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 opening brought together partners, clients, industry leaders and stakeholders to mark the launch and discuss the growing importance of water security for businesses operating in a changing climate and increasingly constrained water environment. The 3 500 m² facility houses Talbot’s expanded laboratory, research and development capabilities and Smart Water Control Centre, which form part of an integrated Industrial Water Security Hub. The hub combines water analytics, engineering expertise, operational support and advanced laboratory testing to help organisations understand and manage water risk.
Carl Haycock (CEO) and Micole Martens (Director) share the story and vision behind Talbot’s Industrial Water Security Hub.
Chief executive officer Carl Haycock said the development reflects the company’s long-term commitment to supporting sustainable water use in industry. “Water security is becoming a critical issue around the world,” Haycock said. “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. This 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.” The new facility enables Talbot to further integrate its engineering, analytics and operational expertise.
“It allows us to bring together the full spectrum of Talbot’s capabilities, from laboratory testing and analytics to engineering design and operational support, so that we can deliver truly integrated water security solutions for our clients.”
Sello Moloko, Executive Chairman and co-founder of Thesele Group, delivers the keynote address on the investor perspective of water.
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.” 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. Founded in 1989, Talbot has completed thousands of water security projects and testing initiatives across more than 25 African countries, enabling industrial and mining operations to improve water efficiency, reduce environmental impact and strengthen long-term water security. 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.
Talbot’s new Industrial Water Security Hub at Dube TradePort, La Mercy, KwaZulu-Natal.
