Rolfes management get to know new colleagues
Published: 14th Apr 2025

Speciality chemicals distributor the Solevo Group, which acquired various Rolfes businesses in SA last year to add to its African portfolio, had a teambuilding and strategic session for senior management in Côte d'Ivoire recently. Pictured are the 4 South Africans (from left): Quintin Marais, MD of Rolfes Leather, Justin Ghersie, commercial director for Bragan Ingredients (the food division), André Opperman, MD Rolfes Water, and Clive Govender, MD Rolfes Chemicals (the industrial chemical division).
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