Built to last. Made by hand.
For over 70 years, the Claasens family has been a part of South African biltong culture. We don't just sell machines. We build the tools that bring families together around the carving board.
The Inventor's Vision
The Claasens story started in 1955 on a farm in the Clocolan district. Willem Claasens snr was a farmer and entrepreneur who understood that a tool is only as good as the hands that build it. From scrap steel and wood, he engineered a radial four-blade system that became our famous Spiral Blade Design — and patented it.
His five sons grew up in that workshop. They took that original spark and turned it into a family business built on technical skill — fitters, turners, and patternmakers who valued durability over everything else. That grit still runs through everything we make today.
Willem jnr is still involved with the second generation, bringing an engineering and MBA background to product development and commercialisation. The third generation, Stephan and Magdie, look toward the future. It is a true family effort.
Mastered in our own Foundry
We are proud to be real manufacturers. While most of the world now buys cheap plastic imports, we still do things the hard way. We maintain over 80% in-house manufacturing because that is the only way to guarantee quality. We run our own aluminium foundry where we handle everything from pattern making and casting to the final machining and assembly.
Sustainability is also important to us. We use recycled aluminium in all our products. This means your purchase supports a greener tomorrow while giving you a machine that will last for decades. Every Claasens product is a reflection of precision and reliability.
Three Generations. One Family.
The Claasens name is not just a brand — it is a bloodline of craftsmen and innovators who have dedicated their lives to building better tools. Here are the people behind the machines.
1st GenerationWillem Claasens Snr
Founder & InventorFarmer and entrepreneur from Clocolan. Patented the original spiral blade design and commercialised the first rotating hand and electric biltong slicers in 1955.
2nd Generation
Willem Claasens Jnr
Managing DirectorEngineering and MBA background. Manages the business with a focus on sustainability and growth, lean manufacturing, and new product commercialisation.
Francois Claasens
Technical ManagerDeveloped sausage fillers, standard and adjustable biltong slicers, mincers, and the meat band saw. His experience and technical skills as patternmaker are indispensable to the success of the foundry.
Roelf Claasens
Tool & Die MakingCreated the steel dies and moulds that set the quality standard. Developed the electric grater and alu-chunk slicer — both still in production today.
Jan & Jaap Claasens
Fitter-TurnersLong-standing contributors through machining and manufacturing. Added the patty former range, which remains a bestseller in our product line.
3rd Generation
Stephan Claasens
Product ManagerPresently involved in the business as designer and technical draughtsman. He creatively conducts new product development from concept to launch, including the latest meat band saw, a range of meat mincers, and a new series of sausage fillers. His creative and innovative support ensures the company maintains a constant and growing basket of products.
Magdie Claasens
Marketing & NetworkingDrives the company's networking and marketing efforts with passion and vision. She inspires collaboration, builds lasting connections, and leads our continuous marketing initiatives to ensure the brand remains active, visible, and growing across all platforms.
The People You'll Meet
Behind every great family business is a dedicated team. These are the people who keep Claasens running day to day — and who are standing by to help you.
Geelbooi Nyama
Newly Appointed Production SupervisorWorks with the production workers and greatly contributes to our outstanding products. His leadership on the floor ensures consistency, discipline, and quality in everything we make.
Gerda van Zyl
Sales & ProcurementThe voice on our phone lines. Gerda will assist you with any product query, order, or procurement need — with warmth and expertise.
Zelna Naude
Finance & AdministrationHandles finance and administration with professionalism. Zelna ensures the business side of Claasens runs as smoothly as our machines.
Jeandre Du Plessis
Systems ManagerAs Systems Manager, he ensures the company remains at the forefront of technological and creative innovation. He develops and implements modern solutions across manufacturing, security and web development — building operations that are efficient, secure, and visually impactful.
From the Home Kitchen to the Butchery
Our range has grown considerably since the first wooden slicer. We now provide equipment for butcheries, hunters, and biltong shops across South Africa and internationally. Whether you need a hand slicer, an electric grater, or a heavy-duty meat band saw, the philosophy is always the same: performance, durability, and safety.
And when you buy a Claasens, you have peace of mind for life. We supply all the spare parts and replacement blades you will ever need — a tool that stays in the family for generations.
A machine built to stay in the family.
When you buy a Claasens, you are buying more than a slicer. You are buying over 70 years of craft, a South African guarantee, and a tool your grandchildren will still use.