About Willard

About Willard Batteries

Willard Batteries is a prominent player in the industry, renowned for its legacy as a household South African name as well as for its reliability, expertise and experience. With a wealth of knowledge accumulated over almost seven decades, Willard Batteries has established itself as a leader in the field of battery manufacturing and innovation.

At the heart of Willard Batteries’ success lies the collective experience and excellence of its leaders and employees. We boast a team of highly skilled professionals who bring a deep understanding of battery technology, engineering, and customer service. Through our dedication and expertise, Willard Batteries continually pushes the boundaries in battery design and performance.

With a commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements, Willard Batteries invests heavily in research and development. Through our team of technology partners, the Willard Battery team is continually looking for innovative solutions to enhance battery efficiency, durability, and overall performance. Through cutting-edge technologies and rigorous testing processes, Willard Batteries ensures that its products meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.

History

Willard Batteries has a proud history, with a presence in South Africa going back to the 1920s. During this time, Willard Batteries obtained a license from ESB, America, and quickly gained recognition for its outstanding product quality. Local production started back in 1954, employing many employees from the surrounding community in its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Taking a significant step in 1981, Willard Batteries transitioned to being 100% South African owned. Since then, the company has dedicated itself to building a stellar reputation as a leading brand. Regarded as the preferred choice among consumers, Willard Batteries has earned its reputation and is widely recognised as the go-to brand for car batteries. With a wide selection of quality automotive batteries, Willard Batteries serves both the OE and replacement markets with uncompromising quality. Now, over 70 years later, Willard batteries can be purchased at outlets countrywide.

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Willard Batteries: B-BBEE Status (Level 3)

Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment, or BBE, is important to our business as it aligns with the company’s commitment to empowering South Africans through various initiatives. Through B-BBEE compliance, Willard Batteries strives to create opportunities, uplift local communities, and foster a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

Corporate Social Responsibility

At Willard Batteries, we believe in the power of corporate social investment (CSI) to make a positive and lasting impact. Our CSI initiatives and programmes prioritise various areas including education and community upliftment.

We firmly believe that education is the key to unlocking opportunities and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. We strive to create a better society by addressing social challenges and promoting positive change. Willard is dedicated to fostering a culture of giving back, and our CSI initiatives reflect our commitment to creating a brighter future for all.

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The Auto X Group

AutoX (Pty) Ltd is a leading automotive battery manufacturer and supplier of renowned automotive brands, including Willard Batteries. AutoX also supplies and distributes renewable energy solutions under its Rentech brand and specialises in the supply and distribution of parts and accessories to the 2-wheeler and 4-wheeler markets through AutoCycle Centre.

Sustainability

For decades, Willard Batteries has powered journeys across Southern Africa. Today, that commitment extends beyond performance to environmental accountability. Through the AutoX Product Carbon Footprint Certification, our manufacturing processes have been independently verified against internationally recognised sustainability standards.

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