CELEBRATING NEARLY 115 YEARS
OF EXCELLENCE
As we approach nearly 115 years since our founding in 1910, Dickinson Group of Companies reflects on a rich history of excellence and innovation.
James Halliwell Dickinson, the great-grandfather of Trevor Dickinson, our present Chairman, was born in Lancashire, England, in 1880. A man of ambition, James Dickinson decided to emigrate to South Africa in 1901. In 1910, he established J.H. Dickinson Construction (Pty) Ltd, which later became J.H. Dickinson & Son (Pty) Ltd after his son John R. Dickinson's birth. The company quickly gained renown as a master builder, leaving its mark on many landmarks in Vereeniging.
In 1928, our journey into industrial services began with the installation of refractories for one of South Africa's first blast furnaces. This marked the start of our industrial services business, and by 1935, we were known as John R. Dickinson Refractory Brickwork Specialists (Pty) Ltd. Over the years, James Dickinson ventured into various other businesses, laying the foundation for our diverse operations today.
1937
1940
1946
1951
J.H. DICKINSON ESTATES (PTY) LTD
DICKINSON MOTORS (PTY) LTD
UNION CERAMICS COMPANY (PTY) LTD
HENLEY PIPE COMPANY (PTY) LTD
Following in his father's footsteps, Neville Dickinson joined John R. Dickinson in the family business. In 1966, as the third generation of leadership, Neville oversaw the company's transformation into J. R. Dickinson & Sons (Pty) Ltd, earning a reputation as The Refractory Specialists. Over the years, Neville diversified the company's offerings, expanding into a broad range of specialist products and services for refractory-consuming industries.
1984
1986
1988
REFRACTORY FIBRE &
ANCHOR SYSTEMS (PTY) LTD
Refractory Anchor Systems
REFGUN (PTY) LTD
Precast Refractory Shapes
FIBREFORM (PTY) LTD
Ceramic Fibre Products
Trevor Dickinson's entry into the family business in 1990 marked a pivotal moment for Dickinson Group of Companies. His leadership vision was instrumental in establishing DGC AFRICA's aspiration to be the leading Asset Integrity Management & Industrial Solutions company in Africa. Moreover, under his guidance, DGC Global Solutions was founded with a broader global vision, aiming to become the leading provider of asset integrity management and industrial solutions both in Africa and internationally.
1995
1996
1997
2010
DICKINSON DEMOLITIONS (PTY) LTD Furnace Demolition Services
DICKINSON HOLDINGS
TRADING (PTY) LTD
Group's South African holding company
DICKINSON PROJECTS (PTY) LTD together with Trevor's brothers
Grant and Gavin the company became
renowned as a leading property
development company in South Africa
J.R. DICKINSON & SONS (PTY) LTD
name changed to
DICKINSON GROUP (PTY) LTD
2014
2020
2020
2022
Establishment of DGC AFRICA with the incorporation of DICKINSON KALIS ZAMBIA LTD
Name changed from DICKINSON GROUP (PTY) LTD to DICKINSON FURNACE SERVICES (PTY) LTD, consolidating all
Furnace Services within one entity.
Establishment of DICKINSON INDUSTRIES (PTY) LTD, consolidating all Industrial Products & Services within one entity.
Establishment of DGC INTERNATIONAL LTD, DGC's international holding company.
2022
2023
2024
2024
Formation of DGC AFRICA (DRC) S.A.S. subsidiary in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Launch of DGC Global Solutions Localisation (Franchise) Partnership Business Model.
Establishment of DGC Madagascar SA subsidiary in Madagascar & partnership with MC Mining
Establishment of DGC Zimbabwe Pvt. Ltd joint venture in Zimbabwe with Browhil Trading
2024
2024
Formation of SARENS DGC S.A.S. joint venture in the Democratic Republic of Congo with SARENS NV (Belgium)
Establishment of DGC LATAM Ltda. joint venture in Brazil with DME Engenharia
The company's vision is to be recognized as a global leading asset integrity management and industrial solutions company, based on providing innovative solutions and market-leading technologies while continuing our leadership in Africa and selected global regions.