Sometimes a brand is so much a part of the landscape that it feels like it has been around forever. In the unique context of the South African crime situation, Trellidor has become a well-known company in the north of Durban. This has been their home for over 50 years of protecting (and employing) generations of locals, and there is scarcely a family that hasn’t had contact with them in some way.
In the mid-seventies, when the Trellidor factory opened, Umhlanga was a tiny village, and there was not much urban development beyond it. Today, it is no longer a sleepy village. Expansion northwards has been rapid, and Trellidor has a flagship showroom in town and a gallery in Ballito. Through it all, Trellidor has been like all good neighbours—just down the road and easily accessible to those needing help or advice.
In the early days of free-standing houses on large properties, Trellidor trellis gates were the go-to barrier for doors and windows. They were fitted in large sugar farming estates, suburban homes, seaside cottages, small business premises and national chain outlets. A generation later, they are still the top-selling security barrier in the Trellidor range.
Designing Safety for Changing Lifestyles
The trend today is for protection that doesn’t look like metal gates. Living in protected communities with peripheral security means the threats are not always from hardened criminals. It’s more about preventing petty theft, creating privacy from neighbours and keeping out insects, monkeys, snakes, and the weather.
The property profile in the area has changed considerably too. Secure estates and apartments have rapidly been added to the lifestyle options available. The north of Durban has also become a commercial hub with businesses spread throughout. These new ways of living and working require a new generation of products, and Trellidor has been quick to adapt to the change.
The company pioneered see-through mesh security screens 15 years ago. They proved to be a winner for Umhlanga and Ballito homes because they don’t look anything like traditional burglar-proofing. The screens fit beautifully into modern lifestyle needs, screening out heat, wind, dust, and sand, without spoiling our gorgeous views of gardens or sea.
Louvre shutters are completely at home in coastal properties and have been given a Trellidor twist. The design is clean, minimalist and has in-built strength to take them beyond the ordinary. There are two different options—a lighter design for homes in secure estates and a stronger one for more vulnerable properties.
“We’ve expanded our selection of burglar proofing for windows too, so there is something for every style of home. On the business side, we have Rollerstyle roller shutters, which is also popular for home safe zones, and Coroview safety glass sectional overheads, amongst other designs,” says Trellidor Durban branch manager Wayne Bachmann.
“Whatever the style of your home or business and whatever it is that you want to protect, we have a solution for you. We usually work in existing buildings, but if you’re still in the process of planning or building a new property, call us in so that we can help you design around your barriers and make sure your security is seamless.”