JP Duminy in business making customised cricket bats

HE IS known for his amazing cricket skills, but very few people are aware that, together with his business partner, JP Duminy has embarked on a cricket bat manufacturing business.

Duminy, who has been playing cricket on the international stage for the past 13 years, is part owner of MK Handcrafted Cricket Services and Repairs, tucked away in Wetton, Cape Town.

The store, fully stocked with a range of MK bats, as well as protective gear, has a homely feel and visitors get a warm welcome from the friendly and efficient staff.

Duminy and his business partner, Kevin Heuwel, who has 14 years’ experience in the manufacture of cricket bats, started their business in October. MK, they explained, stands for Made by Kevin.

Their relationship goes beyond just work, as Duminy and Heuwel have been friends since they were very young.

“We are childhood friends from Strandfontein,” said Duminy.

He said they knew even then that they wanted to go into business together at some stage.

Duminy added that they make a great team as Heuwel is the craftsman and he is the brand ambassador, specifically on the international arena.

Duminy uses the MK bats when he plays and practises.

Heuwel explained that the cleft, which is English Willow, is imported and they are able to then customise the bats.

The handle is made from cane.

He added that they are able to change the “sweet spot” on the bat to suit each batsman.

Heuwel’s years of experience are evident as he demonstrates the artistry involved in crafting a bat.

This, said Duminy, is the difference “between us and others – we can customise the bats”.

They explained that most store-bought bats are imported and standardised.

They are currently supplying club cricketers, international players and school cricketers.

Heuwel said that he normally makes up to 1 000 bats a season, but because their business is fairly new, this season they only made 300 to 380 bats.

“We are still building our business and don’t have that many members of staff yet,” he said.

Heuwel added that they also need to buy some extra machinery.

He likes using some of the old Indian tools to manufacture the bats.

The bats range in price, depending on the different grades of wood used.

“We only work with grades 1, 2 and 3. Our quality and standard are very high. We offer good quality for good prices,” he said.

Duminy said the plan is to become an international brand.

“We are halfway there in terms of being a well-known international brand,” he said.

Heuwel says he has been getting a number of e-mails about the MK brand from people around the world.

Within the MK brand, Duminy has his own range of bats called JP21, which is the top-of-the-range bat.

The plan is to expand the business, and they are hoping to soon move to bigger premises.