Glodina Black Label - Company Media Release

Where it all began & how Glodina came to be a household name

Company History & Background

In 1953 three brothers, Sergio, Oscar and Aldo Balladon bought Dano, a textile printing and dyeing concern in KwaZulu-Natal. Their expansion programme started immediately with the purchase of 20 weaving looms to start producing towelling. They named their towelling products after a very special person, Glodina Balladon, who was not only the founding director but also their mother.  The name “Glodina” became known as household range that was and still is a market leader and in South Africa, “Glodina” is a leading brand name for both towels and nappies.   Over the years “Glodina” has become known for its uncompromising commitment to quality, affordable luxury and durability.

In order to manufacture such high quality products, only the best yarns are used and in conjunction with a world-class in-house design team, the company keeps abreast of international trends by sending executives and designers abroad to monitor the latest developments in both textile fashion and technology and so continue the standards set by the Balladon brothers.

Apart from quality, consumers of Glodina products are also assured of the latest in quality production.    Throughout its history, the Glodina brand and customers have benefited from state-of-the-art computer aided design workstations and production facilities.  This allows the company to supply a variety of additional services to clients such as embroideries, jacquard designs and a unique hotel towel service offering logos, lettered and embroidered products.

Over the past 60 years, Glodina has become a household name, not only as the preferred provider of towelling products to top South African retailers, but also as a respected supplier of superior products that play a key role in the success of the hospitality industry.

Whilst award-winning products drive our business, Glodina’s success is about people, customer service and loyal employees.  Glodina actively supports and empowers its staff with innovation, development and training being the cornerstone of the Glodina philosophy.

As part of the focus on global excellence, our world class Hammarsdale factory is certified to international ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environment) and OSHAS 18001 (Health and Safety) standards. In addition, the company is the first in the world to have been accredited to the SANS 16001 HIV & AIDS Management System. Many Glodina products also bear the SABS mark.

Glodina Black Label towels offer a comprehensive range of sizes, designs and colours that satisfy a diverse market.    The towels are further divided into sub-brands, each of which are positioned to service niche markets:   Glodina Home Range (Quick Dry, Soft Touch, Caribbean and the Luxury 10 Year Towel ) Glodina MarathonTMSnag-Proof, Glodina Sport, Glodina Baby, and Glodina Beach.   The toweling range is distributed through major chain stores and up-market stores utilising their individual labels. Glodina Linen has recently been added to the stable expanding the company’s product offering.

Although Glodina has expanded from a family business to a successful part of KAP International Holdings Ltd, the company remains committed to maintaining the founders’ philosophy of producing products of the highest quality and placing great emphasis on caring for its staff and customers.   Commitment to this philosophy has resulted in the company receiving numerous prestigious awards from the Cotton Board and retailers for providing consistently high service standards proving that Glodina remains true to its proud heritage.

Featured Technology In Our Superior Towels

Help protect our environment by being more energy-conscious. Glodina's new Quick Dry towel cuts down on energy costs related to running your tumble dryer by up to 20%. The low twist yarns used result in a unique luxuriant towel that is soft and which dries quickly.

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Snags or pulled pile? Sharp edges on laundry cages, guest's nails or jewellery may cause regular woven towels to snag. With Glodina Marathon Snag Proof knitted towels you will not have these problems. The loops will not pull, the hems will not split, and the selvedge's will not fray - no matter how many times the towel is washed! Checkout our TORTURE TEST to see this product withstands a wire brushing without any damage! Read more ...?