M&D signals confidence through new headquarters and regional expansion
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07-07-2026
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M&D Construction Group has marked a significant milestone in its 43-year history with the official opening of its new headquarters at 10 Kikuyu Road, Sunninghill, Sandton. Designed to embody the company's core value, Khula Nathi – Grow with us – the facility can accommodate at least 50% additional growth while creating space for greater collaboration, innovation and stronger relationships.
The occasion also marked the formal integration of M&D and Namibia's Afri-Track Group (ATG), following the merger of M&D Construction Namibia and Afri-Track Construction to establish a unified business with enhanced capabilities in railway and infrastructure development across southern Africa.
Renewal centred on growth
Speaking at the opening ceremony, M&D Group Executive Chairman, Dr Zoliswa Tshetshe, drew on the ceremony's Sakura theme to illustrate the significance of the new headquarters. She said the Japanese cherry blossom – a symbol of renewal and new beginnings – reflects M&D's commitment to embracing change, modernising its operations and preparing for its next phase of growth.
“This is a moment of reflection, renewal and bold anticipation,” she said.
Reflecting on M&D's 43-year journey, she credited generations of employees, leaders and business partners with building the company, while emphasising that enduring organisations must continually renew themselves.
She likened the company's transformation to an eagle shedding what no longer serves it before emerging stronger.
In the same way, this new head office represents our decision to invest in our future and position ourselves for the next phase of growth," she said. “The renewed M&D is focused on seeing further through a clearer strategy and sharper vision, expanding its reach across markets, and continuing to deliver value through innovation and operational excellence.”
Tshetshe said the new headquarters had been designed to create an environment where employees can collaborate, develop and thrive while strengthening relationships with clients, partners and other stakeholders.
"This is just the beginning because the best is yet to come. Around Here, We Grow, You Succeed!" she said.
Investing ahead of growth
M&D Group Chief Financial Officer, Gavin McAlpine described the headquarters as a strategic investment reflecting the company’s confidence in its long-term future.
Rather than simply relocating to larger premises, he said the company deliberately invested in a headquarters capable of supporting future expansion.
"We invested ahead of where we are today because we believe strongly in the future of this company," he said, adding that bringing employees together under one roof was already improving collaboration across the business.
"One of our core values is Khula Nathi – Grow with us. This building is a practical reflection of that value," McAlpine concluded.
Growth driven by conviction
The investment philosophy was echoed by M&D Group Chief Executive Officer, Rukesh Raghubir, who said the company had pursued the building for more than a year before acquiring and refurbishing it.
He thanked Nedbank for its 43-year partnership with the business and noted that, after occupying its previous headquarters for 33 years, M&D expects the new facility to serve the company for decades to come.
Despite a challenging trading environment over the past year, Raghubir said the company had chosen to invest rather than retreat, noting that recent project awards had accelerated significantly in recent months. This reinforces the company's confidence in its long-term strategy.
"I often tell our team that hope is not a strategy and that we should never waste a good crisis," he said. "This building is one of the outcomes of that mindset, designed to accommodate our current operations while providing capacity for future growth."
Bold investments, lasting returns
The theme of investing ahead of demand was reinforced by M&D Plant Managing Director, Mark Drury, who recalled joining M&D during the COVID-19 pandemic when many companies were delaying capital expenditure.
"While many businesses were holding back, M&D made the bold decision to invest significantly in construction plant," he said.
That decision has enabled the Plant Business Unit to almost triple in size over the past six years – a strategy, he said, mirrored by the company's investment in its new headquarters.
"We've invested ahead of demand because we know the opportunities are there."
Forging the future together
Senior executives from across the group described the new headquarters as a symbol of M&D’s continued evolution, long-term confidence and commitment to future growth.
Trotech Executive Chairman, Ralph Wilson said the facility reflected M&D's commitment to building sustainable businesses while creating an environment that supports innovation and collaboration.
"We operate in an industry that demands resilience, precision and forward thinking. Spaces like this help bring people together, strengthen communication and ultimately enable us to deliver better outcomes for our clients," he said.
Managing Director: Infrastructure, John Le Riche said the new headquarters demonstrated the company's commitment to the markets and communities it serves.
He said the group's diversified service offering across infrastructure, pipelines, bulk storage tanks, rail and other specialist disciplines enables it to remain resilient through changing market conditions. This, while providing clients with the stability and resources required to deliver major projects successfully.
Looking ahead, Le Riche said, growing investment in water infrastructure presents significant opportunities for the industry, with M&D well positioned to play a leading role in delivering the projects needed to support South Africa’s future development.
Strong foundations for continued growth
Managing Director: Pipelines Martin van Aswegen, said the new headquarters reflected the trust clients have placed in M&D and the dedication of its people to delivering complex infrastructure projects.
"In construction, we understand the importance of strong foundations, and this milestone has been built on trust, integrity, technical excellence and meaningful relationships," he said. "We remain committed to delivering quality infrastructure, creating lasting value for our clients, investing in our people and making a positive contribution to the communities in which we work."
Johan Laubscher, Chief Executive Officer of ATG, said the opening also marked the beginning of a new chapter for the merged business as it expands into the railway infrastructure sector.
"By combining M&D's proven construction expertise with our specialist rail capability, we have created a formidable force for the future," he said. "We are building a legacy through collaboration that will shape infrastructure across southern Africa for decades to come."
Growing a Great Company with Great People and Great Partnerships
Looking back over the past two decades, Raghubir said M&D has increased its revenue one hundredfold despite navigating successive industry challenges. These include the global financial crisis, the prolonged downturn in South Africa's construction sector following the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the strategic closure of its building division in 2019.
He attributed that growth to the group's deliberate diversification strategy and willingness to invest in new opportunities. Since acquiring Trotech in 2022, the specialist tank construction business has increased its revenue fivefold while earning industry recognition. This includes three South African Institute of Steel Construction awards, among them the Overall Steel Project of the Year in Africa for the Sasol CF2 project. He also pointed to the rapid growth of the Plant division and the group's expansion into railway infrastructure through its partnership with Namibia-based ATG as evidence of that strategy in action.
Raghubir said those achievements reflect M&D's long-standing vision of Growing a Great Company with Great People and Great Partnerships, rather than pursuing size for its own sake.
"That vision allows us to adapt as industries evolve and opportunities emerge," he said.
Central to that vision has been M&D's continued investment in technology and innovation. Raghubir said the company established its Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) capability six years ago, well before the recent surge in artificial intelligence, and today uses advanced digital technologies. These include 3D laser scanning, 4D construction sequencing, digital twins, augmented reality, virtual reality and drone photogrammetry to improve project delivery. The VDC team has also earned industry recognition for innovation and digital project delivery.
Returning to the ceremony's Sakura theme, he concluded:
"The cherry blossom spends decades putting down roots before blooming each season. Forty-three seasons in, M&D is blooming-and still growing."
For more information please contact:
David Poggiolini
Debbie Poggiolini
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