ABERDARE CABLES UNVEILS NEW RAIL SECTOR PRODUCTION LINE

ABERDARE CABLES UNVEILS NEW RAIL SECTOR PRODUCTION LINE

Solely focused on locally manufactured cables for PRASA and Transnet

Pietermaritzburg, 8 July, 2015 - Aberdare Cables, a Powertech company within the JSE-listed Altron Group, today launched a new production line within its existing plant in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The line, supported by the South African Department of Trade and Industry’s (the dti) designation programme, is specifically designed to manufacture locomotive cables for the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (PRASA) and Transnet.

Speaking at the launch event, Ms Nomfuneko Majaja, Chief Director: Advanced Manufacturing at the dti commented, “We welcome Aberdare Cable’s investment in bolstering South Africa’s manufacturing economy. This is especially significant because it supports the National Development Plan’s (NDP) priorities in two ways; job creation and a clear focus on creating locally made products that support the revitalisation and upgrading of South Africa’s critical rail infrastructure and services.” 

These national locomotive and rails projects will, in their entirety, equate to a value of around R 100 billion over a 10 year period. Currently, South Africa has one of the largest wholesale renewal and general overhaul rail programmes in Africa, and serves as a strong manufacturing hub for rolling stock.

 “Aberdare Cables has invested R 20 million into the expansion of its plants in Pietermaritzburg and Gauteng in order to enhance production, create additional jobs and drive skills development within this crucial economic sector,” says Keith Edmond, CEO, Aberdare Cables. “We are committed to partnering with all stakeholders, public and private, to ensure that South Africa remains self-sufficient in the manufacturing of electrical cables essential to the maintenance, development and expansion of critical transport infrastructures.”

About Aberdare Cables - www.aberdare.co.za

Aberdare Cables, a leading international power cable manufacturer has played a significant role in the distribution of electrical power in South Africa. Aberdare Cables, a member of the Powertech Group, is a leading African cable manufacturer and has been in existence since 1946. Aberdare Cables manufactures an extensive range of electrical cables for application in power transmission, power distribution, rail, petrochemical, mining, ports, airports, wholesale, construction and domestic building environments. They have five manufacturing sites and six customer service centers in South Africa which enables them to provide personalised service to their entire customer base. Offshore operations in Mozambique, Portugal and Spain provide seamless entry of stock into Africa and Europe. We take pride in our ability to identify and satisfy customer needs through the development of innovative products coupled with unique, cost effective cabling solutions.

All Aberdare products comply with the SANS (South African National Standard) and carry the SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) mark. A Powertech company within the Altron Group, Aberdare Cables, which turns 70 in 2016, has a history of sustained growth and achievement. A 30% stake of the South African operation is held by the Izingwe Consortium. With a strong focus on skills development, enterprise development and socio-economic initiatives Aberdare Cables has a BBBEE status rating of Level 2 (AAA). More than 2000 people are employed at factories and branches throughout Southern Africa, Spain, Portugal and Mozambique.

This and our extensive project experience makes Aberdare Cables the supplier of choice for cable, cable projects and engineering services.

About Allied Electronics Corporation Limited

Allied Electronics Corporation Limited (Altron) (www.altron.com), through its two divisions Altron TMT and Altron Power is invested in power electronics, telecommunications, multi-media and information technology. The Altron group employs more than 12 500 employees globally through its subsidiaries Altech, Bytes and Powertech.