About us
What sets us apart
Our history
SwiftNova Engineering (previously known as Swift Engineering) was established by Mr JDT Otto in 1982 during the early development of the oilfields in Mossel Bay.
In 2004 his son, Danie Otto, took over the business after completing intensive training and having gained extensive industry experience. Danie worked closely with his wife, Suzanne Otto, to manage the daily operations of the company. The company has grown exponentially in size from its humble beginnings and is now recognised as an engineering stalwart in the close-knit community of Mossel Bay.
As part of the strategy for growth and innovation, in November 2020, Novatech (Pty) Ltd trading as Hesper Engineering purchased a 51% shareholding in the company. The SwiftNova and Hesper Engineering partnership aims to strengthen the service offering between the two companies with the purpose of being complimentary engineering houses with an extended national footprint. It also allows us to offer increased capabilities and more robust manufacturing operations (or any range of core competencies a company requires). We can diversify our product and service offering and provide an improved synergy by melding our capabilities and strengths. This allows us to offer increased capabilities and more robust manufacturing operations (or any range of core competencies a company requires).
Our mission
These are not just the aspirations of what we hope to achieve some day, some time. These are the fundamental driving forces behind everything we do, every day, every time:
– To surpass our rivals by using vision and foresight
– To be honest in our dealings and trusted by all our customers and suppliers
– To remember that our employees deserve respect, recognition for their merit and opportunities for advancement
– To provide inspirational leadership creating a culture of success
– To try new ideas and purchase new technology
Our beliefs
Embrace diversity
We celebrate and encourage all views, talents and skills. We seek to understand each other’s differences and aim to build a diverse workforce where we treat one another with respect.
Act with integrity
We strive to always act in the best interest of others and our company. Let’s be honest, transparent and take ownership of everything we do.
Foster innovation
We want you to unleash your true potential by embracing change and experimenting with new ideas. Let’s encourage and listen to all suggestions, ensuring we find the time to reflect and celebrate our success.
Earn respect
Listen to and hear each other’s perspective. We encourage positive debate, putting others first and treating one another in a dignified manner.
Take care
Be caring and compassionate and ensure that you always work safely. Look after your customers, colleagues, assets, resources and environment.
Our training philosophy
SwiftNova recognises the shortage of skills in South Africa and believes in actively creating a skills pool of artisans and tradesman for the manufacturing and marine industry in the region of Mossel Bay. We are accredited / approved by the following training institutions:
– Merseta Training Accreditation | Boilermaking and welding
– South Cape College | Host employer for boilermakers
– Africa Skills Village | Platinum host employer as accredited by Merseta – Welders
– West Coast College | Host employer for pipefitters
Our partners
Providing expertise and support
Sturrock Grindrod Maritime (SGM)
53 owned offices providing our clients with a wide range of services in Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and around the Australian coastline, thereby servicing all major trade lanes in the Indian Ocean.
Grindrod, a global business represented in 19 countries, is actively driving flows of minerals, agricultural products and project cargo across key southern African trade corridors. We are committed to promoting inclusive Sub-Saharan Africa economic growth through unlocking trade corridors, enabling supply chains and increasing trade capacity.
Hesper Engineering is a marine and industrial engineering company with integrated design, manufacturing and maintenance facilities to service the marine, oil and gas, industrial steelwork, mining and offshore mining, freight logistics, government and other specialised sectors.
NovaMarine is an innovative marine safety company providing safety equipment, lifeboats, life rafts, chandling, fire services and so much more to the leisure and commercial marine sectors. Our focus is on marine safety with proven and tested survival craft, equipment and servicing. We save lives by providing quality equipment and services to the highest standards and with the correct certifications and qualified technicians.