Major opportunities for local contractors
December 2002
News
The burgeoning infrastructures of countries north of South Africa's borders are creating major opportunities for local contractors. Leading instrumentation and electrical company, B&W Instrumentation and Electrical, expects to grow its business in Africa to 35% of its R90 million per annum total order book within the next year.
According to B&W managing director, John Barrow, apart from the local mining and petrochemical sectors, work from African countries holds out the biggest growth potential and companies that are experienced in working under African conditions are best equipped to undertake this work.
B&W is currently working in, or has recently worked in 10 African countries but has identified the DRC, Angola, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, and Ethiopia as countries which hold the greatest potential for specialist instrumentation and electrical contractors. B&W aims to grow its share of instrumentation and electrical work in these countries through the formation of joint ventures with local companies whilst also employing local personnel wherever possible and equipping them with the skills to assist in handling such projects.
"Although a large contingent of South Africans will be involved and are currently involved on our projects elsewhere in Africa, we believe that the greatest benefit to ourselves and to the countries in which we operate, lies in training local personnel to give them the skills which will enable them to maintain the projects we leave behind," said Barrow.
However, Barrow cautions that companies cannot enter the African market without having a thorough understanding of conditions. "A complete knowledge of logistics is essential in terms of personnel, food and communications," explains Barrow. "We are one of the few instrumentation and electrical contractors to go into Africa with sophisticated communications systems so that we are able to keep in touch at all times."
Barrow believes that South African companies have an advantage in Africa as they can compete on a Rand basis - which gives them a competitive edge over international companies. "At the same time we are well equipped to compete from a quality perspective as we adhere to the highest international standards."
For more information contact Ken Nel, B&W Instrumentation and Electrical, 011 907 1663, [email protected]
Further reading:
Celebrating three decades of innovation in Africa's premier industrial software conference
News
With a rich 29-year history, the X-Change User Conference stands as Africa's largest and most prestigious annual gathering dedicated to industrial software and related technology. Hosted by Industry Software Solutions & Support (IS
3), this year, X-Change 2024 promises to be even more impactful as it celebrates three decades of innovation and collaboration.
Read more...
4Sight OT Automation achieves prestigious AVEVA Endorsed Partner status
News
4Sight OT Automation, a leading industrial software solutions provider, has achieved Endorsed Partner status within the AVEVA Partner Network.
Read more...
Schneider Electric announces 2023 Global Alliance Partner Programme award winners
Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric has announced the winners of the 2023 Global Alliance Excellence Awards. Throughout 2023, Schneider Electric’s Alliance Partners supported customers in the digitalisation of industrial automation, delivering value with innovative initiatives, solutions and services.
Read more...
Custom containerised lubrication dispensing system
News
Bosch Rexroth Africa recently supplied and installed a customised environmentally friendly and dust-proof lubrication dispensing system for a leading earth-moving equipment supplier.
Read more...
Siemens to acquire industrial drive technology business of ebm-papst
Siemens South Africa
News
Siemens has signed an agreement to acquire the industrial drive technology business of ebm-papst. The business includes intelligent, integrated mechatronic systems in the protective extra-low voltage range and innovative motion control systems.
Read more...
Bearings International fosters a segment strategy
Bearings International
News
Bearings International has a segment approach to the market, which places an intentional focus on key industries in South and sub-Saharan Africa in a bid to optimise operations, enhance uptime, and drive business sustainability and increased profitability outcomes for customers.
Read more...
Local robotics team’s journey to the world stage
News
In the heart of Cape Town, a group of young visionaries aged 12 to 17 is making waves in the world of robotics. Known as Texpand, this team from Pinelands has not only dominated the First Tech Challenge (FTC) in South Africa, but has also earned international acclaim for its innovative approach to engineering and problem solving.
Read more...
RS Group expands by 10 000 products
RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa has announced its Better World Claims Based Framework, enabling customers to select verified sustainable product alternatives. This provides suppliers with a standardised framework to accelerate the development and manufacture of more sustainable and responsible products.
Read more...
IRP 2023 could reset SA’s social and economic problems
News
ACTOM recently held a webinar on the ‘Draft IRP2023 Impact on the Manufacturing Sector’. South Africa’s Draft Integrated Resource Plan 2023 is a key document that outlines a comprehensive strategy for addressing the country’s energy security challenges, while also setting out its transition to a diversified energy mix, including renewables.
Read more...
Young scientists to showcase innovative research
News
Innovative South African research which includes a cost-effective triage test for real-time detection of TB and a nature-based technology that brings about environmental remediation, will be showcased at this year’s International Festival of Engineering, Science and Technology in Tunisia.
Read more...
printer friendly version