BOILERCRAFT Africa, based in Ballito, is expanding to bigger premises as it gears up to manufacture its own range of flexible-fuel boilers by the end of 2025.
The company’s owner, Samantha Swanepoel, explains BoilerCraft Africa’s rapid evolution. “We set up a KwaZulu-Natal branch of Cyclotherm Boilers, based in Shaka’s Head, Ballito in December last year. The demand for our services was strong, but we were limiting ourselves by only supplying steam boilers.” The company rebranded to BoilerCraft Africa in June this year and continues to supply Cyclotherm products, along with other brands.
On 1 August, well-known boiler specialist Martin Swanepoel joined as managing director. Respected in the industry, Swanepoel’s family has been involved in boiler manufacturing, installation and servicing since the 1970s. He was previously CEO of Cyclotherm Boilers, based in Johannesburg.
Due to increased demand, BoilerCraft Africa is in the process of moving to a new 600 sqm facility with a fully equipped manufacturing plant, a dedicated electrical division for PLC panel manufacturing, expanded service and refurbishment capabilities and additional office space.
The company plans to launch new product lines, one being locally manufactured boilers. Drawing on Martin’s passion for boiler construction, the three-pass steam and hot-water boilers will have flexible fuel options. “Clients will be able to choose to run the boiler on light-oil, HFO, coal or gas,” says Samantha.
The range is due to start testing within the next few months and will include boilers from 200 kg/hour to 16 ton/hour, with pressures from 10 to 17 bar.
For Martin, it’s an opportunity to translate years of experience into a physical product. “I am truly excited to have joined BoilerCraft Africa at such a pivotal time, I have always been passionate about the process of taking a simple sheet of metal and, through skill and precision, crafting it into a boiler which is often the heartbeat of an operation.
“With our expansion, new products, and enhanced capabilities, I believe we have an incredible opportunity to deliver lasting value to our clients and contribute meaningfully to the industries we serve,” he says.
“BoilerCraft Africa has already created nearly 20 jobs locally, with many employees not at work when they joined us,” Samantha says. “But local production not only creates local employment and skills development, but it also enhances customisation and cuts lead times by weeks, compared to imported options,” she adds.
Samantha says being based in Ballito was a lifestyle choice, but that the location has proven ideal, close to clients, embedded in a thriving business community and well-positioned to serve the wider region.
KwaZulu-Natal is undergoing significant development, particularly along the North Coast. With a background in banking, Samantha senses that the region is becoming a key economic driver in South Africa, with large-scale infrastructure projects, expanding industrial zones, and investment in manufacturing and logistics.
“Ballito offers strong connectivity to Durban’s port, major transport routes and a growing local economy. For BoilerCraft Africa, being based here allows us to align with this upward momentum, respond quickly to client needs, and actively participate in the province’s long-term growth story.”
Samantha says she sees the company’s role as contributing meaningfully to the economic development of the region. “Whether through employment, working with local suppliers, or investing in our operations, our aim is to create value that extends beyond our business.”
