95 Years and Still Going Strong

95 Years and Still Going Strong

Publication: Mining Review Africa
Issue: October 2016

2016 represents South African engineering and environment consulting specialist Knight Piésold’s 95th year in business—a milestone achievement which officially makes it the oldest South African engineering and consulting company. Having evolved over the decades to meet changing industry needs, it is well positioned and prepared to extend its successful legacy for another 95 years, writes Laura Cornish.

Not only is Knight Piésold 100% privately owned, and 180 head strong, but it is focused on delivering an environmentally protected planet for generations to come, but is doing so according to the legislative requirements the South African government has stipulated.

The company’s broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) status has been Level 2 for the past five years, which according to mining technical director Andrew Copeland, is one of many competitive advantages the consulting specialist has to offer the mining industry. “We are also fully ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001 accredited,” he adds.

“Unlike most businesses in our profession, Knight Piésold has survived through many economic ups and downs and has in fact grown subsequent to a few name changes, and we plan to continue using our strengths as we approach a century in business,” he says. Today the company has five offices in
South Africa and three in Namibia, two offices in Zambia, Swaziland and the DRC. They all form part of a large global corporation headquartered in Denver, US with supporting offices in Canada, United
Kingdom, Ghana and South America as well. (The South African office, founded by Dr. Francis Edgar Kanthack in 1921, was the original head office.)

 

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