The Team

Enjoying work

Custom Chemistry, founded by Gerhard Vermaak, is a thriving family business run alongside Louisa and Paul Vermaak. With a dedicated leadership team, including managers and supervisors Rushane Burger, Chris van den Bergh, Evan van Staden and Hentie Terreblanche, the company continues to grow. Supporting staff members Joaquin Horn, Chantelle Hamman, Carol Sibuka, and Eva Ntithe, along with research experts Isolde Viljoen and Kezia Reddi and sales manager, Johann Delport contribute to its success. At Custom Chemistry, we believe in dreaming big, fulfilling our individual potential, making a difference in the world, and enjoying our work. Together, we are committed to innovation and excellence in microbial science and application, shaping a better future.

Our Story

Gerhard Vermaak, a South African biochemist and founder of Custom Chemistry, has spent the past decade pioneering microbiological solutions for waste management, cleaning, hygiene, and agriculture. By applying biological and biochemical principles, he has developed innovative bioremediation products, cleaning agents, and soil treatments widely used across Southern Africa.

Driven by a passion for clean water and environmental sustainability, Vermaak has achieved internationally recognized advancements. His unconventional yet highly effective approach to microbiology has led to products that outperform traditional methods while benefiting the environment.

With its bold and unconventional approach, Custom Chemistry is poised to become South Africa’s leading biological supplier, with the potential to compete with global industry giants and tackle some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Based in Riversands, Johannesburg, Custom Chemistry is revolutionizing microbiology’s practical applications worldwide. Through sustainable, high-impact solutions, Vermaak continues to tackle environmental challenges once considered unsolvable.

Meet The Team

Gerhard Vermaak

Our founder embodies ambition and decisive action. Committed to excellence, he continuously drives progress and inspires those around him to reach higher. With a sharp ability to make swift, informed decisions, he navigates challenges efficiently, ensuring momentum and success. His leadership fosters a culture of innovation and bold thinking.

Louisa Vermaak

As a seasoned financial executive, Louisa’s intuition consistently guides sound decision-making. With unwavering integrity and meticulous financial expertise, she upholds the highest standards in every aspect of her work. We are privileged to have her leadership at Custom Chemistry, benefiting from her extensive financial acumen and invaluable life experience.

Paul Vermaak

Paul’s sharp attention to detail makes him a reliable force in maintaining smooth operations. A quick-learning co-creator, he thrives on innovative ideas and is driven to enhance them further. His energy and dedication to continuous improvement make him an essential and dynamic member of the team.

Rushane Burger

Rushane brings strong leadership, integrity, and keen judgment to her role as General Manager. She effortlessly manages daily operations while maintaining a sharp awareness of the bigger picture. Balancing efficiency with strategic insight, she ensures smooth execution and informed decision-making, making her an invaluable leader and trusted ally in any endeavor.

Chris van den Bergh

Chris is a dedicated and solution-oriented professional who consistently fosters a positive work environment. Always eager to assist, he embodies the company’s values with professionalism and enthusiasm. As a trusted representative, we take great pride in having him on the road, knowing he upholds our standards with excellence and integrity.

Evan van Staden

Evan is a dedicated professional who consistently strives for excellence, recognizing that progress is the only path forward. His meticulous attention to detail ensures a seamless production process and delivers exceptional value to clients. A reliable and indispensable team player, he is a key contributor to operational success and quality assurance.

Hentie Terblanche

Hentie brings sharp analytical thinking and strong technical expertise to our production environment. His dedication and willingness to tackle challenges make him a valuable asset to the company. Combined with his hard-working nature, his friendly demeanor enhances team dynamics, contributing to both efficiency and a positive workplace culture.

Isolde Viljoen

From the moment Isolde joined the team, she added immediate value. Her sharp intellect, passion for learning, and enthusiasm for life make her a pleasure to work with. Highly productive and guided by strong ethics, she is a true champion of science, consistently driving excellence and innovation in her field.

Johann Delport

Johann is a self-motivated team member whose enthusiasm is matched by his deep expertise. As a skilled horticultural professional, he plays a pivotal role in driving new business development. His passion and knowledge make him a trusted contributor and a key force in expanding our reach and capabilities.

Kezia Reddi

As a recent graduate, Kezia has proven to be an exceptional team member. Her ability to quickly assimilate and process information adds significant value to her contributions. We are excited to witness the growth of this next generation of talented, approachable scientists within the Custom Chemistry team.

Joaquin Horn

Joaquin's curiosity and keen interest in the inner workings of systems have already led to valuable contributions in a short time. His dedication and strong work ethic make him an asset to the team. We look forward to seeing where his resilience and capabilities will take him in the production environment and beyond.

Chantelle Hamman

Chantelle's strong work ethic and willingness to collaborate have quickly established her as an essential team member. Her friendly and thoughtful nature fosters a positive working environment, while her keen attention to detail ensures consistent growth and quality. She is steadily evolving into a key contributor to the team's success.

Jerome Starbuck

Jerome is a self-motivated team member whose refreshing sense of humour and can-do attitude contribute to a smooth and enjoyable work environment. Unafraid to take initiative, he ensures operations run efficiently. His presence adds both value and light-heartedness, making him a genuinely appreciated part of the team.

Carol Sibuka

Carol's self-sufficiency and attention to detail make her an invaluable team member, ensuring smooth operations without disruption. Her reliability is crucial to our success, and her great sense of humor adds to the positive atmosphere. We truly value her contributions and recognize that our operations wouldn't be the same without her.

Eva Nthite

Eva is a self-driven team member whose determination plays a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of our facilities. Her candid nature and sense of humor make her a joy to work with, and her contributions to the team are truly invaluable. She is a key asset to our operatio.