From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

Transformer manufacturer LH Marthinusen, a division of electromechanical equipment manufacturer ACTOM, has launched its new R32-million industrial fan production facility, in Germiston, in Gauteng. Sabrina Jardim tells us more.

Sabrina Jardim:

LH Marthinusen pointed out that the facility strengthens South Africa's manufacturing capabilities, enhances job creation and aligns with the National Development Plan's goals for economic and infrastructure advancement.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition described the opening of the new facility as marking a significant milestone in South Africa’s industrialisation and localisation efforts, adding that it is a direct outcome of the National Industrial Participation Programme  – a key policy instrument under the country’s industrial policy framework.

The department said the new facility comes on the back of ACTOM’s recent supply of industrial goods to State-owned Eskom and its commitment to fulfil NIPP obligations.

It noted that these obligations are designed to leverage strategic government procurement to stimulate domestic manufacturing, promote technology transfer and support the growth of local industries.

Dtic Minister Parks Tau…

ACTOM CEO Mervyn Naidoo…

Sabrina Jardim:

The new plant will manufacture large-scale industrial fans for energy, mining and food processing applications, supporting both domestic infrastructure projects and regional export opportunities.

It also represents a practical case study of the successful implementation of the NIPP through original-equipment manufacturer participation, the dtic said, adding that the facility positions ACTOM as a key contributor to South Africa’s efforts to reduce import dependency, enhance competitiveness and grow the manufacturing sector.

ACTOM CEO Mervyn Naidoo…

Sabrina Jardim:

Speaking on the issue of unemployment and slow GDP growth in South Africa, ACTOM CEO Mervyn Naidoo noted that ACTOM had undertaken to “actively embrace education” through the development of various training centres.

With this in mind, the new facility also houses a training centre, which Naidoo said has taken on 80 youth as apprentices.

ACTOM CEO Mervyn Naidoo...

Dtic Minister Parks Tau...

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.