Ahrens has acquired SBS Tanks, a global manufacturer of modular bolted steel water storage systems, for an undisclosed amount. The transaction brings the South African-founded tank specialist under the ownership of the Australian engineering and construction group, which has operations spanning building, infrastructure, and mining services.
SBS Tanks, established in Durban more than 28 years ago, designs and produces Galvalume steel panel tanks with internal liner systems for potable water, raw water, fire protection reserves, wastewater, and selected industrial liquids. Its product range includes the Standard, Cyclonic, Lite, Elevated Tank, and Engineered Solutions lines, with capacities from 12,000 litres to 5.2 million litres. The company reports installations across 35 countries and more than 1,252 megalitres of installed storage capacity, serving public sector, mining, agricultural, and industrial clients.
For Ahrens, the acquisition expands its capability in water infrastructure, a segment with growing demand across Australia and export markets. SBS Tanks brings in-house engineering, technical design, project management, and specialist installation teams, which complement Ahrens’ existing construction and mining services. The deal also gives Ahrens access to SBS Tanks’ established international distribution network and its ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 accredited manufacturing facility.
The combined entity is expected to integrate SBS Tanks’ product portfolio into Ahrens’ broader project delivery model, allowing the group to offer water storage solutions alongside its existing structural and infrastructure work. SBS Tanks will continue to operate under its current brand, with its management and workforce retained to preserve technical expertise and client relationships.
The acquisition positions Ahrens to address long-term water security needs in both domestic and international markets, leveraging SBS Tanks’ track record in critical infrastructure projects. The integration is set to proceed over the coming months, with the focus on aligning manufacturing, logistics, and project management processes across the two organisations.