.

Early Years – First Durban Boat Show

The first Durban Boat Show generates approximately R300 in sales, giving the young business confidence to expand.

1975 – Nola Agency Established

Nola Agency is established.

1977 – July: Move to Knysna

The business and Bevan family relocate from Honeydew to Knysna, establishing the factory at 19 Progress Road with four employees.

1977 – Robbie Joins the Business

Robbie Bevan begins working alongside his father in the business.

1980 – October: Bob Taplin Joins

Bob Taplin joins the company as a qualified toolmaker.

1981 – Robbie Appointed Director

Robbie Bevan is appointed director.

1989 – June: Bob Leaves for the UK

Bob Taplin leaves the company for the United Kingdom.

1991 – Bernie Retires

Bernie Bevan retires and Robbie takes over leadership of the company.

1991 – April: Bob Returns to South Africa

Bob Taplin returns to South Africa.

1992 – January: Bob Rejoins

Bob Taplin rejoins the company.

1993 – Christina Agency Established

Christina Agency is established.

1993 – Bernie Leaves the Company

Bernie Bevan leaves the company following his retirement.

1996 – April: Adrian Agency Established

Adrian Agency is established.

1998 – October: Bob Appointed Director

Bob Taplin is appointed as director.

2000 – May: Benn Korsten Joins

Benn Korsten joins the company.

2000 – Loren First Involved

Loren first becomes involved with the company through the audit team.

2003 – June: Bob Buys First Shareholding

Bob Taplin purchases his first 10% shareholding.

2003 – Benn Leaves the Company

Benn Korsten leaves the company.

2003 – December: Bernie Bevan Passes Away

Bernie Bevan passes away at age 76.

2004 – September: Benn Rejoins

Benn Korsten rejoins the company.

2004 – Coega Agency Established

Coega Agency is established.

2005 – October: Loren Joins Full-Time

Loren joins the company full-time and relocates to Knysna.

2007 – Factory Renovations

Major factory renovations are undertaken to increase storage space and expand the toolroom.

2008 – March: Bob Buys Second Shareholding

Bob Taplin purchases a second 10% shareholding.

2009 – Diversification Begins

The economic downturn forces short-time working schedules and diversification plans begin.

2012 – Bev-Tent Components Launched

The Bev-Tent Components product range is officially launched.

2013 – Benn Promoted

Benn Korsten is promoted to Production Manager.

2016 – December: Nola Retires

Nola retires after decades of managing marketing and administration.

2017 – January: REB Agency Established

REB Agency is established.

2017 – June: Remembering Laura and David

Laura Bevan passes away. David Stumbles also passes away on 16 June 2017.

2019 – Outdoor Industry Shows

Bev-Tent Components becomes a regular exhibitor at major outdoor industry shows.

2022 – 45 Years in Knysna

Bevan Engineering celebrates 45 years in Knysna and employs more than 50 staff members.

2022 – March: Bob Resigns as Director

Bob Taplin resigns as director.

2022 – March: Benn and Loren Become Shareholders

Benn and Loren become shareholders.

2022 – August: Loren Appointed Director

Loren is appointed director.

2022 – December: Bob Retires

Bob Taplin retires after approximately 30 years of service following his return to the company.

2025 – February: Robbie Retires

Robbie Bevan retires from active involvement in the company.

2025 – March: Benn and Loren Lead the Business

Benn and Loren assume full responsibility for running the business.