EnerMech Ltd has stepped up its presence in the African oil and gas sector with the GBP 3M acquisition of heavy load testing company Water Weights International SA (Pty) Ltd.
The mechanical engineering group will use Water Weights International’s (WWI) strategic relationships to accelerate growth of its main business lines in South Africa and in key East and West African countries. EnerMech will invest up to GBP 20Min its African operations over the next three years and expects its workforce to grow to 250 in the same period.
Cape Town-based WWI specialises in the proof load testing of cranes, lifting equipment and structures, and serves the marine, shipping, engineering, industrial and offshore sectors. Its water-filled proof load bags are viewed as a more economical and safer method of load testing than traditional solid weight forms of testing.
The deal is not connected to UK based Water Weights Ltd, which was formed in Aberdeen in 1979, and for whom WWI has acted as representatives in Cape Province for almost 30 years. The new entity will be known as EnerMech Water Weights SA (Pty) Ltd and WWI managing director Neil Scheibe, will remain in post, ensuring continuity of business relationships and service. Twenty five staff will transfer to the new company which will relocate to larger premises near to Cape Town’s main container terminal in Paarden Eiland.
