Gillespie Diesel Services

What Gillespie Diesel Services does

Gillespie Diesel Services (GDS) is a South African private company, founded in 2003 and headquartered in Kempton Park, Gauteng, that manufactures and supplies custom-built diesel generators and related power-solution services. The company designs, fabricates, and commissions generators in multiple configurations, including base loads, peak-lopping, automatic mains failure, trailer and containerized units, and synchronized parallel multi-generator systems, with manufacturing capacity centered on a Chloorkop facility equipped with large overhead cranes. GDS operates as the diesel-generation arm of a broader group, working in conjunction with its sister company Power Development Services (PDS, founded 1994), which contributes UPS and solar capabilities, and Infinity Power (formed 2013), a 52% black-owned BBBEE-compliant entity that allows the group to bid on contracts requiring transformation credentials.

GDS serves commercial, industrial, mining, automotive retail, banking, telecommunications, construction, and residential clients across South Africa, Africa, and selectively into Australia and beyond. Named customers include Standard Bank, Clover SA, De Beers, Cell C, VW, BMW, Toyota, Nissan, CFAO Motors, Danoher, Basil Read, LineIT, and The Falls. The company offers a turnkey package combining generator supply, UPS, electrical installation, civils, and after-sales service, with the synchronized parallel topology pitched as a CAPEX-saving and fuel-economy-optimizing alternative to single large gensets.

The business model blends one-time capital-equipment sales (generators, UPS) with recurring service and maintenance contracts (minor/major services, 3-monthly and bi-monthly inspections, repairs across all makes and models), plus project-based professional services revenue from electrical installation and civils. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, and go-to-market is direct enterprise sales supported by a website with "Get a Free Quote" CTAs, Facebook presence, and the cross-promotional referral channel provided by PDS.

Name

Gillespie Diesel Services

Legal name

Gillespie Diesel Services

Website

https://gillespiediesel.co.za

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Gillespie Diesel Services is a South African custom manufacturer of diesel generators and turnkey power solutions, serving commercial, industrial, mining, and automotive clients across South Africa, Africa, and select international markets, working alongside sister companies PDS (UPS/solar) and Infinity Power (BBBEE compliance).

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Diesel Generator Manufacturing

NAICS

Turbine and Turbine Generator Set Units Manufacturing (333611), Engine, Turbine, and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing (3336)

SIC

Motors & Generators (3621), Engines & Turbines (3510)

akta.pro primary industry

Diesel Engine Power Plants (Medium/High-Speed Reciprocating) (EUACACAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Emergency & Standby Diesel Generator Power (Critical Facilities) (EUACACAH), Remote & Islanded Oil/Diesel Power Generation (Off-Grid, Mini-Grids) (EUACACAG), Diesel Engine Service & Repair (EDAOAEAE)

Keywords

• Diesel generator manufacturing
• Custom power solutions
• Turnkey power installation
• Generator maintenance services
• Synchronized parallel generators

Headquarters

HQ city

Gauteng

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Generator Sales: One-time sale of custom-built diesel generators manufactured to customer specifications. GDS manufactures high quality diesel generators, custom to specific needs, offering various configurations including base loads, peak lopping, trailer units, and containerized units.
2. UPS Sales: Sale of UPS systems provided through sister company Power Development Services (PDS), a specialist UPS company formed in 1994 that has installed large UPS solutions for major corporations.
3. Service and Maintenance: Ongoing servicing and maintenance for all makes and models of diesel generators including minor services, major services, assessments, 3-monthly inspections, bi-monthly inspections, and repairs.
4. Electrical Installation: Electrical installation services as part of turnkey power solutions including civils work and after-sales service support.
5. Civil Works: Civil construction services as part of complete power solution installations.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Gillespie Diesel Services manufactures and supplies custom-built diesel generators in various configurations (base load, peak lopping, automatic mains failure, synchronized multi-unit systems, trailer and containerized units, no-break return). The company complements generator supply with electrical installation, civil works, and after-sales service support to deliver turnkey power solutions for commercial, industrial, corporate, and mining customers across South Africa, Africa, and internationally.

