ACTOM has officially reopened its revitalised transformer manufacturing and testing facility in Pretoria, marking a significant step in South Africa’s industrial and electrification efforts. The 40 000 m² site was previously part of Powertech Transformers’ SGB-SMIT Power Matla subsidiary, which entered business rescue in 2023. ACTOM acquired the site and rehired 250 skilled workers who had been unemployed for two years.

The factory, which underwent extensive upgrades, now offers testing for large Class 3 transformers of up to 500 MVA - the only such facility on the African continent. The facility also supports the production of a wide range of electromechanical products for power generation, transmission, distribution, and power conversion, covering the full lifecycle from manufacturing to aftermarket services.

ACTOM CEO Mervyn Naidoo highlighted the continent’s electricity access gap, noting that Africa produces less than 10% of China’s total generating capacity despite similar population levels. He stressed the importance of industrialisation and electrification in addressing energy poverty and boosting employment.

The company has already supplied approximately 70% of main substation transformers for South Africa’s renewable-energy projects without service failures. ACTOM Power Transformers CEO Steve Jordaan confirmed full-scale production will begin early next year, with the aim of restoring over 1 000 jobs at the Pretoria facility.

Government representatives emphasised the importance of local procurement in public infrastructure projects, encouraging municipalities to prioritise locally manufactured electrical products to drive economic growth.

Source: engineeringnews.co.za