Our history

Johann Keller established

International patent registered by Edgard Frankignoul, a Belgian Engineer, for the "frankipile".

Keller invented the vibro ground improvement method.

Franki Piling Company South Africa (Pty) Ltd. registered, operating out of Cape Town, with Mr. Wally Rowland as Managing Director.

Large contracts such as Alusaf Bayside Smelter in Richards Bay, the Mondi Paper Mill in Durban and Iscor in Newcastle were secured, helping Franki to establish itself as the leading piling company in South Africa.

Franki launches the 1st edition of the Frankipile Guide to Piling and Foundation Systems,  written and compiled by IH Braatvedt. 

Franki launches the 2nd edition of the Frankipile Guide to Piling and Foundation Systems, revised and updated by JP Everett. 

Establishment of Geofranki, a specialist division, providing for the "non-piling" geotechnical services, e.g. lateral support, soil improvement, etc. 

Hillside Aluminium Smelter mega-project undertaken in Richards Bay.

Establishment of a fully fledged Technical / Design Department.

Franki launches the 3rd edition of the Franki Book - renamed A Guide to Practical Geotechnical Engineering in Southern Africa, re-written and updated by G Byrne, JP Everett, K Schwartz, EA Friedlaender, N Mackintosh and C Wetter.

First South African geotechnical contractor to be awarded an international ISO 9001 Quality Management System listing.

Mozal Aluminium mega project, Phase 1 and 2, in Mozambique successfully executed, despite challenging geotechnical conditions. 

Hillside Aluminium Smelter expansion successfully executed by installing the deepest Franki piles ever recorded, at 25m.

Merger with Esor Limited to effect the exit of the non-executive shareholders and the introduction of a BEE partner.

Franki secures a large portion of the geotechnical works on the multi-billion rand Gautrain Project.

Franki launches the 4th edition of A Guide to Practical Geotechnical Engineering in Southern Africa, revised and updated by G Byrne and AD Berry.

Franki joins Keller, the largest independent geotechnical contractor in the world, who is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Franki - A Keller Company celebrates its 70th Anniversary and secures Clairwood Logistic Park, the largest rigid inclusion project by a Keller company.

Franki - A Keller Company launches the 5th edition of A Guide to Practical Geotechnical Engineering in Africa, revised and updated by G Byrne, Dr N Chang and Dr V Raju.

Franki Africa is rebranded to Keller and merges with Keller Middle East to become one Business Unit - Middle East Africa.