Founded in 1960 in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, Duys Engineering Group has grown from a modest family-run engineering workshop into a leading steel fabrication, manufacturing, and design house with an established footprint across Southern Africa. In 2025, the Group proudly celebrates 65 years of continuous operation, marking more than six decades of engineering innovation, client partnerships, and contribution to Africa's industrial development.

A third-generation family-owned and managed enterprise, Duys has built its reputation on precision engineering, sustainable innovation, and strong customer relationships. Over the years, the Group has diversified to meet the evolving demands of mining, smelting, aluminium, sugar, automotive, and heavy industrial sectors. Today, Duys Engineering Group is recognised not only for its technical capabilities but also for its ability to solve complex manufacturing, operational, and logistical challenges for clients across Africa and beyond.

A Legacy of Partnership and Innovation
One of Duys' defining values is its commitment to building lasting partnerships with clients. The Group combines technical expertise with significant human and resource capacity, enabling it to adapt to both short and long-term client requirements.This flexibility has ensured its continued success in servicing diverse sectors, where precision and reliability are essential.

Duys' design teams are renowned for transforming complex client requirements into practical, actionable solutions. Every project begins with a careful design process that blends technical innovation with decades of engineering experience. This design-led approach ensures that solutions are not only technically sound but also aligned with client needs and operational realities. As Duys often emphasises: designing with purpose, engineering with precision, and delivering with pride remain at the heart of its operations.

Major Projects and Impact
Over its long history, Duys Engineering Group has delivered numerous large-scale projects that demonstrate both technical expertise and social impact. A notable example is the construction of a 75-tonne work barge, the WB Regina, at its Richards Bay facility. The project, undertaken for Kenmare Resources, involved trial assembly, cold commissioning, and testing before final approval. The barge was named in honour of Kenmare's Deputy Country Manager, Regina Machua, and the handover ceremony paid tribute to Duys' late CEO, Pieter Duys.

The WB Regina project provided employment for 40 artisans, many of whom were previously unemployed. It also gave these workers the opportunity to acquire valuable skills and practical experience, reflecting Duys' commitment not only to engineering excellence but also to community upliftment.

Another significant achievement was the manufacture of 23 large pontoons, each weighing 40 tonnes, for an international mining concern. Completed in just nine months, this project required the processing of 1,000 tonnes of steel and provided work for 140 artisans. Many of those employed developed new technical skills, reinforcing Duys' role as a catalyst for skills development within South Africa's engineering sector.

Expanding Facilities and Capabilities
The Group operates extensive facilities across southern Africa, with the Richards Bay heavy engineering plant being one of its most important assets. Originally built to service the aluminium industry, the facility has recently been upgraded to broaden its capabilities to meet general engineering requirements for both local and international clients. With this expansion, Duys has strengthened its ability to serve diverse industries with world-class manufacturing standards.

The Richards Bay factory continues to be a hub of innovation and growth, positioning the Group as a partner of choice for large-scale engineering and fabrication projects across the continent.

Commitment to Sustainability
Duys Engineering Group has also embraced the responsibility of contributing to a sustainable future. In 2024, the company invested RS.2 million in solar power infrastructure at its Richards Bay plant. The installation included the latest available technology, featuring an "all-in-one" 440 kWh Lithium-Ion Battery Bank with 200 kW power capacity. This strategic investment is expected to deliver monthly cost savings of between RS0,000 and Rl00,000 while significantly reducing reliance on the national power grid.

Chairperson Henk Duys highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting that with South Africa's fragile and unstable energy supply, adopting solar energy was a logical step towards ensuring operational resilience and reducing environmental impact. The investment aligns with Duys' long-standing role in shaping South Africa's infrastructure while simultaneously positioning the company as a pioneer in sustainable industrial practices.

People and Purpose
Duys Engineering Group's achievements over the past 65 years are deeply rooted in the dedication of its people. The company has consistently invested in training, skills development, and employment opportunities, ensuring that communities benefit directly from its growth. Every project is approached as an opportunity not only to deliver technical excellence but also to provide real social and economic impact.

As the Group looks towards the future, its leadership remains committed to upholding the values of family, innovation, and partnership that have guided the company for three generations. The integration of cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, and human development ensures that Duys Engineering Group will continue to play a central role in the industrial and economic development of Africa.