Talbot has officially opened its new Industrial Water Security Hub at Dube TradePort in La Mercy, KwaZulu-Natal, marking a major milestone in the company’s growth and its mission to strengthen water security solutions for industry across Africa.
The ribbon cutting was attended by clients, partners and industry leaders. Guests heard from the leadership team, participated in a panel discussion on the future of water management for industry and took a guided tour of the new laboratory, research and development hub, Smart Water Control Centre and Package Plant.
A New Hub for Industrial Water Security
The 3 500 m² facility houses Talbot’s expanded laboratory, research and development capabilities and advanced water analytics within an integrated Industrial Water Security Hub. The hub combines water analytics, engineering expertise, operational support and accredited testing to help organisations understand and manage water risk.
CEO Carl Haycock said the investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to supporting sustainable water use in industry.
“Water security is becoming a critical issue around the world. For many industrial operations, water availability and quality are directly linked to business continuity. Talbot is often recognized for its laboratory services or turnkey wastewater treatment solutions, but we provide world-class services across the full industrial water cycle. The new hub strengthens our ability to partner with our clients to understand their water risks and implement practical solutions that ensure a reliable, sustainable water supply.”
“It allows us to bring together the full spectrum of Talbot’s capabilities, from laboratory testing and analytics through to engineering design and operational support, so that we can deliver truly integrated water security solutions for our clients,” he said.
Expanded Laboratory Capability
Talbot operates one of South Africa’s most advanced water laboratories and conducts thousands of tests daily to support regulatory compliance, operational decision-making and risk management for clients across multiple sectors. The laboratory is ISO/IEC 17025 SANAS-accredited, meaning test results are accurate, traceable and internationally recognised.
According to director, Micole Martens, the new facility significantly expands testing capacity. The new laboratory now houses an LC-MS, enabling Talbot to offer testing for Emerging Contaminants of Concern (CECs) like PFAS, dioxins, furans, and pharmaceuticals – testing capabilities that are not yet offered commercially in South Africa.
“It allows us to expand both the scale and scope of testing available and positions us to become one of the largest water testing facilities in Africa while ensuring the reliable data that industries need to manage environmental compliance and operational performance.”
Strategic location
The location at Dube TradePort was strategically selected to support Talbot’s growing regional and international operations. Close proximity to King Shaka International Airport enables efficient transport of samples, allowing for fast turnaround times and strict chain-of-custody requirements for accredited testing.
The launch coincided with South Africa’s National Water Month, serving as a timely reminder of the growing need for sustainable water management and secure water supply for communities and industry alike.
