Our History

The MTA commitment to Education spans generations!

The Optland Story

In 1956 MTA was started by business man Jacob Swaab who saw a need to supply quality educational material to schools. In 1966 Mr Martin Optland, Mr Koster and Mr Hartmann joined Mr Swaab to form the basis of MTA.

To this day, Martin's son Len Optland still works in the business as Senior Education Buyer, sourcing and developing quality and current didactic products from all over the world. His time with the company now spans over 30 years and he is joined by many other MTA colleagues who have dedicated themselves to the educational sector with tenures spanning 10-30 years. We believe it is this continuity and depth of knowledge and experience that contributes to the strength MTA brings to the market place and the high regard in which the company is held.

Privately Owned

Currently MTA is 100% privately owned by Neill and Simon Whiston, both of whom work in the business full time. They have a genuine vision for the future of the company, as well as clear moral and ethical standpoints. Neill and Simon view the development of MTA as a long term commitment to employees and the industry.