ACTOM has completed the acquisition of JUEL Batteries, signalling its expansion into the lithium-ion battery energy‑storage space. The announcement was made at Enlit Africa 2026.
ACTOM is the largest manufacturer, repairer and distributor of electro-mechanical equipment in Africa and, with this recent acquisition, it extends its operations into this fast-growing market sector.
Richard von Moltke, General Manager at Static Power, a division of ACTOM, says the company has been operating in the battery space for more than 56 years, focused primarily on industrial lead‑acid and nickel‑cadmium (NiCd) technologies.
“For many decades, these technologies served the market well, but over the past five or six years, as lithium-ion entered the mainstream market, it became clear that a major transition was underway, even within our industrial sector. Customers were moving away from traditional lead-acid and NiCd solutions, and we needed to evolve with that shift,” he explains.
“Recognising the need to stay competitive and support our existing business, we knew it was essential to introduce a lithium‑ion battery offering. That triggered an intensive evaluation process, during which JUEL Batteries, based in Johannesburg, quickly distinguished itself. With its engineering discipline, rigour, and technical depth, it was clear the company was operating at a different level.”
Leading quality
Von Moltke notes that JUEL Batteries’ products are particularly well‑designed, both mechanically and electrically. With their robustness, attention to detail and engineering integrity, the products stand out in the market.
“Last year, JUEL Batteries developed a solution tailored to our 110 V industrial needs, and it proved to be a strong fit for our existing standby‑power market. It supports the natural transition our customers are making from lead‑acid and NiCd to lithium,” von Moltke says.
“Beyond that, we also recognised a bigger opportunity to expand into the broader lithium-ion market, particularly in industrial and utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS). This acquisition enables us to serve our traditional market more effectively and to grow in the rapidly expanding energy storage sector. It meets today’s needs and opens the door to tomorrow’s opportunities.”
Following the acquisition, JUEL Batteries will be rebranded as ACTOM Static Energy, which will form an extension of ACTOM’s existing Static Power business unit.
ACTOM has already invested in additional manufacturing and assembly equipment, and the plant has been relocated to Pretoria West, at the ACTOM Power Transformers facility. The site is ideal for this type of business, as it has heavy-duty infrastructure, and state of the art test facilities.
Boosting capacity
“The new equipment we’ve purchased will increase production capacity tenfold, with additional space for future expansion, positioning us to scale quickly as demand grows. Over the long term, this will allow us to make a substantial impact on the South African market, in standby power and in the energy storage sector,” says von Moltke.
He highlights that one of the major advantages of the acquisition is the increase in local content for battery energy storage solutions. Because less than 50% of the final battery value is being imported, ACTOM’s exposure to exchange‑rate volatility will be significantly lower than that applicable where fully assembled systems are imported.
The acquisition also allows ACTOM Static Energy to participate in the full spectrum of the market – including commercial and industrial applications, with utility-scale solutions to follow.
“Beyond storage, the acquisition strengthens our Static Power business by expanding our battery capabilities for standby applications, including large UPS systems. It is an extension of our current portfolio, enabling us to support traditional standby needs as well as the growing energy storage market. In this larger energy storage market, bankability is key and, in this respect, ACTOM’s balance sheet and history of 123 years in South Africa, will provide the assurance customers need,” von Moltke says.
For more information visit: www.actom.co.za
