Founded in Durban in 1998, SBS Tanks began operations as Pioneer Water Tanks’ exclusive distributor in Sub-Saharan Africa before growing into one of the region’s leading steel tank manufacturers, with more than 4,000 tanks installed across 36 countries. The business employs more than 200 people and operates a 19,000sqm manufacturing site serving municipal, mining, agricultural, fire protection and commercial sectors.
SBS has strong site installation teams of 70+ employees working across Africa, as well as sales and project management offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa, Nairobi in Kenya and Texas in the United States.
The acquisition increases Ahrens Group’s workforce to more than 2,000 employees globally and further strengthens Ahrens’ international water portfolio, boosting our existing offerings by Pioneer Water Tanks, Southern Cross Water and Altanks.
Ahrens Managing Director Stefan Ahrens said the acquisition aligns strongly with the Group’s long-term vision for growth while enhancing its ability to deliver water infrastructure solutions across global markets.
“SBS brings significant capability to our business and strengthens our position as a global water infrastructure provider,” Mr Ahrens said.
“They have built an outstanding reputation across Africa and international export markets, supported by strong engineering expertise, quality manufacturing, dedicated installation teams and a customer-first approach that aligns closely with our own values.
“This acquisition reinforces our position as the number one lined steel water tank company in the world and drives our long term vision to become the world’s number one steel water tank business. SBS gives us a substantial manufacturing footprint in Africa, complements our existing operations in Australia, Vietnam and the United States, and opens up exciting opportunities across new markets.”
SBS’s experience in large-scale commercial and municipal water storage projects broadens Ahrens’ product offering and supports future growth.
“The acquisition enhances our manufacturing capability, expands our product range and gives us greater access to growing international markets,” Stef said.
SBS Founder and Group CEO Delayne Gray said Ahrens was a natural partner for the next stage of the company’s journey.
“Ahrens understands our industry, our customers and our purpose,” Delayne said.
“Given SBS originally began as a Pioneer Water Tanks distributor, there is a level of familiarity and trust that has existed for many years. This partnership feels like a natural evolution.
“What stood out most was Ahrens’ respect for legacy, people and culture. As a family-owned business with a proud history of its own, they understand the importance of protecting what has been built while creating opportunities for future growth.”
SBS Group Finance Director Matthew Cole said the partnership was founded on strong alignment between the two organisations.
“We saw a business built around multiple generations working together with a shared vision for the future, which mirrors our own philosophy,” Matt said.
“We believe bringing our businesses together will create greater opportunities for our people, our customers and the markets we serve.”
SBS will continue to operate under its existing structure, supported by the resources, expertise and global reach of Ahrens.
Thank you to Matt Cole and Ahrens Group CFO Riley Ahrens for their collaborative work in ensuring a smooth business transaction.
Visit the SBS Tanks website to learn more about the business: https://www.sbstanks.com/
