In African infrastructure circles, few names carry the same respect and influence as CADCON Steel Construction & Engineering. Starting from a modest Pretoria garage in 1987, CADCON has grown into a leading force in South Africa’s structural steel sector, helping shape the continent’s skylines with precision and strength.
The Genesis of CADCON
The story of CADCON is one of vision, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Founded by mechanical engineering student Gerhard Meiring, the company originally named CADCOR embarked on its journey by undertaking light steelwork and sundry metalwork projects. The early 1990s marked a significant turning point when Barry Barnard joined Meiring, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to quality.
In 1995, CADCOR acquired industrial property in Centurion, constructing its first workshop and office facility spanning 2,100m², equipped with four overhead cranes. This investment laid the groundwork for the company’s first major project in 1996: the BMW Paint Shop contract in Rosslyn. This project served as a catalyst, propelling CADCOR into the limelight and establishing its reputation for delivering complex steel structures with precision and efficiency.
By 1999, with Meiring’s emigration to Australia, the company underwent a strategic restructuring. Richard Butler and Johan Jonker joined Barnard at the helm, and the company was rebranded as CADCON (Pty) Ltd. This new leadership trio steered the company through a decade of growth, culminating in the award of the Medupi project in 2006, a joint venture with two other steel manufacturers that marked the beginning of CADCON’s second wave of rapid expansion.
Facilities and Capabilities
Today, CADCON’s headquarters in Lyttelton, Pretoria, stand as a testament to its evolution. The company’s facilities encompass four workshops covering a total of 15,600m², serviced by 26 overhead cranes. A 15,000m² stockyard and an equally expansive outdoor painting and blasting facility underscore CADCON’s capacity to handle large-scale projects with agility and precision.
With a monthly production capacity of approximately 600 tons of fabricated steel, CADCON’s capabilities extend across project management, 3D modeling, detailed draughting, and the supply, fabrication, and erection of both structural steel and platework. The integration of TEKLA PowerFab software facilitates a systematic, collaborative approach to managing fabrication, ensuring that each project adheres to the highest standards of quality and efficiency.
A Legacy of Achievement
Over the past decade, CADCON has amassed an impressive portfolio of projects that span various sectors, including industrial, commercial, mining, and renewable energy. Notable projects include the Time Square Sun Arena, for which CADCON was the overall winner at the 2018 Steel Awards, and the architectural steel category winner in 2017 for the casino and hotel development at the same location.
Other significant projects encompass the BMW Paint Shop in Rosslyn, the 700-ton Mercedes Paint Shop in East London, and the Redstone Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Project, one of South Africa’s largest renewable energy investments, set to provide electricity to a substantial number of homes.
Shaping the Future
As of 2025, CADCON continues to demonstrate its prowess through a series of high-profile projects. The company is actively involved in the development of the Eastport Logistics Park in Gauteng, showcasing its ability to deliver large-scale industrial facilities. Additionally, CADCON contributed to constructing the roof of new padel courts, enhancing the infrastructure of a bustling commercial hub.
Voices from the Helm
This unwavering commitment to reliability and excellence has been instrumental in cultivating long-standing relationships with clients across various sectors.
Director Abri Barnard, reflecting on the company’s recent accolades, remarked, “What an incredible milestone for CADCON and our industry! The 2023 Steel Awards truly showcased the extraordinary teamwork and innovation in the world of steel construction.”
Such sentiments underscore the collaborative spirit and innovative drive that permeate CADCON’s operations. From its humble origins to its current status as a powerhouse in steel construction and engineering, CADCON’s journey is emblematic of the transformative potential inherent in vision, dedication, and innovation. As Africa continues to urbanise and industrialise, the demand for robust, reliable infrastructure will only intensify. In this context, CADCON stands poised to play a pivotal role, leveraging its extensive experience, cutting-edge facilities, and unwavering commitment to excellence to shape the continent’s built environment for generations to come.
For More Info On CADCON Steel Construction and Engineering:
info@cadcon.co.za
https://www.cadcon.co.za/