Francois Barnard joined ALC in November 1998 as the Plant Manager from BMW SA after being employed for 13 years with BMW. He was soon promoted to Operations Director for ALC and when Uhland joined ALC on the 1st March 2002, he assumed the responsibility of Marketing Director. He has a national higher diploma in mechanical engineering and has completed a diploma in management through the University of SA. He resumed the position as Chief Executive for the Group in 2006.

Francois enjoys the challenges in the Automotive Industry and has a positive outlook with regards to the business and South Africa in general. He enjoys nature and often spends time with his family exploring SA’s beauty.

Grant Thorpe joined ALC in July 2006 as MD of the sewing operations. He holds a B.Com Degree from the Rhodes University and completed a certificate in Purchasing. He spent many years at Keiper Recaro and Lear Corporation as Plant Manager, and has over 12 years experience in managing leather sewing operations. His present title is Managing Director.

Grant is passionate in everything he does and enjoys the industry challenges. He is a keen golfer and is an inspiration to the ALC management team.

Johannes Mangoejane joined ALC as Human Resources Manager after the acquisition of SA Trim by ALC in March 2002. During 2003 Johannes was promoted to Human Resources Director. He has a BA degree in Management, a Diploma in Personnel and Training Management as well as a Diploma in Industrial Relations and in Management. The ALC Board offered Johannes a unique opportunity in 2007, which lead him to becoming a shareholder in ALC, representing its BEE partner. His present title is Human Resources Executive.

Johannes plays the role of Guardian or Care taker for all our staff and has contributed to ALC enjoying an excellent relationship to its staff and Union.

Uhland Müller joined ALC in March 2002 as Operations Director after being with BMW SA in various positions for 18 years. Uhland has two Higher Diplomas in Physical Metallurgy and Quality Control as well as a BCom Degree. When BMW decided in 2001 to sell its leather sewing business in SA, Uhland managed the transition period to the new owners. It was during this negotiation period when ALC approached Uhland to lead the operational team at ALC. In July 2003 he became the group Commercial Director. He is presently the Managing director of LTG, a wholly owned subsidiary of the ALC Group.

Uhland is very active and passionate over the freight industry and enjoys a good game of Golf or Squash.

Dion van Drunick joined ALC in March 2002 as Finance Manager from his previous position at Anglo Gold. He was promoted to Finance Director in 2006 and has managed the ALC Group financial activities since then. Dion holds a BCompt degree from UNISA and a Diploma in Management. He is an associate of the Institute of Financial Accountants (AFA UK) and is a certified Technical Financial Accountant (CTFA). Dion completed his articles with KPMG and Deloitte and Touche. He is presently the ALC Group Finance Executive.

Dion enjoys the challenges from within the industry but more especially those from a Macro Economic environment. He is not only a good chef but also enjoys a match of indoor soccer when the ALC social club gets together.