Hamar Controls, a trusted provider of advanced electrical, control and instrumentation solutions to Africa’s mining and industrial sectors for over 40 years, has been honoured with two Smart Infrastructure Partner of the Year Awards from German multinational technology corporation, Siemens.
A Hamar Controls 3 200 A Siemens SIVACON S8 MCC supplied to an industrial client in South Africa.
The awards were presented at the annual Siemens Partner Conference in September where Hamar Controls was recognised for its exceptional manufacturing output within the Siemens SIVACON S8 partner programme.
As part of a continuous partnership with Siemens, the SIVACON S8 switchgear assemblies and motor control centres are manufactured under licence at Hamar Controls’ factory in Roodepoort, Johannesburg, in full compliance with IEC 61439. Widely adopted across the mining sector, SIVACON S8 is also well suited for use in a range of industrial applications – from food and beverage processing to paper manufacturing – essentially, in any environment where electric motors require controlled switching. To ensure continued compliance and quality, Hamar Controls’ and manufacturing facility and practices are subject to annual audits by dedicated Siemens specialists.
“We are delighted to have received these awards, and we are extremely proud of our partnership with Siemens, a brand that is globally recognised for its outstanding quality and engineering excellence,” says Hamar Controls Managing Director, Chris Joubert. “All electrical and switchgear components are developed and supplied directly by Siemens and all components comply with international switchgear standards, ensuring the highest standards of performance and reliability. At the same time, we are committed to supporting local industry by sourcing all fabrication materials, including sheet metal and copper, locally.”
Although the SIVACON S8 is a fully tested solution, each unit can be individually designed, manufactured and assembled to meet the specific operational requirements of the customer’s plant. One of its key value-adds is the ability to accommodate up to sixteen starters within a single tier, allowing for a more compact footprint and subsequent efficient use of space, which is a critical consideration in many industrial environments. Hamar Controls recently manufactured several of these systems, which are currently under commissioning at a mining operation in Zambia, with others on route to petrochemical operations in Nigeria.
“We have also supplied SIVACON S8 solutions to one of South Africa’s leading paper manufacturers and several more motor control centres are on the factory floor for supply to the same customer,” adds Joubert.
He highlights that the SIVACON S8 solution forms part of Hamar Controls’ ongoing factory expansion of its panel building facility. “As part of our strategic shift to grow our panel building operations and further improve our product and service solutions, we have expanded and upgraded our factory and strengthened our quality and control processes. Additionally, we have extended our testing facilities to allow bench testing of SIVACON S8 Draw Out units.” Established in 1981, Hamar Controls has built a reputation for the quality of its products and for its commitment to integrity and ethical business practices. “We take pride in manufacturing every unit to the same exacting standards, without exception,” Joubert says.
The company is committed to creating shared value and uplifting the communities in which it operates. It has also expanded its in-house training programme, providing structured development opportunities for 20 young individuals who met the selection criteria: they are under the age of 25, in possession of a Grade 12 certificate, and unemployed. The 12-month programme comprises a three-month classroom training component, followed by nine months of hands-on practical, on-the-job experience. On completion of the programme, trainees are awarded a Certificate of Service, and those who excel are offered positions within Hamar Controls’ permanent workforce. “This means we maintain our commitment to continuous improvement, and we are equipping young people with specialised skills that improve their employability and long-term prospects in the job market,” Joubert says.
In addition to its Siemens SIVACON S8 partnership, Hamar Controls supplies a range of switchgear and drives representing premium international brands. As well as its electrical panel building, it manufactures distribution boards and MCCs, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), distributed control systems (DCSs), a wide range of lock-out stations, and high-pressure pump panels. “If it’s electrical equipment that fits within a box, we have the expertise and capability to supply it,” says Joubert.
For more information visit: www.hamar.co.za