PROFILE JOHN THOMPSON
“ We are the only boiler manufacturer in Africa that is also an Original Equipment Manufacturer( OEM), supplying products known for their durability and quality. We recently decommissioned a John Thompson boiler – one of the first built in our Bellville factory 70 years ago – that was still fully operational. This is proof of the lasting craftsmanship we deliver.”
“ We are more than just manufacturers; we are committed to building a sustainable energy future,” says Grobbelaar.“ Our expertise extends globally; we export our technologies and services around the world. Through partnerships and financing models, we work to make clean energy accessible, managing and maintaining equipment so customers can focus on their core businesses.”
Instrumental to energy security
This rich history of craftsmanship and innovation highlights the division’ s ongoing commitment to energy security and local economic development. John Thompson’ s Utilities division has maintained a close partnership with Eskom since 2002, providing full-time maintenance across six of South Africa’ s power stations. The division also completed a key project at the Koeberg nuclear power station. Each site is staffed by hundreds of local workers, with numbers increasing to over 800 during planned maintenance outages, supporting local job creation and skills development.
“ We have built and maintained a significant portion of the country’ s power infrastructure,” says Gladstone Mbili, CEO at John Thompson Utilities Division.“ Our in-depth involvement with Eskom and regional power stations illustrates our commitment to‘ keeping the lights on’. We actively seek ways to improve energy availability and reliability to avoid load-shedding.”
Innovators with a global reach
Looking ahead, John Thompson is leading innovation in green and alternative energy solutions. The business helps customers optimise existing plants for lower emissions and can even help to convert them to cleaner fuels like wood chips. Their research and development programme is also advancing renewable energy technology with, among other projects, a new range of package boilers designed to efficiently burn green and / or low-quality fuels.
We recently decommissioned a John Thompson boiler – one of the first built in our Bellville factory 70 years ago – that was still fully operational.
We have built and maintained a significant portion of the country’ s power infrastructure.
Investing in South Africa’ s engineering future
John Thompson is committed to both its products and the people behind them, says Grobbelaar. Through an annual intake of apprentices and engineers-in-training, the business actively cultivates local talent and builds a skilled workforce prepared to meet the challenges ahead.
“ Skills development is a key part of our broader commitment to sustainability and innovation,” adds Mbili.“ We currently have approximately 83 trainees in welding, fitting and boiler-making programmes, which is supported by an apprentice school nurturing the next generation of engineers. By growing our own talent, we help strengthen South Africa’ s industrial capacity and resilience.”
As John Thompson celebrates 90 years of service, it reaffirms its dedication to advancing South Africa’ s energy transformation. With a legacy built on quality and a future focused on clean, reliable solutions, the business is ready to meet the evolving needs of the energy and industrial sectors.
“ Our history inspires us, but it’ s our mission that drives us forward,” says Grobbelaar.“ We will continue to deliver innovative solutions that create lasting value for our customers, communities, and the environment.” ■
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