Pepperl+Fuchs is well known by customers around the world as a pioneer and innovator in industrial sensors and explosion protection. Founded by Walter Pepperl and Ludwig Fuchs in 1945, the company has grown to more than 80 subsidiaries globally, with the South African operation having been added to that list a decade ago as part of a long-term strategy in Africa.
“When we opened our doors ten years ago, our aim was to forge closer links within our network in Africa in order to be nearer to our customers to provide an even better service,” says Marc Van Pelt, MD of Pepperl+Fuchs South Africa. “Just as our founders almost 80 years ago cared strongly about their customers, so do we. We are proud of our company’s heritage and legacy of consistent achievement and innovation, and the close relations that have been built with our customers.”
In addition to servicing customers in South Africa, Pepperl+Fuchs has established distributors in sub-Saharan Africa and North Africa, with gravity centres in South Africa and Morocco. From day one, industrial sensors and explosion protection equipment were supplied to a wide range of industries, including automotive, mining, oil and gas.
Its significant growth in Africa in both numbers and local presence and support is testimony to the company’s success. “Our view a decade ago was that the African continent was the ‘last giant waking up’. Although this giant has been waking up in a more complex and slower way, we believed at the time, and still do today, that it’s one of the new economic powerhouses of the future,” continues Van Pelt. “Pepperl+Fuchs chose to be part of that process by having a foot on the ground in South Africa.”
With the population in Africa expected to surpass two billion people by 2050, there is a vast untapped market for goods and services. Africa is a crucial supplier of the natural resources needed to develop the global economy further, especially the metals, minerals, oil and gas that are needed in today’s manufacturing processes to produce consumer goods. “Let’s not forget the growing potential in agriculture as a result of population growth; and with regard to renewable energy, Africa has enormous wind and solar energy potential. Through green hydrogen and green ammonia, this can be exported to other parts of the world where there’s a need for more energy. As the world evolves into an ‘all-electric’ society, Africa will play a vital role as a provider of clean and renewable energy resources,” he adds.
Pepperl+Fuchs believes that the rapid adoption of automation technology in industry presents an opportunity for innovation and optimised customer efficiency. An example is its Enterprise Mobility range. “Automation is the key, and we believe that ‘Your Automation is Our Passion’, having chosen to be part of this enormous endeavour,” he says.
With the aim of adding value to the South African economy, Pepperl+Fuchs is proud to be sponsoring students who are pursuing a career in engineering. In addition, the company’s participation in Africa’s diversity is contributing to a culture where every person feels respected and valued, and is fully engaged and thriving through a sense of belonging.
As Pepperl+Fuchs celebrates ten years in Africa, the company extends its gratitude to its employees, management and customers for their loyalty and support, and looks forward to the next decade of further success as it strives to assist companies across Africa with solutions that will take their businesses to the next level.
| Tel: | +27 10 430 0250 |
| Email: | info@za.pepperl-fuchs.com |
| www: | www.pepperl-fuchs.co.za |
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