2012 ARB acquired a 60% controlling interest in Eurolux (Pty) Limited, a leading importer and distributor of light fittings, lamps and ancillary electrical products.

2011 ARB launched ARB Connect, a chain of smaller, centrally located retail-styled stores with the opening of its first two stores in Bellville, Western Cape and Durban North, KwaZulu-Natal.

2010 The opening of a branch in Polokwane in July 2010 marked ARB’s first foray into the Limpopo province and will provide a foundation from which to service South Africa’s northern neighbours. The acquisition of Paragon Electrical, a leading group of 5 electrical wholesaling operations across the greater Pretoria and Centurion areas, represented ARB’s first acquisition since its JSE listing in late 2007.

2009 ARB relocated Cape Town branch to its newly developed 7 300m2 group-owned premises in Montague Gardens. This provides additional space for greater stock holding to service the Cape Town market.

2008 The opening of the Nelspruit branch in April 2008 marked the first geographical expansion initiative since listing. This branch will supply not only Mpumalanga, but also Limpopo and the high-growth market in adjacent Mozambique

2007 In July 2007, ARB acquired the operations of Xact Business Solutions which was then incorporated into wholly-owned subsidiary ARB IT Solutions (Pty) Ltd. The objective of the acquisition was to ensure the redevelopment of ARB’s in-house accounting and management system (Xact), and to build an IT infrastructure with the necessary skills resources and adequate succession planning. In November 2007, ARB’s trajectory of growth culminated in a listing on the ‘Electronic and Electrical’ sector of the Main Board of the JSE, celebrating 28 years of commitment and growth. The listing has enabled ARB to further fund its expansion drive locally and cross-border into sub-Saharan Africa.

2006 The Johannesburg branch relocated to a newly built 13 000m2 premises in Alrode as the base for servicing neighbouring regions across both provincial and international borders.

2005 Recognising the importance of empowerment as a strategic business imperative, ARB sold a 26% stake in its key operating subsidiary ARB Electrical Wholesalers (Pty) Ltd. The transaction further strengthened ARB’s management by the introduction onto the board of reputable businessmen Jacob Modise and Dumisani Muhlwa.

2001 - 2004 In 2001, ARB relocated the head office to a new site in Prospecton, effectively expanding the facility six times compared to the previous location. In rapid succession, ARB made inroads across South Africa, establishing branches in Johannesburg (2002), Cape Town (2003) and East London (2004).

1981 - 2000 In 1981, Alan moved the operations from the shipping container and opened the doors to the Richards Bay branch. A strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit grew the business rapidly, and in 1988, ARB opened a branch in Durban – now ARB’s head office. In 2000 the Pietermaritzburg operation was acquired.

1980 Founded by Chairman, Alan Burke, in 1980, ARB’s leadership in the industry today belies its humble beginnings operating from a shipping container in Richards Bay, with a single employee and bakkie.