professional profile
Innovation, Accountability & the Future of Stainless Steel
National Stainless Steel Centre (NSSC) Technical Sales and Projects Engineer Bjon Frljak represents a new generation of industrial leadership in South Africa. With a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Pretoria and an MBA nearing completion at Wdits University, he combines technical depth with commercial awareness. Having grown up around the business and gained hands-on experience from an early age, Frljak understands the factory floor as well as the boardroom. In this Q&A, he shares insights on industry pressures, evolving customer expectations, and why accountability and investment in young talent will shape the future of stainless steel.
areas of our steel processing facilities. During that time, I developed a practical understanding of how the MRP and ERP systems support daily operations, as well as how materials move through the full process from start to finish. Looking back, family has always played a central role in my life. Growing up in an entrepreneurial environment, where decisions are made daily and accountability matters, has shaped how I approach both work and responsibility. With both of my parents running their own businesses, I was exposed to this world from a young age. It taught me perseverance and the importance of working consistently toward long-term goals. I’ve seen the business grow from humble beginnings, and today we continue building on that foundation alongside our partners and team.
Please share some background on where you come from, your schooling and tertiary education, and where you began your professional career? I began my schooling at St Benedict’s College in Johannesburg and later completed my tertiary studies at the University of Pretoria, where I earned a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (BEng Mech). I am currently in the final year of my MBA at Wits University. After completing my undergraduate degree in 2020, I joined NSSC full time. That said, my involvement in the business started much earlier. From middle school, I spent school holidays gaining hands-on experience in different
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Issue 1 – 2026
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