What started in 1976 with little more than hard work and determination has grown into a diversified electrical business with five decades of experience behind it.
Tappan’s Electrical celebrated its 50th anniversary on August 21, with family, customers, friends and business partners gathering to mark the milestone and reflect on the company’s journey.
Speaking at the celebration, Trevor Tappan paid tribute to his parents, who started the business together in 1976. He also credited God for the company’s journey, saying the family believes they would not have made it past the first year in business without God’s guidance and provision.
He said his father worked in the mines while starting the business, and his mother played an important role in helping the company through its early years.
“There were no fancy offices, no fleet of vehicles, no large contracts, just hard work and determination,” said Tappan.
The company’s early approach was centred on providing quality work and building its reputation one satisfied customer at a time. That philosophy continues to influence the business, with Tappan describing its current motto as ‘under-commit and over-deliver’.
Over the years, Tappan’s Electrical expanded beyond its electrical contracting roots into telecommunications, fibre, tower construction, solar and energy-related services.
One of its significant partnerships began in 1999 when Tappan’s started working with Vodacom. What initially involved smaller jobs developed into a long-term relationship spanning more than two decades.
The company went on to work on major telecommunications projects, including indoor network systems at several prominent sites and six of the 10 stadiums used during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Its fibre division has also grown over the years. One recent project involved a 10km fibre installation at South Deep Mines, where the company planted more than 136 poles and completed 10km of trenching and fibre installation.
Solar has become another important part of the business. Tappan’s has completed residential, commercial and off-grid installations, including a solar-powered water supply project for the Babanango community.
The project provides water to homes that previously did not have access to a supply and operates using solar panels and batteries without a generator or diesel.
The business has also diversified into Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), helping building owners identify ways to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency.
Tappan’s training division offers solar installation and EPC-related training. Tappan said the company has trained almost 1 500 people in solar installation.
The company’s focus on training and compliance also extends to its own training centre, which is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations, while its solar training is certified through the Association for Renewable Energy Practitioners.
The 50th anniversary celebration also recognised the employees who have contributed to the company over the years.
“Buildings don’t build themselves. Buildings are built by these people who work for us,” said Tappan, highlighting the role employees have played in the company’s development.
Customers and business partners were also recognised for their contribution to the company’s journey, with Tappan acknowledging that their support has helped keep the business going.
The celebration brought together guests from across the company’s history, including family, customers and friends. Guests were also presented with gifts as part of the occasion.
As Tappan’s Electrical looks beyond its 50th year, the company’s journey reflects a willingness to adapt while maintaining the values established by its founders.
From its beginnings as a small electrical business to its work across electrical contracting, telecommunications, fibre, solar, training and energy efficiency, Tappan’s Electrical continues to build on five decades of experience.
Tappan’s Electrical – Trusted since 1976
Trevor Tappan
Son of the Most High
Board Member of the ECASA www.ecasa.co.za
Vice Chair AREP arep.online
Director of Companies
Master Electrician
Registered EPC practitioner and quality assurer
Cell and Whatsapp 0828512771
Cell 0827862629
URL: www.tappans.co.za
