Novatech, trading as Hesper Engineering, a ship repair, and general engineering company based in Cape Town, has purchased a 51% shareholding in Swift Engineering. Swift Engineering (now trading as SwiftNova Engineering) is a reputable specialized fabrication company servicing the marine, energy, and oil & gas sectors in the Mossel Bay area and nationally. The company’s acquisition will strengthen the capabilities of Sturrock Grindrod Maritime’s (SGM) Technical division which comprises Hesper Engineering, NovaMarine, and United Container Depots (UCD).
Marcus Twine, CEO of SGM Technical said, “The relationship between Hesper Engineering and SwiftNova goes back for many years. Discussions regarding a potential partnership started at the beginning of 2020. We were open to it because we are always on the lookout for complementary opportunities to grow our business and footprint with partners that uphold similar values. Director Danie Otto, and his team, have built a solid reputation and are established and respected in the construction community. They are known for delivering quality products with a high level of proficiency. I am confident that this partnership will be mutually beneficial.”
When SGM and Novagroup joined forces in 2018, Andrew Sturrock, CEO of Sturrock Grindrod Maritime, stated that the intention was to strengthen their position in the niche technical market. He added, “With the addition of SwiftNova, we are excited to see how we can leverage off their respective sales and service agreements and ultimately offer one-stop technical solutions to our clients. SwiftNova’s expertise lies in steelwork, pipe fabrication, corrosion protection, design, and diverse projects, which sits in the same service pool as Hesper Engineering; the partnership just makes sense.”
SwiftNova was established in 1982 by Mr. J.D.T Otto. He decided to seize the opportunity of the development of the oilfields in Mossel Bay when news broke of major offshore developments that resulted in the PetroSA GTL refinery, a first SOE of its kind as it is known today. Danie Otto took over the business in 2004 after completing intensive training and gaining experience in related fields to assist with business expansion. Their clientele includes state-owned entities such as PetroSA, GTL and Logistics & Offshore/Onshore, oil majors Shell SA, Total, Astron Energy, Engen SA as well as internationally renowned shipping companies.
Danie Otto, Director of SwiftNova says, “The partnership with Hesper Engineering and the changing of our name to SwiftNova Engineering signifies a new era for the company. Nova in Latin means new and I am excited to see what the future holds. I appreciate the support we have received thus far from Hesper Engineering and the SGM Group.”
Hesper Engineering is owned by Sturrock Grindrod Maritime (SGM) and, along with its sister companies NovaMarine and UCD, make up the SGM Technical Division within Grindrod Limited. SGM Technical offers solutions ranging from marine safety equipment and maintenance to steel/pipe fabrication, mechanical repairs as well as blasting and coating services. Hesper Engineering now has offices and workshop locations in Cape Town, Saldanha and Mossel Bay.