Product overview

Gillespie Diesel Services offers a comprehensive portfolio of power solutions built around custom-manufactured diesel generators. The core product line centers on high-quality diesel generators available in multiple configurations (base loads, automatic mains failure, synchronized multi-unit systems, trailer units, containerized units, peak lopping, and no-break return), complemented by UPS systems from sister company PDS. The company provides a full-service ecosystem including electrical installation, civil works, and after-sales support, enabling turnkey power solutions. Service offerings cover the full lifecycle through minor/major maintenance, inspections, and repairs. A key differentiator is their synchronized parallel generator solutions for large power requirements.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Diesel Generators High quality diesel generators custom-built to customer specifications, available in multiple configurations including base load, automatic mains failure, multi-generator synchronized systems, trailer units, containerized units, peak lopping, and no-break return systems. Targeted at commercial, industrial, mining, and corporate customers requiring backup or continuous power.
• UPS Systems Uninterruptible Power Supply systems for complete power protection, offered in conjunction with sister company Power Development Services (PDS), a specialist UPS provider founded in 1994. Targeted at large corporate facilities (e.g., the Johannesburg Stock Exchange) needing critical power protection.
• Generator Service and Maintenance Comprehensive servicing and maintenance for all makes and models of diesel generators, covering minor services, major services, assessments, 3-monthly inspections, bi-monthly inspections, and repairs. Targeted at owners of diesel generators across commercial, industrial, and mining operations.
• Synchronized Parallel Generator Solutions Custom-built synchronized parallel generator configurations for large power requirements that deliver savings on initial project CAPEX and improved long-term fuel economy versus a single large generator. Targeted at industrial and large commercial customers with significant power demand.
• Electrical Installation Professional electrical installation services for generators and power systems, provided as part of turnkey power solutions to enterprise and industrial customers across Africa.
• Civils (Civil Works) Civil construction services for power system installations, delivered as part of complete turnkey power solutions so customers receive a single integrated delivery package.
• After Sales Service Support Ongoing after-sales service support to ensure continued optimal performance of installed power solutions, complementing scheduled maintenance services. Targeted at customers who have purchased GDS power solutions.

Quantifiable outcome

• Long-term savings through improved fuel economy with synchronized parallel generator solutions
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Power Development Services (PDS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2003PDS is the sister company of GDS, founded in 1994 by the same owners. PDS is a specialist UPS company that has installed large UPS solutions for many large corporations including the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. PDS and GDS work together to offer clients turnkey power solutions, with PDS providing UPS, solar solutions, and technical expertise, while GDS focuses on generator manufacturing and service. The companies share founders and operate from the same group.
• Infinity PowerminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2003Formed by GDS/PDS owners to achieve BBBEE compliance. Infinity Power is 52% black owned with William Malau (S3 qualified electrical engineer, with PDS Group since 2001) as major shareholder. Additional 26% black shareholding held by trust for group staff employed longer than 2 years. Provides BBBEE compliance for the group.
• Barlows S.A.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBilly Gillespie gained his generator experience at Barlows S.A. before co-founding Gillespie Diesel Services in 2003 with the owners of PDS. This represents historical founder experience rather than active partnership.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Caterpillar (CAT Electric Power): Produces Caterpillar-branded diesel gensets via FG Wilson and Cat dealers worldwide, including South Africa; competes with GDS on standby and continuous power supply for mining, banking, and large commercial loads.
• Wärtsilä Energy Storage and Solutions: Supplies engine-based power plants, hybrid energy systems, and battery storage for utility and industrial customers in Africa; overlaps with GDS in large-scale industrial power provision while migrating the market toward hybrid solutions.
• Kohler Power Systems: Manufactures diesel and gaseous generator sets, transfer switches, and switchgear globally; comparable to GDS as a stationary generator supplier serving data centers, healthcare, and commercial facilities in Africa.
• Aggreko: Global provider of temporary and permanent power solutions, including diesel generator rental and hybrid energy systems; comparable to GDS in addressing African mining and industrial customers seeking reliable power, though primarily through a rental rather than owned-asset model.
• Atlas Copco Power Generators: Manufactures diesel and gas generator sets and hybrid power solutions with significant African and South African distribution; competes with GDS on standby and prime power for industrial and commercial customers.
• Cummins Africa: Global manufacturer of diesel and gas generator sets with established distribution across sub-Saharan Africa; directly comparable to GDS as a diesel generator supplier serving industrial, commercial, and mining customers.

Emerging players

• Himoinsa: Spanish manufacturer of diesel and gas generator sets, mobile power solutions, and hybrid systems; competes with GDS in the African market on both custom-built and standardized generator configurations.
• Aksa Power Generation: Turkey-based manufacturer of diesel, gas, and hybrid generator sets with growing presence in Africa; directly comparable as a custom and standard genset supplier competing for the same mid-to-large industrial and infrastructure projects as GDS.

Direct peers

• Pramac: Italian manufacturer of generators, lighting towers, and energy storage solutions; direct competitor to GDS in producing customized diesel gensets and turnkey power equipment for commercial and industrial customers.

Regional players

• Marrakech Power (M Power): South African distributor and integrator of generator sets, UPS systems, and solar solutions; direct regional competitor to GDS in the South African standby and continuous power market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/gillespiedieselservices

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gillespie Diesel Services