Leading industrial construction, turnaround, and maintenance company Aurex Constructors closed out 2025 on a strong footing, navigating shifting market conditions while delivering record progress across its renewables portfolio and expanding its geographic reach. CEO Stuart Kent says the year demonstrated the strength of Aurex’s diversified business model and its ability to adapt in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
“Our renewables business has delivered strong growth this year, even as oil and gas faced headwinds,” explains Kent. “By redeploying core resources across sectors, we have maintained agility and positioned ourselves to capture emerging opportunities.”
The continued decline of local refining capacity in South Africa has required operators to re-evaluate their strategic positioning. Kent notes that importing of refined products remain necessary for South Africa, reinforcing Aurex’s decision to strengthen its presence in tankage and terminals to support the storage and distribution of these fuels.
2025 Highlights: Driving Growth and Innovation
A central highlight of 2025 was the execution of eight renewable energy projects in parallel, each at different stages of engineering, construction, and commissioning. “Executing eight renewable projects in parallel last year was a milestone that speaks to our team’s capability and commitment. It is also a clear indicator of where the market is heading, and we are well positioned to lead that transition,” Kent says.
Aurex has strengthened its ability to carry out solar PV EPC projects, which remain a major source of opportunity in the years ahead. This capability is supported by an engineering department established over the past 24 months, dedicated exclusively to the renewables sector.
In addition, the company completed the construction of two new fuel storage tanks in Durban and undertook the refurbishment of 29 tanks across seven geographical locations in three countries, reinforcing its expertise in tankage and terminals to support the storage and distribution infrastructure, critical as South Africa’s refining capacity continues to decline and imports become essential.
Regional expansion into Namibia and Mozambique
Expansion into Namibia and Mozambique has gained traction. “Establishing operations in these regions strengthens our presence and opens new opportunities in mining and energy. This positions Aurex strategically and creates a solid platform for sustainable growth in the years ahead,” adds Kent. The company has already secured new project awards in these territories and continues to invest in local capability and training to address skills shortages.
At the heart of Aurex’s success is a culture that embraces collaboration and agility. Kent emphasises that the company’s people are its most valuable asset. “Our people are the foundation of our success. By investing in their growth, we empower them to create lasting value for our customers and communities, driving sustainable progress for Aurex.”
Accelerating Digital Transformation
Digital transformation accelerated in 2025, with AI integration becoming a key priority to improve operational efficiency. “Digital transformation is accelerating across Aurex, with AI integration at the forefront. These technologies are enabling smarter, more efficient operations and unlocking new ways to deliver value,” stresses Kent.
Commitment to ESG and Community Upliftment
Aurex maintains a strong commitment to community upliftment and ESG leadership. “Every project is an opportunity to make a positive impact. Our goal is to leave communities stronger and more empowered than when we arrived,” says Kent.
The company engages early with community leaders and invests in education and training initiatives that support long-term empowerment. “Appointing an ESG champion reinforces our commitment to sustainability and accountability. It ensures these principles are embedded in our operations and transparently reported,” adds Kent.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Kent expects both the oil and gas, mining, and renewables sectors to perform better in 2026. Aurex continues to pursue select prospects in the Middle East while strengthening its Southern African footprint.
“South Africa’s growing energy demands create opportunities for innovative solutions, from renewable power projects to small-scale nuclear, optimising ageing power stations, and improving transmission between regions,” he says.
Strategic planning remains focused on a two-to-three-year horizon to ensure Aurex stays agile in a rapidly changing environment. “Adaptability is a defining strength of our leadership team. We embrace change, learn from every decision, whether it works or not, and use these lessons to build resilience. The challenges make our success even more rewarding,” reflects Kent.
Looking to the year ahead, Kent expresses confidence and excitement: “Our ambition is to be the partner of choice for customers shaping the future of energy. We will continue to deliver, focusing on markets and relationships that align with our values and vision.”
