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The Hydraform Story



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1988

Jochen Kofahl founded Hydraform with a vision to design and market a machine to produce quality soil-cement drystacking building blocks. Robert Plattner joined him nine months later.

The very first Hydraform block machine, the M1, was designed and built in Jochen’s garage. The first house built using blocks made by the M1 was successfully erected in Witbank, South Africa.

Our Vision
To see Hydraform buildings in every village and town improving the lives of all our stakeholders.
The Hydraform M1 block machine weighed seven tons and produced 120 blocks per hour.

1989 - 2000

Development of Hydraform machines from M2 to M6 with innovation and improvement in the technology increasing steadily. Hydraform begins exporting machines into Africa with volumes steadily picking up.

Testing of the Hydraform soil-cement technology by both Agrement and Wits University as R&D which remains a core focus for the company.

The Hydraform M2 block machine produced 140 blocks per hour.

2001-2005

The launch of the M7 range of machines based on double compaction for improved strength and durability. The range continued to be expanded in mobility, production and power options based on projects and site requirements.

Renovations began on the existing Hydraform office, from a house to a landmarked architectural designed office.

Our Mission
To be the leading Alternative Building Technology in the developing world by Innovating, partnering, training and building.
The Hydraform M7MI mobile block machine includes an integrated pan-mixer bolted on the same frame.

2006-2010

Hydraform constructs the upmarket Mc Nellie housing estate in Johannesburg retailing for over $300K per unit.

In answer to our clients looking for a reliable, robust conventional brick and paving machine, the range of conventional brickmaking machines was launched delivering a variety of blocks from hollow blocks and pavers to ribbon and retaining blocks.

The Hydraform M7MI mobile block machine includes an integrated pan-mixer bolted on the same frame.

2011-2014

Hydraform introduces the tile machine to the range for the production of extruded concrete roof tiles.

The M7M1 Super (A – Automation) and the M7M4 (A – Automation) which increases production output by 45% and other features to improve block production.

Introduction of the M9 semi-manual entry level machine with production of just 500blocks/day. Accessories products, rotary sieve and jaw crusher were added to compliment block production.

Our Values
Innovation.  Excellence.  Focus.  Teamwork
The Hydraform M7MI mobile block machine includes an integrated pan-mixer bolted on the same frame.

2015

Automation of Hydraform machines for increased production and safety. The 2015 product launch saw the introduction of three new lines, the M7A2 (A – Automation), Lintel Mould and V4.

The M7A2 (A – Automation) and V4 machines increased production significantly and reduced labour to make block production even more cost effective.

The Hydraform M7MI mobile block machine includes an integrated pan-mixer bolted on the same frame.
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