Schneider Electric has entered into a production partnership agreement with Steelcor Power to produce its next generation of smart grid-ready, medium voltage (MV) switchgear, Premset.
Built using a Shielded Solid Insulation System (2SIS), Premset lets MV network operators increase safety and efficiency while simultaneously minimising downtime and meeting the needs of the smart grid. 2SIS is a technical breakthrough that protects all the switchgear’s live parts with earth-screened solid insulation, reducing the risk of internal arcing and facilitating top performance in practically any environment.
To prepare for production, Steelcor Power has added 900 square metres to its factory in Boksburg. The first unit is expected to roll off the line for inspection by Schneider Electric France at the end of October. A further 14 units are planned for this year, and production for 2016 will scale up to 200 units with an annual increase of 20% thereafter.
Two Steelcor Power staff members responsible for the new production have received technical training on the manufacturing process from Schneider Electric personnel in France, and local Schneider Electric specialists have and continue to offer training in South Africa.
“We are excited about the prospects of Premset, both from a local manufacturing point of view and enhancing the value chain of this product for the benefit of our customers,” said Eric Leger, country president for southern Africa at Schneider Electric. “Steelcor Power has a long history of excellence in manufacturing of electrical products, and we are confident that through our partnership, we will meet the demand for Premset in the African marketplace.”
John Farren, CEO at Steelcor Power added, “Steelcor and Steelcor Power have been business associates of Schneider Electric for the past 25 years. During this time, we have developed products for Schneider Electric locally, and have promoted the organisation’s products for supply within our product range. Today, we are one of the major users of Schneider Electric MV switchgear in South Africa. Premset is a natural addition to our existing product range.”
SF6-free switchgear brings digital intelligence to mining Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Combining pure-air switchgear with embedded digital intelligence helps mines cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve safety and meet sustainability targets while enabling real-time visibility into critical electrical assets.
Read more...ACTOM invests in South Africa’s industrial future
News
ACTOM has transformed its Pretoria West facility into an integrated manufacturing hub for large power transformers, high-voltage equipment and lithium-ion battery energy storage systems, quadrupling transformer capacity and establishing a complete local energy storage ecosystem.
Read more...SA’s future engineers in action
News
AvenirHoldings sponsors the 2026 SAICE Aqualibrium Schools Competition, supporting young engineering talent across South Africa and Eswatini.
Read more...Why cloud-ready BMS is reshaping building operations Schneider Electric South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Smart sensors and non-contact radar are reshaping industrial measurement, feeding connected platforms that predict failures before they happen.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Turning the tide Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Our last few Sustainable Manufacturing guides have tracked the changes in the energy industry in South Africa. This year, I found that the story has moved on still further.
South Africa’s manufacturing ...
Read more...Engineering a more inclusive future
News
Women engineers at Zutari are helping shape resilient communities across Africa and the Middle East, while inspiring the next generation to enter the profession in areas ranging from water security to large-scale urban developments.
Read more...Schneider Electric inspires future women engineers Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric welcomed female engineering students from its education partner Sedibeng TVET College, Sebokeng to its Midrand headquarters for its Mandela Day Mentorship Café initiative, transforming a day of service into a day of inspiration, learning and opportunity.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version