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Concor
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Concor Holdings (Proprietary) Limited is a South African construction and mining services company. It is active throughout Southern Africa, involved in civil engineering, buildings, roads and mining projects. Concor returned as an independent brand in late 2016.

Key Information

Company history

[edit]

Origin

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Engineer Fernando Piccinini, the original founder of Construction Corporation, registered the company in Johannesburg on 28 April 1948. The other four founding members were M. Barnabo, B. Chiozzi, U. Mantelli and V. Cini. The original name Construction Corporation was finally shortened to CONCOR. Eng. Piccinini was originally a chairman of Ferrocemento, an Italian construction giant and the emerging Concor received its technical support initially from there.

  • Original Concor Logo 1948
    Original Concor Logo 1948
  • Concor Logo up to 2006
    Concor Logo up to 2006
  • Concor Logo 2017 to current
    Concor Logo 2017 to current

Initial projects

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The company's first major project was the construction of the Rand Sports Stadium in Johannesburg followed by contracts for the Pretoria and Johannesburg power stations. Another initial project was the Storms River bridge which was designed by Dr. Riccardo Morandi of Rome, this bridge was for many years the highest and longest single span bridge in South Africa.

Second pair of concrete semi-arches being lowered into position at the Storms River Bridge constructed between 1953 and 1956

Structure

[edit]

By the early 2000s, Concor consisted of the following divisions:

  • Concor Buildings,
  • Concor Civils,
  • Concor Mining,
  • Concor Engineering, 2010: Fabricated the tallest tank in southern hemisphere commissioned for Sasol Secunda at its Benzene Reduction Project, standing at 47.54m.[1]
  • Concor Technicrete,
  • Concor Facility Management,
  • Concor Property Development and
  • Concor Roads.

Concor was listed on the JSE Securities Exchange and, for the year ended June 2005, Concor's last year as a listed company, had an annual turnover of 1.6 billion Rand.

Relationship with Hochtief

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By the early 2000s, the German international construction group Hochtief owned just under 50% of Concors shares providing the company with the benefits of technology transfer.[2]

Purchased by Murray & Roberts

[edit]

Concor Holdings was delisted on 30 June 2006 when 100% of its share capital was purchased by Murray & Roberts. It changed its name when it merged with Murray and Roberts Construction (Pty) Ltd.[3] Whilst under the control of Murray & Roberts, Concor Facility Management and Concor Property Development was closed whilst Concor Roads was merged with Concor Civils. Concor Technicrete was sold as a going concern.[4]

Purchased by consortium

[edit]

The Concor and Murray and Roberts construction surface mining divisions were sold to a black owned consortium, consisting of the PIC and SPG[5] in late 2016 and renamed Concor in May 2017.[6][7] Concor is now certified a Level 1 BEE Company. The current CEO is Jerome Govender.

Founder companies of Concor

Current operating divisions in the Group

[edit]
Self erecting tower crane on site
  • Concor Infrastructure (Roads, bridges, waste water systems, dams, harbours, pipelines, power stations)
  • Concor Buildings (Industrial, commercial, residential and office buildings)[8]
  • Concor Western Cape (Industrial, commercial, residential and office buildings)[9]
  • Concor Botswana (Industrial, commercial and office buildings)
  • Concor Opencast (Contract mining)[10][11]
  • Concor Plant (Heavy plant maintenance and hire)
  • Concor Developments
  • Dynamic Concrete Namibia

Innovation and patents

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Concor has several patents registered for its activities:[12]

  • ZA8405461B Shuttering improvements
  • ZA8108855B Min support sub uniting
  • ZA8007094B Dumper vehicles and bodies
  • GB2013823A Apparatus for burying pipelines, cables etc
  • ZA7403626B Structural element
  • ZA7307135B Flexible lining
  • ZA7004129B Improvements in or relating to paving blocks
  • ZA7004128B Improvements in paving blocks

Timeline of notable construction projects

[edit]

Some of Concors' projects include:

1950s

[edit]
  • 1952: High Level Reservoir, VanderbiljPark, South Africa.
  • 1952: Vals River Bridge, Bothaville, South Africa.
  • 1953: Sand River Bridge, Virginia, South Africa.
  • 1953–1956: Storms River bridge, Eastern Cape, South Africa.[13]
Storms River Bridge, erected 1956
  • 1954: Orlando Power Station, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • 1954: Salt River Bridge, Cape Town, South Africa.
  • 1954: Railway Bridge over Sand River, Virginia, South Africa.
  • 1955: Taaiboshspruit Bridge, South Africa.
  • 1955: Natalspruit Bridge, South Africa.
  • 1955: Railway Bridge over Great Fish River, South Africa.
  • 1956: Vetrivier Bridge, South Africa.
  • 1957: Pipeline and Jetty, Lourenco Marques, Mozambique.
  • 1958: Umsindusi River Bridge, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
  • 1958: Railway Bridge, Congella, Durban, South Africa.
  • 1958: Arch Bridge over Vaal River, Standerton, South Africa.

