RMB Corvest and Shalamuka Capital have acquired a minority stake in Process Automation (Pty) Ltd  (“Process Automation”) partnering with CEO Larry Smith, who retains his majority shareholding. The transaction follows the exit of Evolve Capital Partners and supports Process Automation’s next phase of measured growth across Africa and selected international markets.

Process Automation is an original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) that designs, engineers, manufactures and supports high-precision measurement and control instrumentation solutions for the mining, mineral processing and bulk material handling sectors. Its portfolio includes conveyor belt scales, density gauges, weigh feeders, metal detectors, moisture measurement systems and specialised weighing and throughput feed systems.

The company operates from an ISO 9001-certified manufacturing facility headquartered in Johannesburg, supported by a national branch network and established distribution and service partners across Africa and select global markets.

A business built through engineering excellence

Founded in Johannesburg in 1980, Process Automation has grown from a small engineering workshop into a respected African OEM with deep technical capability and long-standing customer relationships. Today Process Automation has become one of the most recognised mass-measurement instrumentation brands on mine sites across Africa, with systems that have earned a reputation for delivering sustainably accurate, real-time process measurement and control data. This capability is critical in mining operations where measurement integrity directly underpins metal accounting, plant stability and commercial decision-making.

The business has been built around custom engineering and manufacturing excellence. With more than 240 employees, including one of the largest field service teams in its sector, Process Automation has delivered more than 40,000 instruments into African and global mining markets. Its unique counter-balance electromechanical belt scales, density gauges, specialised weighing and throughput feed systems together with its versatile Unipro processor form part of the operational infrastructure at many mining and mineral processing plants, supporting accountability, reliability and sustainable performance.

A highly competitive African growth story

Africa remains one of the world’s most resource-rich mining regions, yet many operations continue to face challenges accessing locally engineered instrumentation and consistent OEM support. Process Automation addresses this gap through solutions built around customer processes, supported by on-site technical expertise and long-term service relationships.

“Larry and his team have made significant strides expanding Process Automation’s reach through Africa and Latin America,” said Matsebe Thulare, executive at RMB Corvest. “A capital-light export model, combined with a multi-decade reputation for quality and accuracy, positions the business well for disciplined expansion.

“Process Automation has grown by working closely with our customers to understand their measurement challenges and by designing customised solutions that deliver sustainable accuracy,” said Larry Smith, CEO of Process Automation. “Our partnership-led approach has earned long-term trust from most of Africa’s largest mining groups and project houses. With the support of RMB Corvest and Shalamuka Capital, both established B-BBEE investors who share our commitment to building inclusive, locally anchored industrial capability, we look forward to strengthening and modernising our manufacturing capability, advancing our product portfolio, and extending our presence across Africa and beyond.”

Geoff Wilmot, executive at RMB Corvest echoed the sentiment: “Process Automation is one of those rare businesses that blends technical excellence with a track record of customer loyalty. We are proud to partner with Larry and the entire team as they continue to build an even larger African success story.”