Investment group Reindus Holdings has acquired a controlling interest in Germiston-based Amalgamated Corrosion Engineering (ACE), which specialises in the construction and installation of cathodic protection and amalgamated corrosion mitigation systems.

ACE was established in the 1960s, with a strong and reputed skills base in corrosion engineering. Reindus Holdings is a privately owned and managed South Africa-based investment group that focuses on the industrial sector, specifically targeting the mining services and engineering services clusters.

Reindus recently acquired a controlling stake in designer and manufacturer of storage tanks and pressure vessels for heavy industry Trotech Engineering from the engineering company Elgin Group.

Reindus executive chairperson Leven Moodley says the investment in Trotech and ACE was a considered plan that enables Reindus to extend its services across the African continent.

“ACE is active in Mozambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe, and Trotech is busy with a significant project on St Helena Island. Critical mass is key as one grows beyond the country’s borders. “We have already seen the synergies between the two businesses.”

Further, Moodley points out that ACE has a positive reputation for delivering technically sound projects with solid construction capabilities. The corporatised ACE is en route to acquiring and developing further skills to ensure that its customers continue to receive a high standard of service in a variety of geographies.

He explains that new gas discoveries in Mozambique and Tanzania have sparked several development strategies around liquefied natural gas plants and distribution pipelines and Trotech and ACE are well placed to offer turnkey solutions in their respective fields through well- established businesses in South Africa and Mozambique.

The synergy of these businesses, coupled with a solid vision from new shareholders, will add significant value to the business strategy of Reindus in South Africa and in neighbouring territories, he says.

ACE director of South Africa business Marshall Brady comments that the company has built a long-term relationship with all the local pipeline operators and it is aiming to expand its product and service offerings to its customer base across the country.

“We expect that being part of the larger Reindus Group will increase our effectiveness and enable us to pursue a greater number of projects simultaneously,” says Brady.