1960s

[edit]
  • 1960: Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town, South Africa.
  • 1961–1963: Kyle/Lake Mutirikwe and Bangala Dams, Masvingo, Zimbabwe.
  • 1963: SASOL 1 Chimney, Sasolburg, South Africa.
  • 1963: Braamfontein Bridge, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • 1966: Amatikulu River Bridge, Natal, South Africa.
  • 1966: Broadway Flyover, Durban, South Africa.
  • 1967: Sabie Bypass, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
  • 1967: Reduction Plant, East Driefontein, South Africa.
  • 1967: Bridle Drift Dam, East London, South Africa.
  • 1968: Umfolozi River Rail Bridge, KZN, South Africa.
  • 1968: Arnot Power Station, Cooling Towers, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
  • 1966–1969: Fox Street Hanging Building, Standard Bank Center, Johannesburg, South Africa. LCB Concortium. o[14]

1970s

[edit]
  • 1970s: Phalaborwa Copper Mine development, Limpopo, South Africa.
  • 1970s–1990s: Multiple Concrete Headgears for various mining clients, Botswana, Zambia and South Africa.
  • 1970–1973: Naute Dam, ǁKaras Region, Namibia.
  • 1971 Ovamboland Canal, Namibia.
  • 1971 Soweto Motorway, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • 1972 Paved aprons, Durban International Airport, South Africa.
  • 1972 Meyershill reservoir, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • 1973 Crown Interchange, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • 1976: Matla Power Station, Concrete slides of ACC and Boiler house lift shafts, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
  • 1978: Gouritz River Bridge, 270 m, 4 span structure with diagonal reinforced struts, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Gouritz River Bridge, erected 1978
  • 1978 Tailings Dams, Anglo American, Welkom, South Africa.
  • 1979 Sulphur Recovery Plant, SASOL 2, Linde, South Africa.
  • 1979–1981: Sasol 3 steam plant with 300-metre high chimney, South Africa. Chimney and first boiler were commissioned in 1981.

1980s

[edit]
  • 1980–1983: Bloukrans River arch-bridge, Eastern Cape, South Africa.[15]
  • 1980–1984: Steam Plants for Sasol 2 and 3, Secunda, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
  • 1982: Majes Irrigation Project, Peru,[16]
  • 1983: Majuba Power Station, Boiler House and ACC concrete slides, main civils, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
  • 1983: Bobbejaans River Bridge, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
  • 1984: Hawane Dam, Swaziland.
  • 1984: Thabina Dam, Limpopo, South Africa.
  • 1984: Contract No. RT 5742E, for the construction of in-situ concrete walls and associated works in the Northern Transvaal.
  • 1984–1988: 4 Kilometre long road Huguenot Tunnel, Western Cape, South Africa.
  • 1984–1988: Hugos Valley Viaduct, Western Cape, South Africa.[17]
Hugos River Viaduct, erected 1988

1990s

[edit]
  • 1993: Pavilion Mall, Durban, South Africa.
  • 1994: Sanlam Forum Building, C/o Church and Queen Streets, Pretoria, South Africa.
  • 1998: Injaka Bridge, collapsed during construction, but eventually completed.[18]
  • 1988 - 1989: Reserve Bank, 37 story skyscraper, first flushed-glazed building in the southern hemisphere, Pretoria, South Africa.
  • 1991 - 1992: Wanderers Cricket Stadium rebuild, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • 1988 - 1993: Matimba Power Station, main civils, Lephalale, Limpopo, South Africa.
Matimba Power Station, erected 1992
Katse Dam, erected 1996
  • 1998: Mozal Aluminium Smelter, Maputo, Mozambique.
  • 1999: Debswana Orapa Mine Expansion, Francistown, Botswana.

