about us
our history
WEBCO TOOLS is a wholly owned South African enterprise, originally founded as Burns Rivers & Co. (Pty) Ltd in 1905 and has consistently operated as a mining supply company.
Webco Tools (Pty) Ltd is a trusted South African supplier proudly serving professionals across a wide range of industries. With years of experience and a strong commitment to excellence, we provide reliable products that meet the demands of precision, performance, and durability. Our knowledgeable team is dedicated to offering expert guidance, exceptional customer service, and innovative solutions to help our clients get the job done right — every time. At Webco Tools, we don’t just supply tools; we build lasting partnerships based on trust and quality.
1905
Mr. Burns and Mr. Rivers arrived in South Africa and established the company to cater to the mining industry in downtown Johannesburg, which included areas like City Deep, Crown Mines, Village Main, Simmer & Jack, and E.R.P.M. Initially, Burns Rivers imported and sold a variety of products, including Chesterman measuring tools, Fry’s chocolate (which was Cadbury's back then), Lyons Tea, Ricketts Blue, and Royal Doulton smelting crucibles.
Both founders married South African women, but their unions only produced daughters. Consequently, the husbands of these daughters eventually joined the business. At this point, Mr. Allan and Mr. Johnston became joint shareholders, and Mr. J.T. Webster was employed by the organization. Burns Rivers also acquired the property at No. 56 Main Street, Johannesburg, which today serves as the headquarters for Anglo Vaal Mining.
During World War II, tragedy struck when Mr. Allan was killed, leaving Mr. Johnston as the sole shareholder of Burns Rivers.
Both founders married South African women, but their unions only produced daughters. Consequently, the husbands of these daughters eventually joined the business. At this point, Mr. Allan and Mr. Johnston became joint shareholders, and Mr. J.T. Webster was employed by the organization. Burns Rivers also acquired the property at No. 56 Main Street, Johannesburg, which today serves as the headquarters for Anglo Vaal Mining.
During World War II, tragedy struck when Mr. Allan was killed, leaving Mr. Johnston as the sole shareholder of Burns Rivers.
1906
Rabone, a measuring tape company from the UK, acquired Chesterman of SheWeld, rebranding it as Rabone Chesterman, and they became world leaders in linear measuring equipment. Burns Rivers continued to support the expanding South African mining sector, which included copper, collieries, diamonds, gold, and platinum mines.
1968
Mr. Jack Webster purchased the company from the retiring Mr. Johnston.
1987
Burns Rivers made pivotal decisions, choosing to manufacture measuring tools locally in South Africa. Craig Webster, Mr. Webster’s son, began acquiring capital equipment to become the Yrst company to produce a full range of measuring tools.
1990
WEBCO TOOLS was launched as a registered trademark and brand, marking Craig's shift from being solely a mining supplier after 85 years.
Under the leadership of Craig Webster and his team, WEBCO has flourished, establishing itself as the premier measuring tool brand in Southern Africa. The company holds ISO 9002 certiYcation and the EC Mark of Approval, meeting international accuracy standards for their tool range.
Under the leadership of Craig Webster and his team, WEBCO has flourished, establishing itself as the premier measuring tool brand in Southern Africa. The company holds ISO 9002 certiYcation and the EC Mark of Approval, meeting international accuracy standards for their tool range.
1993
WEBCO initiated an export drive to diversify its customer base, exporting to various countries including all Southern African nations, Mauritius, New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Poland, and Taiwan.
WEBCO supplies all major mines in South Africa, such as Anglo Gold, GoldYelds, Harmony, Impala Platinum, Amplats, Lohnro Mining, and many mines in Ghana, Turkey, and Ireland, offering a diverse range of surveying and measuring equipment. Their products include woven mining tapes, clino rules, survey pegs, survey spads, tripods, staves, measuring wheels, and dumpy levels.
WEBCO supplies all major mines in South Africa, such as Anglo Gold, GoldYelds, Harmony, Impala Platinum, Amplats, Lohnro Mining, and many mines in Ghana, Turkey, and Ireland, offering a diverse range of surveying and measuring equipment. Their products include woven mining tapes, clino rules, survey pegs, survey spads, tripods, staves, measuring wheels, and dumpy levels.
2001
WEBCO expanded its offerings by introducing an exciting new line of hand tools, including pliers, screwdrivers, G- clamps, laser levels, and gardening tools. The company remains committed to its mission statement, core business values, and strategic vision by investing in staff training, complying with the new equity bill, and upgrading its Information Technology systems.
2006
WEBCO established WEBCO TOOLS AUSTRALIA and ventured into motorsport by sponsoring a Mercedes Benz C270 CDi production racing car branded with WEBCO.
2007 - 2008
WEBCO relocated to a modern factory at 19 Brunton Circle, Founders View South, benefiting from high visibility along the main road. In 2008, the company launched the WEBCO Collections, catering to the DIY, gardening, and mining sectors, along with a new online ordering system for the convenience of WEBCO suppliers everywhere.
As the WEBCO product range expanded, sales and turnover continued to rise, increasing awareness of the WEBCO brand. WEBCO proudly holds an oWcial accredited LEVEL 6 contributor status on the BEE scorecard.
The year 2008 also brought the “OBARO Supplier of the Year Award”, recognizing WEBCO's achievements.
WEBCO is exceptionally well-positioned for future growth and eagerly anticipates an exciting journey ahead.
As the WEBCO product range expanded, sales and turnover continued to rise, increasing awareness of the WEBCO brand. WEBCO proudly holds an oWcial accredited LEVEL 6 contributor status on the BEE scorecard.
The year 2008 also brought the “OBARO Supplier of the Year Award”, recognizing WEBCO's achievements.
WEBCO is exceptionally well-positioned for future growth and eagerly anticipates an exciting journey ahead.
our team members
The team at Webco Tools is dedicated, knowledgeable, and passionate about delivering quality service, expert advice, and reliable solutions to every customer.