Having rapidly carved a niche in dry-type transformer applications in Africa, Trafo Power Solutions has steadily grown its offerings – and now sees a future as a leading provider of electrical power solutions.

This evolution has been underpinned by the company’s strong design and engineering capability, and its in-depth technical understanding of various aspects of electrical projects. Managing Director of Trafo Power Solutions, David Claassen, says the success to date has been based on its customised design and rapid execution of solutions that fit perfectly into the broader project requirements.

“We have a reputation for how well we understand the conditions and applications in which our transformers must operate,” says Claassen. “This broad technical knowledge has also allowed us to build more complete solutions that include a transformer as one of the many components.”

For instance, Trafo Power Solutions has been growing into the field of integrated modular substations for the mining and other sectors. These installations have seen particularly enthusiastic uptake in mining due to often remote locations at which power is required. Building a traditional brick-and-mortar substation on site can be complex and time consuming, whereas a modular substation or e-house can be constructed and tested in a specialised workshop – and then shipped to site.

“Our dry-type transformers are ideally suited for these installations, as their high safety rating allows them to be integrated into the substation structure during assembly,” he says. “In contrast, conventional oil-cooled transformers carry a higher safety risk, so must usually be located separately; they also need protective infrastructure to ensure that any oil leakage does not cause environmental contamination.”

Trafo Power Solutions’ depth of expertise and experience allows it to design and supply entire modular substations, which have been supplied to customers around Africa. A recent order, for a skid-mounted solution, was even undertaken for a mining customer in Australia, and completed in a short timeframe that could not be matched by competitors.

The company’s strategy to further grow its range of electrical power solutions is supported by its established relationships with blue-chip customers, who include end-users, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firms and electrical consultants.

“We see engineering capability as the heart of our business, and so we focus on value addition in our customer relationships,” he says. “We are also strengthening our footprint across Africa to be closer to customers, developing links with specialist in-country partners as we develop and apply high value solutions.”