Africa’s largest electro-mechanical manufacturer Actom CEO Mervyn Naidoo says the company is going from strength to strength with its comprehensive electro-mechanical offerings to industries such as mining and energy.

The company offers manufacturing, service, repair, maintenance, project management and distribution services through 33 outlets in sub-Saharan Africa.

As the country gears itself up for more renewable power generation, Actom supports the sector by supplying robust electrical equipment, services and balance of plant to renewable-energy projects. It also holds technology, distribution and value-added reseller agreements with various partners locally and internationally.

While some coal-fired power plants remain in operation, Actom can also provide solutions for utility plants such as maintenance, repairs and retrofitting of boilers to keep large power plants operating optimally.

Its service further includes capacity and efficiency improvements to older boilers, supply of original-equipment spares, reliability studies, metallurgical services and computational fluid design modelling.

In turn, industries such as mining and metal processing benefit from Actom’s drive, control and switchgear technology. The company typically manages projects from design stage to commissioning, as well as maintenance and repair services beyond commissioning.

Actom is a leading developer of medium voltage switchgear, showcasing its Gelpag solution at Electra Mining Africa this year. This “dielelectric” switchgear uses fixed pattern, vacuum circuit breakers and are gas free. The equipment is suitable for 10 000 full load operations, with current ratings up to 2 500 A and voltages up to 12 kV.

With the logistics industry needing modernisation to improve efficiencies, Actom’s transport division designs and manufacturers signalling equipment and turnkey systems covering train control systems, track side equipment, interlocking, remote control, substations equipment, traction transformers, automatic train routing and train management information.

Mining companies are increasingly becoming involved in improving rail efficiencies, given the sector’s dependence on rail for freight across the country to ports. The mining sector is also building more renewable-energy plants to gain independence from the grid and improve environmental, social and governance credentials.

Actom’s energy division is versed in front-end engineering and technical services, while its KOEBEC electrical and engineering services is experienced in high, medium and low voltage installations and modifications, as well as project management and commissioning.

These offerings are complemented by Actom’s distribution transformer business, which designs and manufacturers a comprehensive range of distribution and power transformers ranging from 16 kVA single phase up to 10 MVA 88 kV.

In close collaboration with utilities, municipalities, general industry, mining and the renewable-energy sector, Actom has perfected a range of transformer solutions combining high performance, electrical suitability, and compatibility with the natural environment.