LH Marthinusen, a division of the ACTOM Group, launched its new industrial fan manufacturing and services factory in Driehoek, Germiston, Ekurhuleni on the 29th of May. The expanded and upgraded facility was officially opened by Minister of Trade, Industry & Competition, Mpho Parks Tau, and Mervyn Naidoo, Group CEO of ACTOM.
Naidoo, a long-time champion of local manufacturing, said the investment in renewing the facility has been made possible by a public-private partnership with support from the DTIC, Eskom, and ACTOM / LH Marthinusen. He also highlighted that the manufacturing industry is, after a long idling time, beginning to see an upturn in new demand for mechanical and electrical equipment as Operation Vulindlela gains traction and new build infrastructure projects increase – particularly in the energy and rail sectors.
The new manufacturing facility represents a major investment by ACTOM and is planned to expand over the coming three years to fulfil Eskom contracts, as well as meeting the needs of LH Marthinusen’s customers in other industry sectors, from mining to manufacturing, water treatment plants and other utilities.
As a leader in local industry with a history of technical excellence built over more than a century, LH Marthinusen has pioneered the manufacturing and repair electro-mechanical equipment in its field. Since its founding in 1913, the company has developed its expertise which underpins its current expansion, building on a legacy deeply rooted in the country’s industrial progress.
As well as manufacturing industrial fans and their components, the newly upgraded facility offers maintenance services for fan systems. The fans constitute an essential element in the pre-heater infrastructure of Eskom's power generation facilities; they play a key role in managing airflow and regulating temperature levels.
David Sullivan, Divisional CEO of LH Marthinusen, highlights the strategic significance of the new facility. “The launch of this facility underscores our dedication to fulfilling Eskom’s infrastructure needs with local products and innovative solutions. Our fans play a key role in the successful operation of Eskom's essential air pre-heater systems. With this facility we are boosting our manufacturing capabilities and – importantly – supporting employment growth and industrial development locally and in the region.”
While the project aims to create 50 new positions through the first three years, the company envisages an additional 120 job openings to meet the infrastructure needs of Eskom and general industries. The production of each industrial fan requires 49 tonnes of steel and two tonnes of stainless steel. The substantial demand for local steel used in quadrifuge (four-stage) fan stations will drive growth in domestic manufacturing and supply chain development.
Naidoo adds: “Our investment and expansion aligns with the goals of South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP). It supports industrial development, strengthens local manufacturing operations and establishes employment opportunities. This facility further supports energy security for the country and the NDP’s mission to drive economic transformation and skills development and modernise infrastructure. It helps us construct an enduring economy which serves South Africa’s long-term development purposes.”
The newly launched facility includes the production lines and test areas, as well as a research and development (R&D) zone where reverse engineering of critical fan components such as blades and impellers is conducted.
Additionally, ACTOM’s new Training Centre is sited adjacent to the manufacturing halls. Here, 120 apprentices are currently in training – learning new technical skills that will enable them to find gainful employment in industry. Most of the apprentices come from the local community and nearby informal settlements. ACTOM invests substantially in education and training, which, Naidoo says, the group see as fundamental to growing the country’s skills, employment opportunities, and the economy.
For more information visit: www.actom.co.za