Following a recent investment and transfer of knowledge and skills, ABB South Africa’s motor and generator factory in Alrode, near Johannesburg, is now fully compliant with the Department of Trade and Industry’s ‘greater than 70% local sourcing’ regulations. This development demonstrates the company’s full commitment to skills development and localisation.
ABB’s commitment also includes the modernisation of local manufacturing facilities, comparable to the best in the world. This has been demonstrated in the Alrode factory’s upgrade. Combining the best available materials with superior technology, the electric motors and generators produced in the Alrode factory will operate reliably in every industry and application, despite challenging process or application environments, and with the lowest lifecycle cost.
Customer benefits
Local manufacture offers many benefits to customers, from ABB’s improved broad-based black economic employment (B-BBEE) rating to reduced costs, improved efficiencies and shortened turnaround times which result in better after sales service and access to spare parts.
The upgrade means that the Alrode factory can now manufacture, and test in-house, large induction and synchronous motors, and generators capable of producing between 550 kW and 20 MW of electricity, for power utilities, heavy industries and mines within South Africa, and further field. The factory can also support specific customer requirements by designing and manufacturing to order, unique motors and generators tailored to local conditions.
Product lifecycle management and repair services
ABB’s product lifecycle management model is designed to provide proactive service offerings for increased availability and performance. The company offers a dedicated field service programme that supports installation, supervision, commissioning and a full range of field-bound maintenance services designed to increase the reliability of the motors and generators already in use.
The new Alrode factory is also able to offer a full range of genuine OEM spare parts, including commissioning parts, operational parts, preventative maintenance kits and capital parts. Being fully compliant with the DTI’s requirements bodes well for the company since as it can now offer its products and services to a greater number of customers. Building an agile and customer-focused organisation is part of ABB’s focus on customer centricity as it will increase competitiveness and create new opportunities for export into neighbouring countries.
Rooibos heads to space in groundbreaking South African STEM initiative
News
Rooibos seeds will be sent to the International Space Station as part of a first-of-its-kind South African initiative combining space-based plant science with hands-on STEM education for learners in the Cederberg region and Cape Town.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Turning the tide Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Our last few Sustainable Manufacturing guides have tracked the changes in the energy industry in South Africa. This year, I found that the story has moved on still further.
South Africa’s manufacturing ...
Read more...Engineering a more inclusive future
News
Women engineers at Zutari are helping shape resilient communities across Africa and the Middle East, while inspiring the next generation to enter the profession in areas ranging from water security to large-scale urban developments.
Read more...Schneider Electric inspires future women engineers Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric welcomed female engineering students from its education partner Sedibeng TVET College, Sebokeng to its Midrand headquarters for its Mandela Day Mentorship Café initiative, transforming a day of service into a day of inspiration, learning and opportunity.
Read more...Supporting an inclusive circular economy transition in South Africa
News
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation has released its Circular Economy Science, Technology and Innovation strategy. The document sets out how research, development and innovation can support South Africa’s shift away from a linear economic model.
Read more...Why sustainability and resilience matter more than ever to navigate the ESG backlash
News
ESG, once heralded as a pragmatic framework for embedding long-term resilience into business, is facing growing resistance. The backlash we are seeing may appear reactionary, but it should not distract us from the facts. In this climate, I often find myself returning to the core purpose behind sustainability - creating long-term value in a world of escalating uncertainty.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Building a better future Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
This issue of SA Instrumentation & Control includes our Sustainable Manufacturing Industry Guide, which has some great examples of companies actively contributing to a net-zero carbon future. It’s also ...
Read more...Latest automation innovations on show at Electra Mining Africa 2026
News
Electra Mining Africa 2026 will showcase new developments in mining automation, AI-integrated safety systems, digital power solutions and CNC simulation technology, alongside a new outdoor Orange Zone exhibition area at the Johannesburg Expo Centre.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version