In 2025, John Thompson, a leading South African boiler manufacturer, service provider and division within the ACTOM group, a major electromechanical engineering business in Africa, is celebrating its 90th year in business – a milestone for the division. Since 1935, the division has supplied and maintained industrial and utility boilers across the country, building a reputation for technical expertise, reliability, and long-term customer support.
A proudly South African legacy
John Thompson’s story in South Africa began in 1935 with the importation of boilers from the UK. It evolved to full local manufacturing by 1954 at its Bellville factory in Cape Town, which remains the heart of the businesses’ industrial operations today. Over the past 70 years, John Thompson has produced approximately 5 000 package boilers and larger water-tube boilers that serve vital industries ranging from food and beverage to sugar processing.
“Our journey of starting out as a boiler-building pioneer to becoming a comprehensive energy solution provider reflects a proud South African legacy that combines local expertise with global reach,” says Jaco Grobbelaar, Chief Executive Officer at John Thompson Industrial Division.
“We are the only boiler manufacturer in Africa that is also an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), supplying products known for their durability and quality. Recently, we 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.”
Instrumental in energy security
This rich history of craftsmanship and innovation underscores the businesses 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,” notes Gladstone Mbili, Chief Executive Officer 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. John Thompson’s research and development programme is advancing renewable energy technology including a new range of package boilers designed efficiently to burn green and/or low-quality fuels.
“We are more than just manufacturers; we are committed to building a sustainable energy future,” adds Grobbelaar. “Our expertise extends globally as 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.”
Investing in South Africa’s engineering future
John Thompson is committed to both its products and the people behind them. 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,” says Mbili. “We currently have approximately 83 trainees in welding, fitting and boiler making programmes, supported by an apprentice school that nurtures 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 is our mission that drives us forward. We will continue to deliver innovative solutions that create lasting value for our customers, communities, and the environment,” Grobbelaar concludes.
