Zayne Kemp (centre), managing shareholder of Industrial & Chainsaw, receives the President’s Trophy from Royal Agricultural Society President Tim Nixon (left) and RAS Commerce and Industry Committee Chairman Mike Frickel at the 2026 Royal Show’s Exhibitor Awards.
A substantial machinery exhibition, sponsorship of the Show's demonstration arena and a leading role in reviving Chainsaw Racing earned Pietermaritzburg-based Industrial & Chainsaw the President's Trophy for Special Endeavour at the 2026 Royal Agricultural Show.
Industrial & Chainsaw made a significant contribution to the Royal Show's first year at Tweedie, Howick, combining a prominent outdoor exhibition with support for activities that brought machinery, technology and practical skills into the spotlight.
The company's involvement extended beyond its own display. As naming sponsor of the Industrial & Chainsaw Demo Arena and one of the driving forces behind the return of Chainsaw Racing, it helped strengthen the programme of practical demonstrations and competitive events that distinguish an agricultural show from a conventional trade exhibition.
A Strong Showcase of Machinery and Expertise
Industrial & Chainsaw's extensive outdoor exhibition brought together machinery and equipment for agriculture, forestry, construction, landscaping and property maintenance, with leading brands STIHL and Husqvarna featuring prominently.
The well-organised display offered visitors an opportunity to explore a broad range of equipment, including chainsaws, brush cutters, ride-on mowers, generators and other machinery used by professionals and domestic customers alike.
With its substantial footprint, prominent branding and carefully presented product ranges, the stand made an impressive contribution to the Show's commercial exhibition.
The exhibition also reflected the breadth of Industrial & Chainsaw's operations. Founded in 1980 and operating from Victoria Road in Pietermaritzburg, Industrial & Chainsaw supplies customers across the province, offering technical advice, servicing, spare parts and after-sales support alongside its extensive equipment range.
For customers whose livelihoods depend on reliable machinery, that support helps keep essential equipment working safely and efficiently.
There was also a fitting anniversary connection at the exhibition. STIHL celebrated its international centenary in 2026, coinciding with the Royal Agricultural Society's own 175th anniversary year.
Supporting the Show's Demonstration Programme
Beyond its exhibition stand, Industrial & Chainsaw was the naming sponsor of the Industrial & Chainsaw Demo Arena, a dedicated area for showcasing machinery and technology in action.
The arena's programme included demonstrations involving wood chipping, irrigation and water pumps, firefighting equipment, drones and other agricultural and industrial applications.
These activities complemented the machinery exhibitions throughout the Showgrounds, giving visitors opportunities to see practical applications of the equipment and technologies used across a range of industries.
Industrial & Chainsaw's most distinctive contribution to the arena programme, however, was its involvement in bringing back a competition with a long history at the Royal Show.
Bringing Chainsaw Racing Back to the Royal
Once a popular Royal Show attraction, Chainsaw Racing made an enthusiastic return in 2026, organised by Industrial & Chainsaw in conjunction with STIHL and Husqvarna.
Industrial & Chainsaw managing shareholder Zayne Kemp and the company's team helped drive the initiative, working alongside STIHL representative and event organiser Kyle Brooks, whose enthusiasm for rebuilding the sport played a central role in its revival.
Held on Saturday, 10 October, the competition attracted 27 participants from across South Africa, competing in three classes that tested speed, precision, control and technical skill.
The event brought the distinctive excitement of chainsaw racing back to the Showgrounds, while also supporting a broader effort to revive interest in the sport.
A key objective was to make racing more accessible by encouraging the use of standard, commercially available chainsaws, rather than requiring expensive, highly modified racing machines. This approach places greater emphasis on operator skill and technique, while reducing the financial barriers that have contributed to the sport's decline.
The encouraging response from competitors and spectators provided a promising foundation for future events, with the organisers hoping to rebuild the chainsaw racing community and attract a new generation of skilled operators.
Read more about the competition, its organisers and the 2026 results in our feature, Chainsaw Racing Roars Back to Life at the 2026 Royal Show.
Recognising Special Endeavour
The President's Trophy, awarded for Special Endeavour, recognises contributions that extend beyond the conventional measures of exhibition excellence.
Industrial & Chainsaw's participation in the 2026 Royal Show was distinguished by its commitment to the wider event. Alongside a substantial and professionally presented exhibition, the company supported the demonstration programme and helped restore a competition that celebrates the skills and expertise of machinery operators.
These contributions were particularly valuable as the Royal Show established itself at its new home in Tweedie.
The Royal Agricultural Society congratulates Zayne Kemp and the Industrial & Chainsaw team on receiving the 2026 President's Trophy for Special Endeavour, and extends its appreciation to the company, STIHL and Husqvarna for their contribution to the Show.
Learn more about Industrial & Chainsaw: www.industrialchain.co.za
This article forms part of the Royal Show's 2026 Exhibitor Hall of Fame, celebrating outstanding exhibitors recognised for excellence at the Royal Agricultural Society's 175th anniversary Show.
