GETTING INVOLVED FROM
BEGINNING TO END SINCE 1948
HISTORY
R+N TIMELINE
1948
The business starts in the harsh post-war economic environment, when Vivian Resnekov, a Civil Engineer joins forces with Eric Nielsen, a Master Builder. In its infancy, Resnekov + Nielsen faces fierce competition and a challenging slump in the building industry. Uncompromising in their values, the heritage of a company built on integrity and perseverance is born. The first contract is a house in Milnerton.
1952
Vivian Resnekov emigrates to Israel and the late Gerald Kling takes over. Focusing on developing the civil engineering direction of the company, Kling injects the energy and professionalism into the firm that R+N is known for today.
1965
Gerald Phillips, a Professional Quantity Surveyor and third generation builder, joins the partnership. A move away from civil work inspires R+N to turn towards construction and property development.
1967
Eric Nielsen retires.
1979
Brian Rabinowitz, a Construction Supervisor who started as a student with the company in 1971, becomes a partner.
1980
Jerry Rogers, a Quantity Surveyor joins the Kling, Phillips and Rabinowitz partnership.
1983
Peter Truter, a BSC Building Graduate of UCT joins as a partner
1988
Having been involved in the extensive restoration process, R+N celebrates their 40th anniversary celebrations at South Africa’s oldest and best known national monument, The Castle of Good Hope.
1993
In conjunction with a consortium of investors and Arx II Architects, R+N embark on the renovation and redevelopment of the four story complex originally built in 1907 for the United Tobacco Company on Kloof Street. The creation of the Longkloof Studios is testament to the success of creatively preserving buildings through recycling.
1994
Gerald Kling retires. The ‘Masisebenzisane - let’s work together’ slogan is adopted.
1995
Arthur Ndzolo Jacobs leaves R+N to pursue a full time career in politics. In 1996 he becomes Deputy Mayor of Cape Town.
1996
New partners Kevin Dore, Quantity Surveyor and Lawrence Sims, Buyer, join the team.
1998
R+N celebrates its 50th anniversary and continues trading through arguably some of the toughest trading conditions experienced since the company was formed.
2003
Directors Gerald Phillips and Jerry Rogers retire.
2004
The succession planning and business development of the past 10 years pays off as new Partners come on board and the business shows strong growth. Resnekov & Nielsen changes to R+N Master Builders, heralding in the new era. Lawrence Sims retires.
2005
The business repositions itself taking on bigger projects including The Majestic Village in Kalk Bay, 34 St George’s and The Hudson (built on the company’s head office location of 30 years) on Strand Street.
2008
R+N celebrate 60 years as a leading firm of Master Builders with a sterling reputation for quality construction and delivery. Partners Cala Bester, Roger Buttress and Shay Nicholls are appointed Directors.
2009
R+N completes the Cape Quarter Extension and with a combined contract value of approximately R250 million is the largest project completed in the history of the Company.
2011
Director Peter Truter retires.
2012
After only 7 years of trading under the name R+N Master Builders, the new management team celebrate the completion of 100 projects across a diverse spectrum and representing in excess of R1 billion worth of turnover.
2013
R+N celebrate 65 years of continuous trading as one of the premier privately owned medium sized construction companies in the Western Cape.
2016
Lance Bailey is appointed as a Director.
2018
R+N celebrates 70 years of continuous and successful trading.
Directors Brian Rabinowitz & Kevin Dore retire to pursue their property portfolio.
R+N Master Builders and LA Developments combine their specialized skills and merge under the banner of R+N.
Anton Mandelstam is appointed as a Director.