2000s

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  • 2000: Impala Platinum Shaft 14 development, multi-blast ventilation facilities, overland rock conveyor, upgrading of hoisting facilities, surface ore transfer silos, Rustenburg, South Africa.
  • 2000 - 2002: National Bank of Dubai, UAE.
  • 2000: Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Centre, Makhado, South Africa.
  • 2000: Cape Town and Johannesburg International Airports radar towers. (31 and 54 m each)
  • 2001: OR Tambo International Airport, Charlie Taxiway, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • 2001: Bakwena Platinum Highway, 380 kilometer upgrade of N1 and N4 highways.
  • 2002-2001: Gold Reef City, main complex, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • 2002: Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) Johannesburg International Domestic Terminal, (AC Consortium).[20]
  • 2002–2004: Katima Mulilo Bridge, between Namibia and Zambia[21]
Katima Mulilo Incremental Bridge launch, 2003
  • 2002–2009: Port of Ngqura, Coega, new port construction consisting of: eastern breakwater, 2.7 km in length extending into Algoa Bay to a maximum water depth of 18 metres. A secondary western breakwater 1.125 km in length to a water depth of 15m. Five berths, 1,800m of quay wall – two for containers, two for dry bulk and breakbulk cargo and one for liquid bulk cargo. JV with Hochtief, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
  • 2007—2012: Port of Ngqura, Container Terminal, civil works phase 2, Coega, extension of container terminal and quay walls to make provision for two more ship berths. JV with Hochtief, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.[22]
  • 2004: World Trade Centre, Manama, Bahrain.
  • 2005: Lusip Dam, Swaziland.
  • 2005: Debswana Diamond Sorting Centre, Gaborone, Botswana.
  • 2005–2007: Durban Harbour Tunnel, 515m service tunnel underneath Durban Harbour entrance. JV with Hochtief, Durban, South Africa.[23][24]
  • 2006-2008: Sandton Holiday Inn, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • 2007-2009: PPC Hercules: Bulk cement and clinker silos.
  • 2007: Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, Henley on Klip, Gauteng, South Africa.
  • 2007–2014: Ingula Power Station, bulk earthworks and civils of Bedford and Braamhoek storage dams, South Africa.[25]
  • 2008: P.G. Bison Particleboard facility, Uigie, South Africa.
  • 2008: Sishen Iron Ore Mine Expansion Project, Northern Cape, South Africa.
  • 2008–2014: Medupi Power Station Chimneys contract. Two way joint venture with Kareena Africa, Limpopo, South Africa.
Main civils of Medupi Power Station 2008
  • 2008–2015: Kusile Power Station Chimneys contract. Two way joint venture with Kareena Africa, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
  • 2008:Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency Head Office, Halls Gateway, Mbombela, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
  • 2009:Gathemann/Mutual Tower, 20 story green building, Windhoek, Namibia.
  • 2009: Vaal River Eastern Subsystem Augmentation Project (Vresap), 121 kilometre water catchment transfer pipeline, Free State to Gauteng, South Africa.[26][27]
Vresap Pipeline, 2009
  • 2009: Bulk Diamond Clearing Centre, Gaborone, Botswana.
  • 2009: Gateway Mall, Athlone, Cape Town, South Africa.
  • 2008-2009: Department of Foreign Affairs, new ministry head office, Pretoria, South Africa.
  • 2008: British Consulate, Harare, Zimbabwe.
  • 2008–present: Medupi Power Station Main civils contract. Three way joint venture with Aveng and Murray and Roberts, Limpopo, South Africa.[28]

