Acquisition by ELB enables B&W to make a remarkable turnaround
November 2014
News
Electrical and instrumentation contractor, B&W Instrumentation and Electrical (B&W) has reported a phenomenal turnaround since it was acquired by engineered solutions provider ELB Engineering Services (ELB) in April 2014. This is according to B&W CEO Brian Harley.
B&W’s recent work at the Pilanesberg Platinum Concentrator Plant is a demonstration of its new-found success.
“Since the acquisition which was finalised in April, we have received orders to the value of R154 million and we expect further orders to the value of about R24 million in the near future,” he says. “Our ability to take on this work is a result of ELB’s commercial support which has enabled B&W to close off old contracts, settle outstanding debt and consolidate its cash flow. The bottom line is that B&W is once again in the black and operating profitably.”
ELB has a policy of maintaining strong brand names in the market and has made it clear that B&W will continue to operate as a standalone company.
A bonus for B&W is that Conductor Systems (CS), a leading supplier of electrical supply systems for moving machines, has been brought into the B&W fold and Harley says that both CS and earthing and lightning protection specialists Pontins – part of B&W since 2009 – represent excellent growth opportunities.
He adds that the ability for CS and B&W to work together efficiently was amply demonstrated by the joint contribution they made to ELB’s successful repairs to recent fire damage at the Nestlé Potchefstroom factory, which was brought back to operation in record time.
Harley believes that another major benefit of being part of ELB is the opportunity to participate in group projects as this will give B&W a base load of future work on a continuous basis. “Considering the strong inflow of orders since the acquisition, not only does the current level of work bode well for both the 2015 and 2016 financial years, but our future identified pipeline of work is healthy across all sectors of our traditional business.”
B&W has come through a challenging period and owes a great deal to customers, suppliers and staff. “On behalf of the entire business I thank you for your patience and understanding and look forward to working with you all in the exciting times ahead,” concludes Harley.
For more information contact Ken Nel, B&W Instrumentation and Electrical,+27 (0)11 907 1663, [email protected], www.bwie.co.za
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