Schneider Electric South Africa is on track to complete the full integration of leading local switchgear systems manufacturer, RBF Technology, which it acquired in 2007. By the end of the first quarter of 2011, the RBF brand will be integrated under the Schneider Electric name and branded in line with Schneider Electric’s global practice.
Johan Basson, managing director of RBF, says the RBF brand has been established in South Africa for 30 years and customers are well aware of its acquisition by Schneider Electric South Africa. “Substantial synergies exist between the two companies, and in the light of the huge market footprint, which Schneider Electric plans to establish here, the full integration of RBF into Schneider Electric South Africa is sound business logic.
“RBF is a perfect fit with the Schneider vision going forward and South African customers will benefit from this creation of a solution leader in low and medium voltage switchgear. The integration will see Schneider Electric consolidate its position in LV and MV systems across southern Africa.”
An area of focus within the integration is the development of intelligent total solution technologies for utilities and large industrial customers. Basson says that these solutions will typically include MES, scada, intelligent devices and a variety of communication protocols linking to hardware, such as motor control centres and variable speed drives.
The integration is highly complementary as RBF’s strengths lie mainly in the LV switchgear arena while Schneider Electric focuses on automation and drives, MV switchgear, LV and MV distribution and products and services in the power, building, IT and residential markets.
Dudley Miller, vice-president of the power business of Schneider Electric South Africa, says that Schneider and RBF have set up joint commercial, technological and R&D agreements. “These have been ensuring that synergies are maintained and developed during the integration process. Joint offers are made to customers under the lead of RBF or Schneider depending upon the type of project. However, once the integration is complete, all bids will be submitted under Schneider Electric.
“RBF has built a strong reputation for well-engineered and manufactured solutions, backed by comprehensive type-test certification and formal QA management systems. It is a preferred supplier to many blue-chip organisations, and has been consistently prominent in the supply and execution of switchgear solutions for large capital projects. Hence its integration is a key factor for our business.”
According to Basson, RBF has never been positioned to provide customers with a ‘total solution’ turnkey offering. “Becoming part of Schneider Electric has changed this position dramatically and now RBF has full access to the comprehensive basket of products and services residing within Schneider Electric.
“RBF is now in a position to take on even larger projects, with the financial muscle of Schneider Electric behind us. The outcome is that we are no longer limited to supplying switchgear systems and solutions, but total solutions as a partner under the Schneider banner.”
Basson concludes that RBF looks forward to being a ‘Total Solution’ provider within Schneider Electric and to providing customers with the added value this will bring.
For more information contact Isabel Mwale, Schneider Electric, +27 (0)11 254 6400, isabel.mwale@za.schneider-electric.com, www.schneider-electric.co.za
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