We specialise in machining (Conventional and CNC), fabrication (up to 12 tons), sand blasting, hot metal zinc spraying, bridge bearings and concrete testing equipment. Othmar Bach, a Swiss national who emigrated to South Africa in 1939, founded Nova Engineering Works (Pty) Ltd in 1946. The company was named after Nova Engineering in Switzerland where Othmar Bach served his apprenticeship as a Fitt
er and Turner. The company began life as a precision machine shop engaged primarily in the manufacture of pump shafts and various components for the asbestos cement industry. The business operated from the horse stables until the first small factory was built. Today the company still occupies the same premises, which have a land area of 3700 square meters, with 2700 square meters of under-roof factory space. The company is now in its second generation of family ownership, being directed by Thomas George Bach, who joined Nova Engineering Works in 1981. Our dedicated staff, which consists of graduate and diploma engineers, qualified artisans, coded welders, trained operators and qualified administrators, have been crucial to the success and growth of the company. They remain committed to perfection, high product quality, efficiency and outstanding customer service.
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On a subcontract basis, we have been involved in the manufacture of materials handling equipment for many years. Our specialty here is the manufacture of Wheelsets, Bogies, Running Gear and Scraper chains. These products are used in stockyards of power stations, mines, export terminals and the like. Products handled include coal, ore, woodchips and ash. In addition, we design and manufacture a number of our own products, such as Nova Bridge Bearings and Nova Concrete Testing Equipment. Since 1964, starting with the Buccleuch Interchange, Nova Bridge Bearings have been used on many of the largest structures in the country. These include the Heidelberg Road Interchange, the Malibamatso Bridge in Lesotho and the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Johannesburg. The bridge bearings supplied for the Nelson Mandela Bridge provided an interesting challenge due to their large size and high load carrying capacity. Harper Road Bridge received the Fulton Award in 1997. We are very proud to have been involved in such projects. The Gautrain Project utilized Nova Bridge Bearings for the majority of its structures. We also fabricated the 30 ton expansion joints used for the John Vorster and Jean Avenue viaducts as well as the 360 kg platform support brackets for the elevated stations, such as the ORTIA Station at the Johannesburg International Airport. All manufacturing is in accordance with Nova Engineering Quality Management System. We ensure that these standards are never compromised and guarantee a superior product. In conclusion, we see ourselves as a well established full service Company, able to handle light to medium general engineering work.
