The company was established by Eduard Christian Marais in 1945. Him and his brother Karel became blind at a young age and had to attend the school of the blind in Worcester. They then learned the skill of basket weaving. The two brothers build the Basket Industry for 30-40 years in Paarl. They manufactured a wide variety of rattan baskets and furniture. Christian was determined and a hardworking man who build the business. After he passed away at a early age, his son JP Marais took over the business in 1973. He’s main focus was more the I&J commercial boats, Sasko, Agrimark and Woolwoths. All products was transported in baskets but it was unfortunately replaces by plastic and there was a huge change in the basket manufacturing industry. After JP Marais suffered a medical condition in 2017 his youngest daughter, Caren Marais, joined the business. Her main focus is to keep the family’s business close to her heart and grow it even more. She has never been more proud to be able to continue with the family tradition. She hope to keep the business and tradition in the Marais family and to create more jobs in the community.