2010s

[edit]
Lanseria Reservoir, 2012
  • 2012–2014: Portside Building. 5 Star Green Building, Cape Town, South Africa.
  • 2012: Lanseria Reservoir, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • 2013: Driefontein Waste Water Treatment Works, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • 2013 - 2014: The Grove Mall, Windhoek, Namibia.
  • 2014: 102 Rivonia. 4 Star Green Building, Sandton, South Africa.
  • 2014: Al Raha beach luxury apartments, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
  • 2014: Lesedi Solar Power Station, Bulk earthworks and civils, South Africa.[33]
  • 2014: GCIS Tshedimosetso House, 4 Star Green Building, Pretoria, South Africa.[34][35]
  • 2014: Venetia Diamond Mine, underground development, Limpopo, South Africa.[36]
  • 2014–2015: Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, Eastern Cape, South Africa.[37]
Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, 2015
  • 2014: N4 Middleburg Highway upgrade, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
  • 2014: Baywest Mall, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.[38]
  • 2015–2017: Grayston Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge[39]
  • 2015–present: Mogalakwena Tailings Facility, Northern Limpopo, South Africa.[40]
  • 2015–2016: De Aar Wind Farm, Northern Cape, South Africa.[41]
  • 2016: Tsogo Sun Hotel, Western Cape, South Africa.[9]
  • 2016–2017: Menlyn Park Mall Rebuild. 4 Star Green Building, biggest mall by lettable floor space in South Africa,[42][43]
  • 2016–2017: R72 Highway between Port Alfred and Fish River, Eastern Cape, South Africa.[44]
Port Alfred Highway widening
  • 2016–2017: BCX Centurion. Green Building, Pretoria, South Africa.[45]
  • 2016–2017: Century City Urban Square, 4 Star Green Building, Cape Town, South Africa.[46][47]
  • 2016–2017: Embassy Towers, Sandton, South Africa.[48]
  • 2017-2018: Skukuza Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park, South Africa.[49]
  • 2017: Radisson Blu Hotel Cape Town, South Africa.[9]
  • 2017–2019: Khobab Wind Farm, Northern Cape, South Africa.[50]
  • 2017–present: Belfast Coal Mine, Middelbug, South Africa. Construction of 4 major dams, 26 concrete platforms and terraces, 37 internal roads, and upgrade of adjacent provincial roads[51]
  • 2017–present: Mtunzini National Road Upgrade, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa.[52][53][54]
  • 2017–present: Load and Haul, Zwartfontein Pit, Mogalakwena Platinum Mine, Limpopo, South Africa.[55]
  • 2018–2020: 16 on Bree, Tallest residential building in Cape Town, South Africa.[56][57]
  • 2018–present: Kangans Wind Farm, 140 MW situated 52 km east of Springbok, Northern Cape, South Africa.[58][59][60]
  • 2018–2019: Perdekraal Wind Farm, 110 MW 80 km northeast of Ceres, Western Cape, South Africa.[58][61][62]
  • 2018–2020: Golden Valley Wind Farm, 120 MW, near the town of Bedford, Eastern Cape, South Africa.[63]
  • 2019–present: Msikaba Bridge, 580m cable-stay main span bridge, near Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, South Africa.[64]
  • 2019–2021: Roggeveld Wind Farm, 147 MW near Laingsburg, Northern Cape, South Africa.[65][66]

2020s

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  • 2020: Excelsior Wind Farm, Western Cape, South Africa.
  • 2020-2021: MeerKAT Extension Project, Carnavon, Northern Cape, South Africa.
  • 2020-2022: Oxford Parks Multi 5 and 6 star Green Building precinct, Dunkeld, South Africa.
  • 2022: Ikusasa, 6 Star Green Building, Rosebank, South Africa.[67]
  • 2023: Phezokumoya Wind Farm, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
  • 2023: Sankraal Wind Farm, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
  • 2023: Wolf Wind Farm, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
  • 2024: Eastgate Mall Solar Deck, Gauteng, South Africa.[68]
  • 2024: Venetia Diamond Mine, Pollution Control Dams, Limpopo, South Africa.
[edit]
  • Naute Dam Karas, Namibia, 1973.
    Naute Dam Karas, Namibia, 1973.
  • Kendal Power Station Dry Cooling Towers, 1983.
    Kendal Power Station Dry Cooling Towers, 1983.
  • Highway leading into Huguenot Tunnel, Western Cape, South Africa, 1988.
    Highway leading into Huguenot Tunnel, Western Cape, South Africa, 1988.
  • South African Reserve Bank,37 story flush glazed skyscraper, Pretoria, South Africa, 1989.
    South African Reserve Bank,37 story flush glazed skyscraper, Pretoria, South Africa, 1989.
  • Impala Platinum No 14 shaft, Limpopo, South Africa, 2000.
    Impala Platinum No 14 shaft, Limpopo, South Africa, 2000.
  • Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, Gauteng, South Africa, 2007.
    Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, Gauteng, South Africa, 2007.
  • Caledon River Incremental Bridge launch South Africa to Lesotho 2008.
    Caledon River Incremental Bridge launch South Africa to Lesotho 2008.
  • Portside Building, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, 2013.
    Portside Building, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, 2013.
  • Mogalakwena Mine tailings dam, Limpopo South Africa, 2015.
    Mogalakwena Mine tailings dam, Limpopo South Africa, 2015.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Concor

