Technical Systems owner Theuns Kühn says he lost approximately R180 million in pre-tax profit to Christiaan Kurtz and his associates, who used his company’s confidential information and trade secrets to replicate their products.
Kurtz and his associates allegedly used the stolen drawings to replicate TS’s parts, which they started exporting in 2007.In late July 2024, following a decade-long legal battle, the High Court ruled in TS’s favour, with Judge Mark Sher describing Kurtz and his partners’ behaviour as “shameless and outrageous”.Kühn said he lost millions due to Kurtz’s actions and the subsequent legal battle.
“In total, we estimate a loss of R180 million in pre-tax profit. And, of course, we’ve also endured many years of frustration and fighting,” Rapport quoted Kühn as saying.However, it grew rapidly, reaching 15 employees in 1995 and doubling to 30 by 1996. This immense growth continued into the 2000s and beyond. TS said its staff complement is currently around 150 people.
“We branded our auger range in 2008 with the FATIQLESS Trade Mark. We are also the largest auger manufacturer, and we see good growth opportunities in the future.”