A FITTING FAREWELL FOR CAROL LONSDALE – FOUR DECADES IN THE PAINT GAME
At the end of 2025, after more than 40 years in the paint game, Carol Lonsdale pulled off her overalls and excitedly stepped into a deserved and well-planned retirement.
Few careers span four decades, and fewer still leave the kind of mark Carol has made on both the trade and the people within it.
Carol’s journey began at a time when the industry looked very different – when product choices were fewer, techniques were learned hands-on, and reputation was built one job at a time. Through changing trends, new technologies, and evolving standards, Carol didn’t just keep up; she set the pace. Her work has always been defined by pride, precision, and an unwavering commitment to doing the job properly.
In January of 1982, Carol entered the premises of AECI Coatings in Port Elizabeth to begin her first day of employment, sampling raw materials for compliance prior to the final production. Not long after, she transferred to the Quality Control Labs to test and approve or reject materials in manufacture. She continuously explored other opportunities and also tried her hand on formulating refinish products, doing colour formulations and introducing new technologies to name a few. It is also during this period and at the same facility, she found husband Paul.
Together with her family, she moved through the provinces, finally in 2009 settling in Durban where she held the position of Regional Sales Manager for PPG.
Now, after a period of 43 years in the automotive paint industry, Carol decided to retire and take a well-deserved break. As most of us know her – caravanning!
Congratulations on your retirement Carol. We salute you. May your retirement be both rewarding and enjoyable.
