The Oldridge brothers and their father founded Pitchline Engineering (Pty) Ltd in 1984 in Pinetown, KwaZulu Natal, using a loan from the S.B.D.C. (Small Business Development Corporation, now known as Business Partners).

The goal of the operation was to introduce the small- to medium-run emphasis of CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) machining and production to the Natal market, which at the time was unfamiliar to the local engineering sector.

The company quickly widened its manufacturing base to cover the textile, medical, agricultural, and automotive industries between 1984 and 1989. The business also specialised in cutting gear.

The business received a loan from the Industrial Development Corporation in 1989.