From humble beginnings in 1947 in Walvis Bay, Kraatz has evolved into a leader in industrial, maritime and offshore engineering. “We proudly combine Namibian heritage with advanced technical know-how, delivering cutting-edge, diverse, adaptable and viable solutions that meet the highest international industry standards, including uncompromising compliance to local and international safety regulations, which are paramount in our industry,” says Frank Kernstock, Managing Director, Kraatz.
Kraatz is actively involved at most mines across Namibia, providing comprehensive services from plant design to detailing. Their expertise extends to SMPP solutions, including structural steel, plate work, piping, fabrication and installation. Kraatz also specializes in relining SAG mills, ball mills and rod mills, along with supplying wear plate liners. They construct carbon steel and stainless-steel tanks to API 650 standards and perform tank repairs in accordance with API 653 standards. Additionally, Kraatz excels in stripping down and inspecting various components within process plants.
Our industrial division consists of highly skilled, passionate and motivated employees with years of experience, successfully executing a wide range of exceptional services within the mining, chemical, petro-chemical and general industrial sectors.
Kraatz’s valued clients include Swakop Uranium, Navachab Gold mine, Namdeb and Debmarine, Lewcor, B2Gold, ADP, Namcor, Walvis Bay Salt Company and Dundee Precious Metals as well as IAP, Rössing Uranium, Lodestone and Ohorongo Cement.
They take immense pride in their work for the mining industry, consistently delivering on time, within budget and to world-class standards.
Kraatz has workshops in Lüderitz, Tsumeb, Windhoek and Walvis Bay. Together with their smart partner, Kraatz offers a main workshop facility of 12 000m² under cover with five bays and one paint bay, one off sandblasting area, 17 overhead cranes – 5T to 20 ton, 140 passionate employees, structural and conveyor 480 tpm, 600tpm repetitive platework e.g. CIL tanks and 120tpm chute / bin class platework.
Two of the recent projects highlighted below showcase Kraatz’s capability, innovation, adaptability and world-class standards:
The disposal and replacement of the CCD Flocculant Mixing Tank B at Rössing Uranium was a critical project ensuring safety and efficiency at the facility. The work involved detailed planning and execution, including fabrication, inspection, cleaning, painting, assembly and installation of the new tank, all in compliance with API 650 standards. This structured approach, from pre-manufacturing to on-site assembly and installation, highlighted the meticulous attention to detail necessary for such an undertaking. This project highlighted their world-class capabilities, using innovative welding techniques to ensure structural integrity and advanced quality control procedures, including various tests by internal and third party inspectors, to maintain high standards. Additionally, Kraatz worked night shifts, increasing project capacity by 60% to meet tight deadlines.
Kraatz also undertook the replacement of the corroded steel structure supporting two calcine reactors at Rössing Uranium. This project involved the decommissioning, demolition and construction of a new support structure, executed during the scheduled shutdown in March 2024, with preparatory activities starting in February. The demolition phase included disconnection and removal of reactor pipes, platforms and steel members, while the fabrication phase involved creating detailed workshop drawings, cutting and welding new steel components and erecting the new structure with all necessary platforms, walkways and bracings.
Kraatz’s innovative sequential welding techniques ensured structural integrity, while advanced quality control procedures, including internal and third-party inspections, maintained high standards. Unique approaches, coupled with a commitment to continuous learning, once again delivered and underscored Kraatz’s reputation for world-class deliverance.
“We take great pride in the enduring relationships with our mining clients, who consistently choose Kraatz because of our shared commitment to excellence,” says Jacques van Nieuwholtz, Project Manager, Kraatz.
Frank Kernstock adds: “While we have a strong presence in the mining industry, we are equally proud to support the green hydrogen and oil and gas industries with our innovative and sustainable solutions and world-class expertise. Additionally, we take pride in our successful installations of numerous solar plants across Namibia and our work within the marine and offshore sector. We also celebrate our most recent achievement of ISO 9001:2015 certification from Det Norske Veritas (DNV), which emphasises our commitment to international quality management standards.”
With all efforts actioned to deliver exceptional, unique services Kraatz continues to uphold its dedication to quality, safety and reliability and remains a respected and influential leader, pioneering innovative engineering solutions to create a better Namibia.
