The need for stable and efficient power supply is paramount to economic prosperity in both developed and developing countries. This holds true in South Africa where with a growing demand for energy the South African Government is placing urgent priority in the country's energy needs.

While Government is making significant investments to build new and upgrade existing energy infrastructure, local and international companies need to invest in the country and contribute towards South Africa's growth plans and add local value. "The Siemens local manufacturing facility in North riding, Johannesburg, is our investment in the future of the country's energy sector", says Olaf Krieg, Divisional Director of Siemens Power Distribution.

The growing demand for energy and the associated infrastructure challenges are an opportunity for Siemens and South Africa. The Siemens state-of-the-art facility not only manufactures high-quality products to meet local demands but also incorporates local content by creating jobs and promoting skills development. "The country and the southern Africa region is one of the fastest growing regional blocks in the world - everyday we require more and more energy - and we need this in a cost efficient sustainable way using local content and resources", adds Krieg.

"Our aim is to be perfectly positioned to serve the growing needs and requirements of our customers and allow us to deliver a variety of technologically advanced, reliable and customised solutions from a single source. Working from a unified facility, we are able to consolidate engineering, manufacturing, project execution and sales and marketing for our Business Units under one roof concluded Mr. Jayesh Ranchod, Divisional Director of Power Transmission at Siemens Energy.

At the official inauguration on the 21st of July 2011, as part of its Technology Innovations Day, Siemens showcased their expertise in the Power Transmission and Distribution fields stretching across the entire energy conversion chain. The event was hosted over 2 days and included technical and product presentations based on cost effective; innovative technology for the distribution and transmission of power. Both days were also headlined with tours of the medium voltage production facility conducted by local Siemens experts.

Contact: Keshin Govender, Siemens Corporate Communications
Keshin.govender@siemens.com