More than 50 years of Engineering Excellence

Established in 1956, GIBB, its dedicated staff, and its passion for excellence, have contributed to shaping South Africa for over 50 years. Although the last 15 years (democratic South Africa) have been the most significant, numerous achievements throughout GIBB’s existence reflect the exceptional quality and standards that established GIBB as one of the top engineering consultancy companies in South Africa.

The company started as Hill Kaplan & Partners, co-founded by David Hill and Leo Kaplan in Cape Town as the first multi-disciplinary consulting structural and electrical engineering company in Cape Town. By 1966 the name changed to Hill Kaplan Scott & Partners, when Quentin Scott, a Civil Engineer, joined as a partner to expand the company’s service offering. Within three years the company changed from a partnership to a company, and was officially known as HKS – or Hill Kaplan Scott.

The first 35 years was the pioneering phase where HKS proved that it was going to become a key player in the engineering consultancy industry. It was in the 1960s that HKS achieved a reputation as a company that developed innovative culture through its design, by targeting countries outside the borders of South Africa.

It was also during these early years that HKS undertook projects that would be remembered throughout South African history. These projects included the renovation of the Port Elizabeth City Hall, the building of the Sandile Dam in Port Elizabeth, the new planetarium at the South African Museum and the addition of a new subdivision to the Mount Nelson Hotel.

The early 90s saw HKS merging with the international LAW GIBB Group, based in Atlanta in the USA. The merger complemented both companies as HKS was expanding into Africa and GIBB was well regarded in Africa and LAW GIBB wanted to take part in the growth of the new South Africa. The company became known as HKS LAW GIBB, which changed to GIBB Africa by 1995.

1994 saw major changes in South Africa, as well as to the consultancy. At the time, GIBB Africa was recognised as the largest company in Africa, and with this status came changes and new policies that would define the company for the next 13 years.

During this period, the company had completed more memorable projects particularly on the Newlands Cricket Stadium, the V&A Waterfront as well as the V&A Clocktower. Due to the nature of GIBB Africa’s empowerment initiatives, professionalism and outstanding track record, developers of the V&A Waterfront selected it as their preferred consultant, providing them with invaluable service and ideas.

In 1995, GIBB Africa’s first Affirmative Action policy was formalised, and shortly after in 1999, a quality assurance system known as the ISO 9001 was implemented. Not only was GIBB Africa one of the first engineering consultancy companies to implement this quality management system in the country, but it greatly assisted in raising its level of service and quality to meet international standards.

1997 also saw the upgrade of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. GIBB Africa was appointed as the leaders of the professional team, and its services included training of environmental control officers, conducting audits and monitoring during construction.

Two of the largest projects undertaken by GIBB in its long history, were the construction of Century City’s water canals and later, the first major, full-scale theme park in Africa - Ratanga Junction. Set on over 20 hectares and providing over 30 attractions, the company was instrumental in the design and construction of the Cobra - a suspended looping coaster, Monkey Falls – a log flume, and Crocodile Gorge – a rapid river ride.

Between 1994 and 1999, GIBB Africa secured a total of 15 awards for various projects and contributions throughout South Africa - an inspiring start to the New Millennium.

It was at this stage too, that GIBB Africa merged with black empowerment company, Arcus Engineering Consultants, a Cape Town based company led by a vibrant duo, Abbas Jamie and Yasir Ahmed.

Arcus GIBB was born.

The successful evolution of the company from its early days as Hill Kaplan & Partners to Arcus GIBB has resulted in a strong structure that positions GIBB as a 100% employee owned South African company, of which 67% is owned by black employees.

GIBB’S ownership structure was created in 2006 in line with the South African government’s broad-based black economic-empowerment legislation, and was guided by the construction sector charter. The structure consists of Arcus GIBB’s shareholding divided between the ARCUS GIBB Broad- Based Ownership Trust (67% black employees) and the Arcus GIBB Staff Share Trust (33%).

The New Millennium has provided GIBB with phenomenal projects and has seen even greater achievements within the company. The Gautrain is simply one of the many exciting projects that GIBB is currently involved in. To date, GIBB has been involved in the improvement of Cape Town’s inner city Transport System, feasibility studies of the Cape Gate Shopping Centre and the Silvermine River Flood Control Scheme, which received the SAICE Engineering Technical Excellence Award in the Western Cape.

15 years of Democracy in South Africa has assisted GIBB with many of its significant milestones, including the appointment of the first female Director, in June 2005.

In September of 2008, GIBB undertook a new continuation in their strategic ambition to be seen as the best consulting engineers and scientists in the industry, with the official launch of their modified corporate identity. From then on out the entire company switched to the modified GIBB corporate identity with launches at every Office over the following two months.

At present GIBB stands in line to be one of the best engineering companies in the world. Their aesthetic quality alone will not secure them longevity, however together with their steadfast ability to develop and deliver projects on time and within budget will always contribute positively to the external perception, the brand equity and their overall strong tradition that all who know GIBB have come to accept.

In June 2009, the GIBB Group embarked on a new chapter in the company’s already illustrious history. The Head Office, previously based in Rivonia Boulevard, Rivonia relocated to 14 Eglin Road, Sunninghill, Johannesburg to a new contemporary building. The new premises boast a more Eurocentric modern design, with special emphasis placed on the floor plan and the proper utilisation of floor space amongst the staff. In line with GIBB’s strong brand equity and professional excellence, the new building reiterates that GIBB is willing to invest in its future, and together with its staff complement will continue to progress and invest in Africa for the benefit of all.