Power and automation orders reach new record of R3,6 billion
First Quarter 2007
News & events
ABB South Africa, a leading global power and automation technology group, has achieved record power and automation orders of R3,6 billion in 2006, 30% higher than the previous year. Orders were spurred by the local electrical power infrastructure expansion programme and a more buoyant business in industrial plant automation to increase productivity and energy efficiency.
Revenues for 2006 were R2,7 billion, up 11% on the previous year, the highest achieved by the company in its 14 years of operation in the country.
"Our exceptional results reflect the massive demand for our market leading products and systems as the country's electricity infrastructure investment accelerates," says Carlos Pone, CEO, ABB South Africa.
"Strong demand came from the power generation, transmission and distribution sectors. We were able to exceed our customers' expectations with high level engineering skills and new technologies that optimise sustainable production by reducing energy and carbon emissions.
"Our industry business also benefited from stronger economic growth which increased investment in process and manufacturing plants," he comments. "We experienced substantial growth in orders for automation systems to increase factory productivity, energy-saving motors and drives and for services where ABB performs maintenance at customer plants."
The company's power business was boosted by record orders for power and distribution transformers, medium and high voltage equipment, new substations and transmission line protection equipment to upgrade and modernise power networks for greater grid reliability to sustain economic growth.
There was increased demand among the larger metropolitan electricity distributors for equipment for the upgrading and expansion of existing networks.
Industrial automation business grew substantially with large orders from process industries such as oil and gas, pulp and paper, mining and cement.
Demand for automation technology products such as electric motors, drives and low voltage products was increased by upgrades and expansion in industrial plants, commercial buildings and a boom in the residential property market.
ABB's strong performance in South Africa reflects its ability to meet the escalation in industry development and subsequent demands with innovation, high quality products and skills.
"I believe that we will build on this progress in 2007," says Pone.
For more information contact Chesney Bradshaw, media relations, ABB Corporate Communications, +27 (0)11 236 7578, [email protected]
Further reading:
Next-generation motor management solution
Schneider Electric South Africa
News & events Other technologies
Schneider Electric has launched its TeSys Tera motor management solution in the West African market, combining advanced motor protection, digital connectivity and real-time diagnostics for manufacturing, mining and water applications.
Read more...
Integrated Air Solutions places energy efficiency at centre stage
News & events
Integrated Air Solutions will showcase Tier 1 compressor brands, advanced technologies and compressed air solutions at Electra Mining Africa 2026, with energy efficiency and total cost of ownership at the core of its exhibition theme.
Read more...
SI programme strengthens partner ecosystem
Schneider Electric South Africa
News & events
Schneider Electric will soon officially launch its new System Integrator (SI) Programme, which will mark a major change in how the company partners with industrial automation specialists across Southern, East and West Africa.
Read more...
OMRON Robotics demos next-generation autonomous mobile robots
Editor's Choice News & events Robotics & Mechatronics
Advancing smarter material flow with the all-new LD-150 and LD-300 AMRs, OMRON Robotics demonstrated the next generation of its flagship LD series autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at Automate 2026 in June.
Read more...
Pump spares and parts for Africa
News & events
KSB Pumps and Valves explains how its decentralised stockholding and local manufacturing keep spares and parts available across its installed base in Africa.
Read more...
The hidden heroes who shape Africa’s industrial future
Bosch Rexroth Africa
Editor's Choice News & events
Behind every industrial success story, there’s a human one. Their names may never appear on a project signboard or in a headline. Yet their expertise and determination keep industries moving every day.
Read more...
Bühler Southern Africa leads industry dialogue on apprenticeships
Editor's Choice News & events
Bühler Southern Africa brought together representatives from industry, government and international organisations on
30 June 2026 to explore how quality apprenticeships can help bridge the gap between high youth unemployment and industry demand for skilled technical workers.
Read more...
Drive technology for the agricultural sector
SEW-EURODRIVE
News & events
SEW-EURODRIVE’s advanced drive, automation and condition monitoring technologies are helping agricultural businesses.
Read more...
New digital tool reconditioning portal puts customers fully in control
News & events
Sandvik Coromant has upgraded its tool reconditioning service for solid round tools. The upgraded service replaces a previously manual, multi-stage workflow with a streamlined, fully online experience that dramatically reduces quotation and turnaround times.
Read more...
New automation innovations on show at Electra Mining Africa 2026
News & events
South African engineers are leaders in innovation and technology development. Many of these innovations and newly automated systems will be on display at the largest trade show of its kind in southern Africa, Electra Mining Africa 2026, taking place in Johannesburg later this year.
Read more...
printer friendly version