Dryden Combustion

Our leading reputation within the combustion industry extends over 70 years in South Africa.

Today we combine various divisions :

• New and Reconditioned Steam and Hot Water Boilers
• Burners and Associated Equipment
• Service and Maintenance
• Spares
• Material Handling
• Training Division
• Marine

We also represent Ferroli Steam and Hot Water Boilers, Hamworthy Combustion Equipment, Peabody Engineering, Airoil-Flaregas and Chentronics. Together we offer a unique “One Stop Combustion Shop”.

Our strong customer focus make us the first choice for many of Southern African blue-chip companies seeking cost-effective, professional and efficient solutions.

Whatever your problem, whichever your industry, wherever your location, it makes sense to choose the most trusted name in the combustion industry – Dryden Combustion.

History:

In 1945 Ernest Dryden flew from Durban (Flying Boat) to negotiate with the owners of Daniel Adamson of Dunkfield, Cheshire, England, for representation in Southern Africa.

This Company was in a very unique position being able to manufacture a complete power station in their own works, viz. Water Tube Boilers and Turbo Alternators.

On return to Johannesburg, a Company was formed and titled THE DRYDEN DANADAMSON CO. (PTY) LTD. This Company was on a 50% share basis. After trading for about 4years we were successful in obtaining some very substantial orders for Watertube Boilers for East London Power Station through Merz & McLellan. We also received orders for boilers and turbo alternators for Kroonstad and Cradock Power Stations. As most of this supply would have to come from Daniel Adamson at Dunkinfield, it was decided to form another company DANIEL ADAMSON (AFRICA) (PTY) LTD. Again on a 50% basis, the original Company to carry on with Underfeed Stokers, Dutchovens, etc.

When Daniel Adamson were taken over in +- 1958, they gave us the option of buying their shares which we did and then changed the name to The Ernest Dryden Co. (Pty) Limited.

We were involved in the supply of the water tube boilers to such projects at the boilers at Thesen Marine. Although the timber company has subsequently closed, the chimney stacks have been preserved from the original boilers and can be seen on Thesen Island in Knysna today.

The company was purchased from the Dryden family in 1988 and is owned by Gordon Slater and Sue Kiley. The new owners changed the company’s focus from water tube boilers to coal, oil and gas fired packaged steam boilers. Dryden Combustion has developed into the market leaders in their field.

The company has supplied boilers not only to South Africa and neighbouring states, but has also exported to countries such as Poland and China.