ABB has recently formalised its partnership with one of the leading energy sector service providers, Eya Bantu, which is using its newest manufacturing facility in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, to assemble ABB’s 33 kV gas insulated switchgear (GIS) ZX series. The partnership brings the benefits of ABB’s global experience, expertise and manufacturing excellence to the local facility.
ABB’s 33 kV GIS switchgear is now 60% locally assembled, to global standards, by Eya Banthu.
In the past, customers have had to incur the costs to carry out in-person inspection at an ABB feeder factory in Europe. This also meant customers could not have direct access for inspections during the execution of their projects and the manufacturing process of the specific products required.
“These are some of the issues we have overcome with the new partnership with Eya Bantu,” says Avi Ramdhin, Product Marketing Director, ABB South Africa. “There is a perception that quality products traditionally only came out of the European Union countries. However, we are proving that in today’s world local quality, processes and manufacturing facilities are evolving and are of a global standard.”
Duplicating ABB’s ‘feeder factory’ concept in South Africa is a major coup for the country and ABB’s customer base. “We have brought global experts in to assess the local factory and assist us to ensure it meets the global standards,” says Ramdhin.
Traditionally, switchgear had to be imported fully from either Germany or the Czech Republic. Now, however, only 40% comes from these locations and the Gqeberha facility at present supplies 60% of the local requirement.
“The main reasons for the partnership are to better serve our customers in terms of flexibility and lead times, and to enable Eya Bantu to leverage the international brand of ABB,” Ramdhin adds.
He notes too that ABB, in turn, is making a significant contribution to boosting the local economy and fulfilling its own Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives as a corporate company. At its new factory, Eya Bantu has additionally contributed to combatting unemployment in the region by employing a full contingent of wiremen, test engineers, installers and commissioning engineers.
The facility, which was launched officially towards the end of April, to celebrate the investment in the region, has already assembled switchgear for a major renewables project, which Ramdhin says is testament to the successful collaboration fostered by the partnership.
The ABB ZX series of primary gas insulated switchgear products from ABB features flexibility, reliability, availability and economy, all factors that support these products as a preferred option for industrial and utility customers. Combined with digital protection and control technology, sensor systems and plug-in connections, the ZX series is also fit-for-purpose for the future. The ZX2 AirPlus switchgear design is based on the existing ZX2 portfolio and offers a climate-friendly alternative to end users with a green focus, retaining the same footprint, safety and reliability as the existing ZX2 range.
For more information visit:go.abb/electrification