Longken was established in Welkom in 1983 to supply steel pipe, flanges and fittings to the Gold Mining Industry.

The success of the organisation progressed into an expansion that saw the establishment of a specialist workshop catering for the fabrication of piping used in plant and overland pipelines. This workshop further developed the capability to corrosion-protect this piping.

This unique capability gave Longken the opportunity to expand its product offering into the Civil Engineering sector, supplying fabricated piping used for water reticulation projects countrywide.

The expertise developed by Longken in the fabrication of its products created a demand for the fabrication and onsite installation of steel supporting structures. In 1999, an experienced team of construction specialists was formed to install fabricated items on-site for clients.

The primary component supply and fabrication of piping and steel continues to be focused at the Welkom facility. In 2000, growing product demand in the Platinum Industry led to the establishment of a branch office in Rustenburg to directly service customers in this region.