About Thos Begbie
The company has a proud South African history and was started by the Scottish marine engineer and pioneer Thomas Begbie in 1887 during the gold-rush era in the newly proclaimed town of Johannesburg.As a consequence of the Boer War Settlement Agreement after the British troops defeated Paul Kruger’s Republic, the company was relocated to Middelburg, 100 miles east of Johannesburg.
Little was it considered at that time that over the next century, Middelburg would become one of the most progressive growth areas in mining and industry and the electricity generation hub of the country.
70% of South Africa’s electricity is produced in coal-fired power stations in this district which also supports world-renowned stainless steel and ferroalloy production.
The company boasts being the preferred vendor to the majority of smelters in 23 countries around the globe. They specialize in providing water-cooled pure copper elements to the pyrometallurgical industry. Every item is produced to strict tolerances and specifications in accordance with the ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing facilities in Middelburg.
Vision
Strategic partner to our Global customers, providing expert holistic solutions in the mining and smelting industry whilst creating a better future for all.
Protect Your Furnaces
Reduce downtime and protect against burn-through with our cooling elements.
Trusted & Certified
ISO 9001:2015, with extensive NDT and metallurgical capabilities.
Mission
Add sustainable value to our customers and all stakeholders, whilst remaining the global preferred supplier, through innovation and collaboration.
Full-Service Solution
From machining and casting to welding, refurbishment, testing, and assembly.
Always On Call
We’re ready 24/7 to deliver urgent parts, anywhere in the world.
Thos Begbie & Co – Copper Manufacturing Division
At Thos Begbie & Co, precision, reliability, and innovation define our Copper Manufacturing Division. We specialise in manufacturing world-class, water-cooled copper components designed to withstand the extreme demands of the pyrometallurgical industry.
Our manufacturing facilities are ISO-certified and equipped with advanced machining, fabrication, and preassembly capabilities. From tapping blocks and pressure rings to launders, smelt mouth liners, and contact shoes, each component is engineered to provide exceptional thermal performance and durability under operating temperatures.
In our dedicated preassembly area, components are fully assembled and jointly inspected by our team and the client to ensure a perfect fit. Once approved, each item is clearly marked, carefully disassembled, and logically packed for efficient on-site installation—reducing delays and guaranteeing seamless integration into your furnace systems.
Trusted by smelters in over 23 countries worldwide, Thos Begbie & Co delivers precision-engineered copper solutions that improve furnace efficiency, extend refractory life, and enhance operational safety.
Specialist Copper Component Manufacturing
Our Pyrometallurgical Components Manufacturing Facility includes a fully equipped 7,000 m² foundry with overhead cranes and seven furnaces—comprising four gas-fired and three induction units—capable of single castings up to 17 tonnes. We produce a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, including Meehanite iron, chrome-zirconium alloys, stainless steel, and specialty bronzes. An automatic sand and resin mixing plant ensures consistently high-integrity moulds, regardless of external conditions.
In addition, our General Engineering and Machining Division features a state-of-the-art machine shop with CNC and DRO-controlled lathes, boring mills, drilling equipment, and 4-axis tables capable of handling castings up to 8 tonnes. Our CNC programming department creates precise 3D models from client drawings, ensuring optimal accuracy and alignment with project specifications.
Trusted Partner to the Smelting Industry
With over 135 years of experience and a legacy of excellence, Thos Begbie & Co continues to set the standard in manufacturing for the pyrometallurgical industry. Our depth of expertise, cutting-edge facilities, and commitment to integrity makes us the trusted choice for copper cooling element solutions globally.
Tube Manufacturing, Refurbishment & Preassembly
Our Manufacturing, Refurbishment, and Preassembly Plant is equipped to handle complex water-circuit systems. Using Monel and other alloys, we fabricate intricate coils and tubing systems that are integrated into our copper castings. The Refurbishment division restores returned castings for re-use in client furnaces, promoting sustainability and cost-efficiency.
In our Preassembly Area, finished components are precisely assembled, inspected by clients and in-house quality personnel, and then clearly marked, disassembled, and logically packed for shipment. This approach minimizes installation delays and ensures components fit perfectly on-site.
Global Responsiveness & Reliability
We operate 24/7 to accommodate clients across different time zones, especially during emergency shutdowns—where time is critical. Our global clients rely on our ability to deliver under pressure and our reputation for achieving the impossible in time-sensitive situations.
Thos Begbie & Co – Steel & Platework Fabrication
At Thos Begbie & Co, precision, performance, and customer satisfaction are at the core of everything we do.
Our Fabrication workshop is equipped with advanced welding, cutting and bending capabilities, supported by a skilled team of artisans and inspectors.
Workshop & Equipment Capacity
Our expansive workshops are built to handle large-scale, high-complexity projects, with the following capabilities:
Overhead Cranage
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1 × 30-ton overhead crane (20m lift height)
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3 × 15-ton overhead cranes
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2 × 10-ton overhead cranes
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2 × 5-ton overhead cranes
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1 × 3-ton overhead crane
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Roof clearance: Up to 20 metres
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Mobile lifting equipment also available on-site
Thos Begbie & Co – Graphite Freezeline Solutions
Graphite Freezeline Solutions (Pty) Ltd (GFS) is the latest addition to the Thos Begbie Holdings Group, which has served the mining and pyrometallurgical industry for over 131 years.
GFS offers specialised products and solutions for customers requiring efficient, heat-resistant refractory materials—available in both carbon and various grades of synthetic graphite.
Each component is precisely machined to tight tolerances to meet specific customer requirements.
The GFS facility is located at the Thos Begbie site in Middelburg and is fully equipped with CNC milling and routing equipment to ensure high accuracy and repeatable quality.
Over the past two decades, Thos Begbie has established itself as the preferred supplier of water-cooled copper coolers. Graphite and carbon bricks have been applied directly to these coolers on-site before being shipped to furnace facilities. With GFS now operating from the same site, this integrated approach creates a true one-stop solution for the industry.
Why choose Graphite Freezeline Solutions?
- No limitations on the types and grades of graphite and carbon available
- Capability to machine bricks precisely to any customer requirement
- Over 20 years of experience applying graphite to copper coolers
- Decades of proven expertise offering on-site application advice
- A facility that operates around the clock, 24/7
- ISO-certified site with in-house inspection and NDT (non-destructive testing) capabilities
- Global supply footprint reaching 23 countries
Typical Properties Of Graphite
- Chemically inert
- Excellent resistance to most chemicals
- Low thermal expansion at elevated temperatures
- Extremely high melting point
- Superior resistance to thermal shock
- Easily machined into complex shapes