As part of ABB’s strategic plans to strengthen local manufacturing, the company has invested over R10 million to complete additional technology transfer that brings the manufacture of UniGear ZS1 medium-voltage switchgear to South Africa. Previously, the product was fully imported from the Czech Republic, or other countries, when needed. Due to the investment, 60 to 70% of the technology will be locally manufactured and assembled. As a result, the company’s customers will benefit from a higher design flexibility, faster accessibility, and decreased costs due to reduced import costs and delivery time.
In addition to the transfer of UniGear ZS1 production, the company has started the process of increasing the localisation of its Compact Secondary Substations (CSS), due to be completed in October 2023.
Egon Worthmann, MV primary AIS switchgear manager for ABB Electrification’s Distribution Solutions division, says: “Utilities are increasingly looking to implement smart solutions to solve complex energy challenges. ABB is well placed to continue to deliver world-class solutions to customers now through local manufacturing right here in South Africa. The creation of job opportunities for local engineers and contractors demonstrates our commitment to the long-term development of the country.”
Built in 2009, ABB South Africa’s headquarters demonstrates the company’s early adoption of more sustainable manufacturing approaches, with the site boasting a 760 kWp array of rooftop solar panels that generate enough solar energy to cover around 30% of the site’s annual energy consumption of 2400 MWh.
Yunus Hoosen, head of InvestSA, an agency of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition says: “The South African switchgear market is projected to grow substantially. The increasing number of investments in sustainable power generation, coupled with the growing population, is expected to drive this growth. This illustrates the importance of the domestic sector to multinationals and the strategic location of South Africa for a rapidly growing African consumer market. The ABB investment signifies that South Africa remains an attractive investment destination across all sectors, including the advanced manufacturing sector.”
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