Blomo Plastics: From Ride-On Toys to Export-Ready Packaging

Many South Africans will recognise the sound of a plastic ride-on scooter rattling down a driveway.

For years, those memories were created by Blomo Plastics, a family-run manufacturer based in Springs, Gauteng.

Founded by Fritz Strydom Senior, Blomo is the kind of business built through determination and practical engineering. In the early days Fritz worked his day job while building his own blow-moulding machine at night. To finance the business, he even sold his house.

That commitment paid off.

Over the years, Blomo Plastics manufactured close to two million of South Africa’s iconic black ride-on toys.

But like many established businesses, success brought its own challenges.

When the toy market softened and economic pressure increased, the business faced a hard lesson: relying too heavily on one product or one customer creates risk.

Blomo made the structural shift.

Today the company produces rigid plastic packaging for liquids, supplying containers used in water and chemical industries. By diversifying its customer base, the business has created a more stable production pipeline and stronger foundations for growth.

The next phase of Blomo’s journey is already taking shape.

Over the next three to five years, the company aims to become a recognised packaging partner across multiple industries by:

• Securing long-term supply agreements with anchor customers
• Investing in equipment to produce PET packaging that meets European export standards
• Strengthening management capability so the business runs through systems and teams, not just the owners

These moves matter because businesses that build broader customer bases, stronger operational systems and capable teams become far more resilient.

In Aurik’s language, they become an Asset of Value™ a business that can scale, grow and create lasting value.

Blomo Plastics is a reminder that South Africa’s economic future is built by owners who adapt, rebuild and keep moving forward.

Listen to the full Future 50 feature. Powered by FNB on the radio station websites: Jacaranda FM, Smile FM or East Coast Radio.

If you know a business creating jobs, solving real problems and building something meaningful, nominate them for a Future 50 profile.