The morning sun streams through the tall windows of our Johannesburg workshop as the first workers arrive. There’s a rhythm to this place—a gentle hum of activity that grows throughout the day as skilled hands transform simple components into vessels of light.
Where It All Begins
Each Sonnenglas starts its journey here, in Alexandra township, one of South Africa’s oldest urban settlements. What began as a small operation has grown into a thriving workshop employing over 75 people, each one bringing their own story, their own skills, their own light.
“I’ve been here for six years now,” says Nomvula, one of our senior assemblers. “When I started, I was nervous—I’d never worked with electronics before. Now I train the new people. Every jar I make, I think about the person who will receive it.”
The Art of Assembly
Creating a Sonnenglas is not simply manufacturing; it’s craftsmanship. Each lantern passes through multiple pairs of hands:
Quality Glass Selection
Our mason jars are inspected for clarity and structural integrity. Any imperfections mean a jar doesn’t make the cut.
Solar Cell Installation
The heart of every Sonnenglas is its solar module. Our technicians carefully position and secure each cell, ensuring optimal sun capture.
LED Array Assembly
Four LEDs are precisely placed and soldered, creating the warm, even glow that Sonnenglas is known for.
Final Testing
Every single lantern is tested before leaving our workshop. We charge it, we light it, we ensure it meets our standards.
More Than Employment
What statistics can’t capture is the transformation that happens here. Jobs at Sonnenglas aren’t just about income—they’re about dignity, skills, and community.
“Before Sonnenglas, I couldn’t imagine my future. Now I’m saving for my daughter’s education. She wants to be an engineer.” — Thabo, Quality Control Specialist
We provide:
- Fair wages above local standards
- Skills training and career development
- Healthcare support for workers and families
- Educational assistance programs
- A safe, supportive work environment
The Details Matter
Walk through our workshop, and you’ll notice things that might not be obvious in the final product:
- The Wire Handles: Bent by hand to achieve the perfect curve that makes each Sonnenglas easy to hang and carry
- The Rubber Seals: Carefully fitted to ensure waterproof performance
- The Switch Mechanisms: Tested dozens of times to guarantee years of reliable use
- The Packaging: Designed to protect each jar on its journey around the world
A Global Journey
From our workshop in Johannesburg, Sonnenglas lanterns travel to over 60 countries. Each one carries a piece of South Africa with it—not just in its origins, but in the care and craftsmanship that went into its creation.
When you hold a Sonnenglas, you’re holding the work of real people. People with names, with families, with dreams. People who take pride in what they create and who understand that they’re making something meaningful.
Looking Ahead
As we grow, our commitment remains the same: to create beautiful, sustainable products while providing meaningful employment and opportunity. Every new jar we make is a step toward that vision.
And every time someone lights a Sonnenglas, they’re participating in a story that stretches from South Africa to wherever they call home.
Want to see more of our workshop? Follow us on social media for regular updates from Johannesburg.