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Concor Holdings (Pty) Ltd is a diversified South African construction and engineering firm specializing in infrastructure development, building projects, opencast mining services, and property sectors across sub-Saharan Africa. With origins dating to 1902 as Murray & Stewart in the Western Cape, the company—formerly Murray & Roberts Construction—has evolved into a key player in civil engineering and major infrastructure works, completing over 2,000 projects with more than 1,600 personnel engaged. Certified as a Level 1 B-BBEE contributor, Concor holds 51% black ownership and 30% black women ownership, emphasizing safe, sustainable, and timely delivery through accreditations like ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001, alongside a "Stop.Think.Act!" safety philosophy. Notable achievements include awards for the Kendal Ash Disposal Facility in environmental construction and leadership in renewable energy balance-of-plant projects, underscoring its role in critical sectors such as power stations, bridges, dams, and highways.

Origins and Early Development

Founding and Initial Structure

Concor was established in , , on 28 April 1948, initially as the Construction Corporation, a firm specializing in concrete construction. The company's name was derived from this original designation and later abbreviated to Concor. The founding was led by engineer Fernando Piccinini, who registered the entity, with an initial focus on and building works suited to post-World War II infrastructure demands in . Early operations emphasized practical construction techniques, laying the groundwork for expansion into broader projects. The initial was that of a private corporation, centered on core construction activities without formalized divisions at , reflecting a lean setup typical of mid-20th-century engineering firms in the region.

Early Projects and Expansion (1950s-1960s)

Following its establishment in Johannesburg on 28 April 1948 by engineer Fernando Piccinini as Construction Corporation, Concor quickly expanded into civil engineering projects amid South Africa's post-World War II infrastructure growth. In the early , the company secured contracts for bridge construction, leveraging innovative techniques in . A landmark project was the Storms River Bridge (also known as Paul Sauer Bridge) on the N2 highway, built between 1953 and 1956 under the supervision of construction engineer Bruno Desirello. Designed by Italian engineer , the 100-meter span featured open-spandrel arches assembled on-site and lowered into position using specialized rigging, marking one of the first major applications of such methods in . This success facilitated further expansion during the and , as Concor capitalized on national highway development and initiatives. The company grew its workforce and equipment capabilities, transitioning from smaller contracts to complex infrastructure works that supported in the region. By the mid-, Concor had established itself as a key player in Southern African , with operations extending beyond initial base to provincial projects.

Corporate Evolution and Ownership

Partnership with Hochtief

, a German and firm founded in 1873, established a significant ownership stake in Concor during the late and early 2000s, ultimately controlling approximately 45% of Concor's shares by 2005. This investment positioned as Concor's dominant shareholder, enabling the transfer of advanced technologies, practices, and global operational insights to enhance Concor's capabilities in and sectors. The partnership facilitated collaborative bidding and execution on large-scale infrastructure projects across . A notable example was the joint venture for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project's delivery tunnels, where Concor partnered with and Italy's Impregilo SpA; by 2000, Concor negotiated cost-capping agreements with partners to mitigate financial exposure amid project delays and overruns. Other joint efforts included the Hochtief-Concor JV, which participated in competitive tenders for civil works, though it later faced scrutiny in 2013 for alleged bid-rigging arrangements under South Africa's , resulting in administrative penalties for . Under 's influence, Concor expanded its , reporting interim earnings growth in 2005 partly attributable to diversified contracts supported by the parent's international network. However, this period also highlighted dependencies, as Concor's strategic decisions aligned closely with Hochtief's oversight, including limitations on regional expansion beyond joint ventures. The arrangement concluded in 2006 when Hochtief divested its stake to Holdings for R19.77 per share plus interest, facilitating Concor's full acquisition and delisting from the .

