With the finalising of the acquisition of Hiprom, a leading South African process control and automation systems integrator, by Rockwell Automation, formal trading is set to start.
To the benefit of both, Hiprom customers gain more direct access to Rockwell Automation’s complete portfolio of products, services and solutions; while Rockwell Automation customers gain an expanded portfolio of application solutions, expertise and delivery capacity from Hiprom.
“The acquisition forms part of our globalisation and brand performance strategies and increases our footprint on the African continent,” says Terry Gebert, VP and general manager, Rockwell Automation systems and solutions business. “We regard South Africa as key to volume increase and Hiprom will help accelerate our growth in sub-Saharan Africa, enable us to better serve customers’ needs worldwide and therefore expand our markets.
Terry Gebert (left) with Hein Hiestermann
“Hiprom and Rockwell Automation have been partners for many years and this acquisition was the next logical step. Among the many assets that Hiprom brings, are solid customer relations and a knowledgeable management team with a strong set of technology skills which can be leveraged, especially in the mining industry. Furthermore, Hiprom shares common values with Rockwell Automation, particularly in the area of ethics and integrity.”
Establishing a global centre of excellence in mining is one of Rockwell Automation’s aims and enhances its drive to transition further into heavy industries. “We foresee good growth in emerging markets as the demand for minerals worldwide is increasing. An improving global economy and increasing consumer demand will see energy and commodity metal prices rise in the long-term, which will boost capital and operational expenditures for new and retrofit automation projects,” explains Gebert.
According to Hiprom’s managing director, Hein Hiestermann, several factors motivated this decision: “With Rockwell Automation backing, we are able to globalise, maintain a local and international presence and compete on a multinational level. It also guarantees us a transposable footprint.”
Hiprom Technologies, a current Rockwell Automation Encompass Partner, also stands to benefit from the merger. “Our electronic division provides specialised niche products for Rockwell Automation, such as the ControlLogix-based industrial GPS timing which is key to its synchronised Ethernet strategy. We now have access to the Rockwell Automation delivery mechanism that is already in place and will benefit from its synergy and product expertise,” adds Hiestermann.
The acquired business will be located in Hiprom’s headquarters in Randburg and will report into Systems & Solutions Business, a part of Control Products and Solutions. The company will be referred to in the marketplace as Hiprom, a Rockwell Automation business. Hiprom’s Rustenburg branch will continue to deliver local support and project and field services.
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