About Us

Energy Partners Steam has been a going concern since 1958, first as The Ernest Dryden Co. (Pty) Ltd., then The Dryden Combustion Company (Pty) Ltd and now Energy Partners Steam, a division of Energy Partners Holdings (Pty) Ltd., with a very strong brand association in South Africa.

Dryden Combustion History

In 1945 Ernest Dryden flew from Durban (Flying Boat) to negotiate with the owners of Daniel Adamson of Dunkfield, Cheshire, England, for representation in Southern Africa. This company was in a unique position being able to manufacture a complete power station in their own works, viz. Water Tube Boilers and Turbo Alternators.

On his return to Johannesburg, a company was formed and titled THE DRYDEN DANADAMSON CO. (PTY) LTD. This company was on a 50% share basis. After trading for about four years they were successful in obtaining some very substantial orders for Watertube Boilers for East London Power Station, through Merz & McLellan. They also received orders for boilers and turbo alternators for Kroonstad and Cradock Power Stations. As most of this supply would have to come from Daniel Adamson at Dunkinfield, it was decided to form another company DANIEL ADAMSON (AFRICA) (PTY) LTD. Again, on a 50% basis, the original company to carry on with Underfeed Stokers, Dutchovens, amongst others.

When Daniel Adamson was taken over in 1958, there was an option of buying the remaining shares and the name changed The Ernest Dryden Co. (Pty) Limited.

Initial involvement was in the supply of water tube boilers at (amongst others) Theisen Marine. Although the company has subsequently closed, the chimney stacks have been preserved from the original boilers and can be seen on Theisen Island in Knysna today.

In 1988 the company was purchased from the Dryden family by Gordon Slater and Sue Kiley. The new owners changed the company’s focus from water tube boilers to coal, oil and gas fired packaged steam boilers. Dryden Combustion has developed into the market leaders in their field. The company has supplied boilers not only to South Africa and neighbouring states but has also exported to countries such as Poland and China.

Dryden Combustion’s renowned heritage and trusted name has been strengthened through its acquisition by Energy Partners. As part of the PSG group, we acquired Dryden Combustion in 2017 and re-branded it to Energy Partners Steam.

Although the name has changed, the company’s commitment to service and product quality remains steadfast. Backed by over 60 years’ industry experience and ISO 9001 accreditation, we are dedicated to lowering the cost of steam by minimising downtime and optimising efficiency. With its vision to be the leading provider of steam solutions in Southern Africa, we focus on delivering value and reliability to clients, backed by our team of highly skilled engineers, installation crews and trusted partners.