Precision manufacturing at the WEG Blumenau factory in Brazil allowed Zest WEG to supply two large, custom-built power transformers a month ahead of deadline to a power utility strengthening the reliability of the region’s power system.

The fact that both 500MVA 400kV transformers passed the factory acceptance test (FAT) first time around paved the way to early delivery. This achievement, according to Jan-Frederik Viljoen, executive  transformers at Zest WEG, is a testament to the company’s design and manufacturing quality.

The 348 t units are the largest yet produced by WEG – with each unit boasting a power rating of 500,000kVA and voltage class of 400kV. This delivery efficiency reinforces Zest WEG’s position in the local market.

“Our South African team participated actively in this project, reaffirming WEG's commitment to the development of our employees and the transfer of skills,” says Viljoen. “We see this as a vital contribution to the development of the country, as well as the alleviation of the energy shortage in the region.”

He says the benefits of these transformers include robustness, flexibility and reliability – contributing directly to the development of the local economy. They are also an important element of expanded investment in emergency capacity to generate complementary power supply for the region.

Zest WEG’s manufacturing operations in South Africa include two transformer factories near Johannesburg, which produce and supply the local market with 145kV voltage class transformers. This contract is an important achievement for Zest WEG, which is deepening its contribution to power generation, transmission and distribution as part of its developmental mandate. The company is well-established in the mining and industrial sectors, and is currently raising its level of engagement with power producers and municipalities.

Zest WEG’s portfolio includes power distribution equipment such as miniature substations, distribution transformers and power transformers, as well as packaged switchgear and automation solutions such as E-Houses, Motor Control Centres (MCC) and electrical enclosures. Among its power generation solutions are conventional diesel generators, combined heat and power generation (CHP) and renewable energy generation.

Other offerings relevant to the public sector include the supply of substations and electrical infrastructure, including the design, supply and construction of overhead lines, substation mechanical and electrical construction, and electrical high-voltage and low-voltage reticulation.