Our History

Our Story – Over 30 Years of Plant Hire

Chalk Air is a family-owned and operated plant hire business with over 30 years of experience in the construction equipment industry.

From our beginnings in a small workshop in East London, the business has grown into an established equipment hire operation serving contractors throughout the Eastern Cape.

Building on its origins in East London, Chalk Air EC has developed into an independent plant hire company serving the Eastern Cape.

Today, our East London and Mthatha branches provide equipment hire services to contractors working in construction, civil engineering and earthmoving.

The Schonknecht family’s commitment to service excellence has played an important role in Chalk Air’s development.

This commitment is reflected in our well-maintained equipment, workshop facilities and dedicated staff, who work together to provide dependable service and support to our customers.

The Schonknecht family has continued to reinvest in Chalk Air through the expansion and modernisation of its workshop facilities in East London, together with ongoing investment in plant and equipment.

These improvements reflect the company’s commitment to maintaining a modern fleet, supporting operational efficiency and delivering reliable equipment to its customers.

Established in

1987

A Legacy of Plant Hire Excellence

Building on the heritage of the original Chalk Air business, Chalk Air EC has established itself as an independent plant hire company serving the Eastern Cape.

Operating from East London and Mthatha, the company continues to invest in its equipment, facilities and people to provide dependable plant hire services.

Both branches have recently relocated to new premises, marking an important milestone in the company’s development. These improved facilities have strengthened our operations, created a more professional working environment and enhanced our ability to support customers.

With a heritage dating back to 1987, Chalk Air EC continues to build on decades of experience in the plant hire industry.

Our focus remains on providing reliable equipment, maintaining professional standards and developing long-term relationships with customers throughout the Eastern Cape.