Acquisition by Murray & Roberts (2006)

In June 2006, Limited completed the acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital of Concor Limited, a publicly listed South African and firm, for a total cost of R340 million. The deal, initially notified to the in October 2005 under case number 101/LM/Oct05, received unconditional approval from the on 14 June 2006, enabling the transaction's closure on the same date. Payment for the acquisition was disbursed on 3 July 2006, after which Concor was delisted from the (JSE) effective that date. The acquisition integrated Concor's subsidiaries and operations into ' portfolio, bolstering the group's capabilities in heavy , building, and sectors. At the time, Concor contributed aggregate profits of R825.7 million to its subsidiaries, reflecting its established market position prior to consolidation in ' balance sheet as of 30 June 2006. This strategic purchase aligned with ' expansion efforts, including prior acquisitions like Cementation in , to capitalize on Africa's demands. Post-acquisition, launched integration initiatives to leverage Concor's expertise, such as in roads, earthworks, and specialized , while maintaining its operational autonomy under the Concor brand initially. The move enhanced the group's overall capacity amid emerging opportunities in the sector, without immediate of Concor's core divisions. Concor's subsequent performance under ownership included contributions to major projects, though it later faced challenges related to industry-wide issues like bid-rigging probes involving legacy activities.

Transfer to Consortium Ownership (2017) and Rebranding

In November 2016, announced the divestment of its and Buildings (I&B) , which encompassed the Concor divisions focused on , buildings, and opencast , to a led by the Southern Group for a total consideration of R314 million. The transaction aimed to streamline ' operations amid challenging market conditions in the construction sector. The sale was unconditionally approved by regulators and completed on 5 May 2017, transferring full ownership of the entities, including Concor, to the consortium comprising the (PIC)—South Africa's government employee pension investment manager—and the black-owned Southern Palace Group (SPG), with Firefly Investments facilitating aspects of the deal. This shift marked Concor's independence from , enabling focused operations under new black economic empowerment-aligned ownership. Post-transfer, Concor underwent to consolidate its identity as an autonomous entity, adopting the shortened name "Concor" for its core operations and introducing a modernized that emphasized continuity with its heritage while signaling renewed strategic direction. The aligned with its enhanced B-BBEE status, achieving Level 1 contributor certification due to the majority black ownership structure, which prioritized in line with South African legislative requirements. This positioned Concor to pursue opportunities in and sectors with improved compliance and market appeal.

Organizational Structure and Operations

Current Operating Divisions

Concor's current operating divisions encompass buildings, (including civils and specialized balance-of-plant works), services, property developments, and supporting plant operations, enabling the company to deliver integrated solutions across construction and resource sectors. These divisions reflect Concor's strategic focus on high-value, complex projects in , with an emphasis on , , and technical expertise. The Buildings division specializes in the construction of commercial, industrial, and institutional structures, managing end-to-end project delivery from design coordination to commissioning, with a track record in urban developments and high-rise projects. This unit prioritizes quality materials and efficient methodologies to meet client specifications in competitive markets. , often delivered through the Civils unit, addresses challenges such as roads, bridges, dams, pipelines, and water systems, incorporating advanced techniques like incremental launching for bridges and fast-track execution for power and transport infrastructure. It also includes CBoP (Civil Balance of Plant) and EBoP (Electrical Balance of Plant) for wind farms, supporting South Africa's transition through specialized civil and electrical works. As of , this division has secured contracts for ash disposal facilities and upgrades, demonstrating resilience in public-private partnerships. The Services division focuses on opencast operations, providing load-and-haul, earthworks, and contract solutions to major resource houses, with operations optimized for cost-efficiency and safety in challenging terrains like those at Mogalakwena Mine. This unit leverages Concor's historical expertise in bulk earthmoving and to support and extraction. Developments represents an emerging capability, involving project origination, feasibility studies, and development services to bridge gaps, often in with public entities. Complementing these, the division handles equipment hire, maintenance, and refurbishment, ensuring operational reliability across all units with a fleet tailored for heavy and demands.

Innovation, Patents, and Technological Advancements

Concor has demonstrated technological proficiency in bridge construction through the application of the incremental launching method, a technique involving the sequential casting and pushing of bridge segments from one abutment across spans, minimizing the need for extensive scaffolding or falsework in challenging terrains. This method was employed in projects such as the Caledon River Bridge in 2008, facilitating efficient construction over rugged South African-Lesotho border landscapes. Concor's implementation of this approach has contributed to the timely completion of multiple viaducts and bridges, including elements recognized in SAICE awards for meticulous design and execution. In basin and , Concor has utilized a patented PVC system to accelerate panel casting and enable consecutive pours, reducing cycle times and enhancing efficiency on large-scale like the Ash Disposal Facility expansion completed in 2024. This system, applied during the earthworks and basin phases, supported the project's environmental compliance and earned recognition in the AfriSam for Sustainable at the Construction World Best Projects Awards. The adoption of such specialized underscores Concor's focus on optimizing processes for ancillary facilities. While Concor emphasizes practical advancements in execution, indicate limited patents directly attributed to the company in recent years, with innovations primarily manifesting through the integration of licensed technologies and in-house optimizations in civil, , and building divisions. Historical shuttering improvements and support systems trace back to predecessor entities, reflecting evolutionary refinements in South African practices. Concor's awards, including SAISC Steel Awards commendations for industrial repairs like Kusile Chimneys in , highlight ongoing advancements in fabrication and repair techniques.

