NOVA ENGINEERING WORKS (PTY) LTD was established in 1946 as a precision machine shop engaged primarily in the manufacture of pump shafts and components for the asbestos cement industry. The Company has grown into an organization employing around 50 persons and undertakes all types of machining (both conventional and C.N.C.) as well as light and heavy fabrication work.
We design and manufacture a number of our own products, such as Nova Bridge Bearings and Nova Concrete Testing Equipment. Since 1964, starting with the Buccleuch Interchange, Nova Bridge Bearings have been used on many of the largest structures in the country. Othmar Bach, a Swiss national who emigrated to South Africa in 1939, founded Nova Engineering Works (Pty) Ltd in 1946. The company was named after Nova Engineering in Switzerland where Othmar Bach served his apprenticeship as a Fitter and Turner. The company began life as a precision machine shop engaged primarily in the manufacture of pump shafts and various components for the asbestos cement industry.
In 1950 he purchased a farm “plot”, in the Johannesburg suburb of Cleveland. The business operated from the horse stables until the first small factory was built. Today the company still occupies the same premises, which have a land area of 3700 square meters, with 2700 square meters of under-roof factory space. The company is now in its second generation of family ownership, being directed by Thomas George Bach, who joined Nova Engineering Works in 1981.
Our dedicated staff, which consists of graduate and diploma engineers, qualified artisans, coded welders, trained operators and qualified administrators, have been crucial to the success and growth of the company. They remain committed to perfection, high product quality, efficiency and outstanding customer service. On a subcontract basis, we have been involved in the manufacture of materials handling equipment for many years. Our specialty here is the manufacture of Wheelsets, Bogies, Running Gear and Scraper chains. All manufacturing is in accordance with Nova Engineering Quality Management System. We ensure that these standards are never compromised and guarantee a superior product. In conclusion, we see ourselves as a well established full service Company, able to handle light to medium general engineering work.