Our history
Built in South Africa.
Proven over generations.
Webco Tools is a wholly owned South African enterprise, originally founded as Burns Rivers & Co. (Pty) Ltd in 1905 to serve the country’s growing mining industry.
Today, Webco supplies dependable measuring, mining, surveying, gardening and specialist plastic-welding equipment to professionals who value precision, durability and knowledgeable support.
Our team does more than list products. We help customers identify the right product, model or stock code for the job—and we build long-term partnerships around responsive service and practical experience.
The Webco story
A century of progress.
From a downtown Johannesburg mining supplier to a recognised Southern African equipment brand.
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1905
The beginning
Burns Rivers & Co. is established.
Mr Burns and Mr Rivers arrived in South Africa and established the company in downtown Johannesburg to serve mines including City Deep, Crown Mines, Village Main, Simmer & Jack and E.R.P.M.
The early range was remarkably varied—from Chesterman measuring tools and Royal Doulton smelting crucibles to Fry’s chocolate, Lyons Tea and Ricketts Blue.
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1906
Measuring expertise
The Rabone Chesterman era begins.
UK measuring-tape manufacturer Rabone acquired Chesterman and the Rabone Chesterman name became internationally recognised in linear measuring equipment. Burns Rivers continued supplying South Africa’s expanding copper, coal, diamond, gold and platinum mining sectors.
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1940s
A changing generation
The business passes to new hands.
The founders’ sons-in-law, Mr Allan and Mr Johnston, joined as shareholders, while Mr J.T. Webster became part of the organisation. Burns Rivers also acquired No. 56 Main Street in Johannesburg. Following Mr Allan’s death during the Second World War, Mr Johnston became the sole shareholder.
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1968
Webster ownership
Jack Webster acquires the company.
Mr Jack Webster purchased Burns Rivers from the retiring Mr Johnston, beginning the next chapter of the company’s family-led development.
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1987
Local manufacturing
A decisive investment in South Africa.
Burns Rivers chose to manufacture measuring tools locally. Craig Webster began acquiring the capital equipment needed to produce a comprehensive range of measuring products in South Africa.
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1990
The Webco brand
Webco Tools is launched.
WEBCO TOOLS was registered and launched as a brand, broadening an 85-year mining-supply heritage into a dedicated measuring-tool business. Under Craig Webster and his team, the brand grew into a recognised name across Southern Africa.
The company’s quality programme included ISO 9002 certification and EC Mark approval for equipment manufactured to international accuracy standards.
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1993
Export growth
Webco reaches international markets.
An export drive expanded the customer base across Southern Africa and into Mauritius, New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Poland and Taiwan.
The mining and surveying range included woven tapes, clino rules, survey pegs and spads, tripods, staves, measuring wheels and dumpy levels supplied to major mines in South Africa and abroad.
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2001
Range expansion
New tools for more industries.
Webco introduced additional hand tools, including pliers, screwdrivers, G-clamps, laser levels and gardening equipment, while continuing to invest in staff training, operational systems and technology.
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2006
A wider footprint
Webco Tools Australia is established.
The business expanded its international presence and took the Webco name into motorsport through sponsorship of a Webco-branded Mercedes-Benz C270 CDi production racing car.
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2007–08
Modernisation
A new facility and new collections.
Webco moved to a modern factory in Founders View South and introduced dedicated DIY, gardening and mining collections, supported by a new online ordering system for suppliers.
Continued range and sales growth strengthened awareness of the Webco brand, and the company received the OBARO Supplier of the Year Award in 2008.
Webco today
Heritage that still works for the customer.
Webco now supports mining, surveying, engineering, construction, fabrication, retail and related industries with a focused catalogue and experienced quotation assistance.
Alongside its established measuring and field-equipment ranges, Webco supplies professional plastic-welding solutions from BAK-AG and HÜRNER, including hand tools, automatic welders, extrusion equipment, electrofusion systems and butt-welding systems.
The people behind Webco
Experienced. Accessible. Ready to help.
The team combines product knowledge with responsive, practical service.
Put our experience to work
Tell us what the job demands.
We’ll help you identify the right product, model or stock code and prepare a tailored quotation.