Notable Projects

Infrastructure and Civil Engineering Projects (1950s-1980s)

Concor's involvement in infrastructure and civil engineering during the 1950s to 1980s focused on critical transportation and water management projects across South Africa and neighboring countries, leveraging innovative construction techniques to address challenging terrains. The company contributed to national development by building iconic bridges and dams that enhanced connectivity and resource security. A seminal project in the 1950s was the Storms River Bridge (also known as Paul Sauer Bridge) in the , constructed between 1954 and 1956. This , spanning 157 meters and standing 98 meters above the river, was designed by Italian engineer and represented a pioneering use of prefabricated segments lowered into position. It facilitated improved access along the N2 highway through rugged coastal terrain. In the 1970s, Concor expanded into dam construction, including the Naute Dam near Keetmanshoop in Namibia's Karas Region, built from 1970 to 1972. The 37-meter-high earthfill dam, with a crest length of 470 meters, created a reservoir capacity of 60 million cubic meters primarily for irrigation, supporting agricultural development in arid areas. The 1980s saw Concor tackle high-risk projects like the Bloukrans Bridge on the N2 in the Eastern Cape, erected from 1980 to 1983 in a consortium with Murray & Roberts. At 216 meters above the river, this concrete arch bridge employed balanced cantilever methods to span 272 meters, becoming one of Africa's highest at the time and improving safety on the Wild Coast route. Concor also completed the in 1988, a 3.9-kilometer dual-lane bore through the Du Toitskloof Mountains in the , replacing a hazardous winding pass on the N1 between and Worcester. The project involved extensive rock excavation and ventilation systems, reducing travel time and accidents significantly. Additionally, in 1983, Concor constructed the dry cooling towers at in , supporting the facility's 3,840 MW coal-fired capacity with efficient water-saving technology suited to the region's semi-arid conditions. These towers, among the largest of their kind, exemplified Concor's expertise in power .

Mining and Building Projects (1990s-2000s)

During the 1990s and 2000s, Concor's mining operations emphasized , underground development, and support infrastructure for major South African mining houses, particularly in and sectors. Key projects included work at the Mine, featuring the construction of No. 14 shaft in province around 2000 to enable access to deeper reserves. Other mining contracts encompassed the Kleinkopje Colliery, Khuseleka Mine, and Mafuta Mine, contributing to opencast and underground extraction capabilities. In parallel, Concor's building division handled commercial, institutional, and high-rise constructions across urban centers. Notable among these was the Leadership Academy for Girls in , a 20,000 m² educational facility costing approximately R41 million, constructed between 2006 and 2007 to provide boarding and academic spaces for underprivileged students. Additional building projects included ABSA Towers West and various office developments, reflecting Concor's role in expanding South Africa's corporate and retail infrastructure during post-apartheid . These efforts aligned with rising commodity demand and , bolstering Concor's reputation for delivering complex, safety-focused projects amid challenging geological and labor conditions in the sector.

Recent Infrastructure and Renewable Energy Projects (2010s-2020s)

