From city skylines to remote infrastructure, WBHO Construction has left an indelible mark on the built environment across Southern Africa and the United Kingdom. As a multidisciplinary, internationally recognised construction company, WBHO continues to set industry benchmarks through its unwavering commitment to excellence, safety, and innovation.
The company’s guiding motto, “Rely On Our Ability,” is not just a slogan - it’s a promise. It speaks to its culture of accountability, quality, and professionalism. Whether executing large-scale developments or intricate specialist projects, WBHO Constructions brings the same focus and precision to every site, delivering results that stand the test of time.
Foundation and Vision
WBHO’s strength lies in its people and the principles that guide them. At the heart of the business is a team of dedicated professionals whose expertise has been forged through decades of work on major construction projects. Its leadership continues to shape a business that is known for being responsive, hands-on, and deeply client-focused.
WBHO Construction envisions a future where its legacy is built not only in concrete and steel but in relationships and reliability. The company’s aim is to be recognised as the leading construction company in every region in which itt operates - valued not only for what it builds but for how it builds it.
A legacy of growth
Founded in 1970 by John Wilson and Brian Holmes as Wilson-Holmes (Pty) Ltd, the company evolved through strategic mergers and milestones to become Wilson Bayly Holmes and eventually WBHO Construction in 1996. Today, WBHO is one of the largest construction firms in Southern Africa and is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
The company’s expansion into the United Kingdom began in 2017 with the acquisition of a stake in the Byrne Group, a respected construction company in London. This was followed in 2018 by a majority shareholding in Manchester-based Russell Construction, now operating as Russell-WBHO. These acquisitions marked the beginning of WBHO’s successful integration into the UK market.
WBHO operates through three core divisions:
Building Construction
At WBHO, building is a passion. Its construction teams are market leaders known for their reliability, technical strength, and ability to deliver complex developments on time and within budget. Its portfolio spans a wide array of sectors, including retail, commercial, residential, healthcare, hospitality, industrial, and data centres.
Civil Engineering and Infrastructure
From water treatment plants to power facilities, WBHO civil engineering division delivers high-performance infrastructure throughout Africa and the UK. It is trusted for the ability to manage complexity, minimise risk, and maintain quality under demanding conditions. It operates in sectors such as mining, energy, industrial works, and water infrastructure.
Roads and Earthworks
With extensive experience in Africa’s unique terrain, WBHO’s Roads and Earthworks division delivers excellence across sectors including transportation, mining, and energy. Its success lies in its logistical efficiency, fleet capabilities, and adaptability to local conditions. Services cover bulk earthworks, road and bridge construction, pipelines, dams, and rail infrastructure.
Innovation through Projects and Materials
WBHO’s Projects division enables it to diversify beyond traditional construction, focusing on public-private partnerships, turnkey projects, and long-term concession arrangements. Here, it combines in-house expertise with strategic global partnerships to unlock value while reducing risk for clients. Key areas include airports, toll roads, renewable energy installations, and accommodation facilities.
Supporting its core operations is WBHO’s construction materials division, which ensures quality at every step through the supply and installation of long-steel products. This arm plays a vital role in maintaining its reputation for consistency and performance.
WBHO brings a culture of professionalism and mutual respect to every project, backed by a senior leadership team that is both experienced and accessible. It takes a responsible, measured approach to risk, ensuring projects are delivered safely and to the highest standards. Its ability to operate seamlessly across diverse geographies and sectors, combined with its technical depth and proven track record, means WBHO can consistently deliver successful outcomes - no matter the size or complexity of the project.
A Global Footprint, A Local Focus
With regional offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth - and international offices in Gaborone, Accra, Maputo, London, and Manchester - WBHO is positioned to meet the demands of a dynamic construction landscape. Despite its global reach, the company remains committed to the communities it serves, always operating with a local mindset.
