With a legacy steeped in rich heritage and unwavering commitment, we are a trusted name among national and international clients across the on-shore, off-shore and industrial sectors. Over the years we have completed complex projects for high-profile clients like Rössing Uranium, Ohorongo Cement, Namibia Breweries and many more, while consistently adhering to international quality standards, including the most recent ISO 9001:2015 certification from Det Norske Veritas (DNV). Our core business provides specialised estimation, fabrication, installation, service, repair & maintenance to a vast range of assets in the industrial & maritime engineering industries.
History
Werner List, the son of the founder of the Ohlthaver and List Group of Companies acquired and created several engineering related entities during the late sixties and early seventies which formed the building blocks of the modern day Kraatz:
1966 – Nieswandt Boat yard bought by Werner List
NIESWANDT BOAT YARD & ENGINEERING WORKS was founded by the legendary Fritz Nieswandt in Lüderitz in the early 1920’s. Nieswandt built several reputable boats for “Consortium Visserye”, owned by the Ohlthaver & List Group. Nieswandt Boat Yard was bought by Werner List in 1966.
1968 – Sold to Werner List
DOMI METAAL INDUSTRIE founded by Dutch nationals Jan Don and his wife Anna, who came to Walvis Bay in the early 50’s after the 2nd WW. Jan Don built the first workshop (current Kraatz machine shop & current Kraatz Head Office) in 1957.
2002 – KWE changed name to Kraatz Marine
KRAATZ WELDING & ENGINEERING WORKS (KWE) was founded in the late 40’s, early 50’s by Richard (Joe) Kraatz to service the thriving fishing industry & especially Consortium Visserye. Werner List bought KWE from Joe in 1969.
2010- Kraatz constructed a workshop
SYNCROLIFT- NAMPORT Along with the quayside berthing facilities at Namport’s Syncrolift in Walvis Bay, Kraatz constructed a workshop at Syncrolift on leased land from Namport in 2010.
2021 – acquired by Kraatz
C&V WELDING a steel construction service provider based in Windhoek, was established by Mr. Klaus Verbücheln and Mr. Erich Clauss in 1974. The business and assets were acquired by Kraatz in 2021 to complement Kraatz’ service offering and footprint in Namibia.
