The company name Xanita is derived from the Greek “sanida”, meaning board or panel. The principal product, X-Board, is a kraft-based composite board sandwiched between two outer layers of laminate. In cross-section, the value added product mirrors the inside of a beehive. Although X-Board is available in various thicknesses, it is exceptionally light, yet strong – giving it outstanding marketing edge over conventional products such as particle or plasterboard.

Xanita’s CEO, James Beattie, and partners, consolidated a business plan in 2004 for a plant that would manufacture a multipurpose eco-friendly product line. After soliciting investors, they collaborated with a South African machine builder and acquired premises in Somerset West outside Cape Town. Specialised custom-built machinery was delivered and installed, and in early 2006 the Xanita dream was born. The passion behind the Xanita family is a reflection of the close-knit interface between highly skilled R&D, Plant, Engineering, Sales and Design teams.