Concor's involvement in projects during the 2010s and 2020s included contributions to major power facilities and bridge constructions, while its renewable energy portfolio expanded significantly through civil works on wind farms, leveraging expertise in earthworks, roads, and foundations to support 's energy transition. In renewable energy, Concor completed for the Wind Farm, a 138 MW facility in the featuring 60 turbines rated at 2.3 MW each, including 50 km of gravel roads, hardstands, and foundations constructed amid sensitive habitat. The project, one of South Africa's early large-scale wind developments, achieved operational status around 2014 and powers approximately 100,000 homes. Concor handled main civils and earthworks for the 147 MW Roggeveld Wind Farm in the region, comprising 47 turbines with 3.15 MW capacity each, 32 km of internal roads, and foundations up to 18 m in ; construction commenced in 2019, enabling annual generation of 555,000 MWh. By 2020, the facility was recognized for excellence in , contributing to Concor's track record of over 10 wind farms since 2012, totaling more than 1,000 MW added to the national grid. On the infrastructure front, Concor participated in the via the MPS , delivering components such as 25 cooled condenser columns (4.5 m diameter, 50 m high) and turbine house structures including turbine tables for the 4,800 MW coal-fired facility in ; units synchronized progressively from 2013 to 2019. For the on the N2 Wild Coast highway in the , Concor in joint venture with advanced construction of a 580 m cable-stayed span with 127 m pylons and massive anchor blocks, entering technical pylon erection phases by 2024 to bridge a 200 m gorge and reduce travel times between and . Additional projects included the extension in the , where Concor managed construction leading to completion in September 2022, enhancing astronomical infrastructure. At , Concor built a 65 ha ash disposal facility with HDPE-lined basins for clean and polluted water management, earning recognition for environmental and engineering innovation. These efforts underscore Concor's role in delivering complex, large-scale works amid South Africa's infrastructure demands.

Performance, Achievements, and Challenges

Awards, Recognitions, and Economic Impact

Concor has garnered several industry awards recognizing its project execution, innovation, and sustainability efforts. In November 2024, Concor, in joint venture with Lubocon Civils, received two Construction World Best Projects Awards for the Ash Disposal Facility expansion at Eskom's Kendal Power Station, honoring achievements in civil engineering excellence and sustainable resource utilization amid stringent environmental regulations. In October 2024, two Concor projects were highlighted at the Southern Africa Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) Steel Awards for demonstrating innovation in structural steel applications and industrial-scale delivery. Earlier that year, Concor earned a safety commendation from the Master Builders Association North in the regional category for projects valued under R15 million, underscoring its fast-track implementation protocols. Additional recognitions include commendations in building categories and the AfriSam Sustainable Construction Award for projects attaining 6 Star Green Star SA Office certification and Net Zero Carbon Level 1 base building status. Concor's operations contribute to South Africa's economic , particularly in , , and civil sectors, aligning with national priorities for development and . Through localized and , projects have involved over 40 local subcontractors in select initiatives, fostering skills transfer and regional economic multipliers. As a Level 1 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) entity, Concor supports inclusive growth while delivering efficient outcomes, such as saving R10.9 million in virgin material costs via optimized concrete production in infrastructure works. Its project pipeline, including renewable energy balance-of-plant scopes, enhances sector capabilities and long-term economic resilience. Reported annual turnover stood at R1.6 billion as of 2021, reflecting scale in sub-Saharan infrastructure delivery.

Criticisms, Operational Challenges, and Industry Context

Concor has faced scrutiny for its participation in collusive bidding practices within South Africa's sector during the 2000s and early 2010s, as part of a broader industry uncovered by the Competition Commission. In 2013, revelations emerged that Concor withheld "loser fees"—covert payments to competitors who deliberately bid higher to secure contracts for participants—from rivals in the harbour project, undermining the 's internal agreements and contributing to its exposure. The Competition Tribunal issued a declaratory order in 2017 confirming Concor's contravention of the through market allocation and price-fixing arrangements with firms like WBHO and Group Five. These practices, which Concor admitted to in exchange for leniency in some instances, reflected systemic anti-competitive behavior amid high-stakes government tenders, though the company avoided full fines by cooperating with investigations. Operationally, Concor has encountered project-specific hurdles, including logistical complexities and environmental constraints, as seen in renewable energy developments like the De Aar 2 South Wind Energy Facility, where a high water table necessitated adaptive engineering solutions. Broader challenges stem from its ties to parent company (M&R), which in 2025 faced liquidation proceedings amid a "perfect storm" of failed projects, disruptions, and creditor pressures, impacting Concor's financial stability and access to funding despite ongoing contract wins. Employee feedback highlights precarious employment, with many workers on perpetual contracts due to inconsistent pipelines, exacerbating turnover in a skills-scarce environment. In the South African industry context, Concor operates amid chronic issues like cost overruns, delays, and , which have undermined public infrastructure rollouts since the 2010s. The sector grapples with intimidation by "construction mafia" groups demanding protection fees, skilled labor shortages, and inefficiencies, contributing to stalled projects and low productivity. from 2020 onward amplified these woes, causing retrenchments and payment delays for certified work, while climate-related disruptions like have further delayed timelines in the 2020s. Despite regulatory efforts, informality and non-compliance persist, limiting growth in a market projected to face strains from global factors like tariffs.

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