From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

Electromechanical equipment manufacturer ACTOM has expanded its Pretoria West industrial manufacturing facility, increasing local production capacity for battery energy storage systems and other critical electrical infrastructure as South Africa's demand for grid resilience continues to grow. Lumkile Nkomfe tells us more.

Lumkile Nkomfe:

ACTOM's latest investment in its Pretoria West manufacturing facility marks a significant step in strengthening South Africa's local manufacturing capabilities for battery energy storage systems and electrical equipment, supporting the country's energy transition while reducing the reliance on imported technologies.

The expansion follows ACTOM's acquisition of battery manufacturer JUEL Batteries, now operating as ACTOM Static Energy, enabling the company to manufacture low- and high-voltage battery energy storage systems alongside transformers, switchgear and other electrical infrastructure under one roof.

ACTOM CEO Mervyn Naidoo says the investment reflects the company's commitment to localisation and supporting South Africa's evolving electricity sector.

ACTOM Group CEO Mervyn Naidoo…

Lumkile Nkomfe:

The expanded facility is expected to increase ACTOM’s manufacturing capacity while improving its ability to deliver locally engineered battery energy storage solutions for utilities, municipalities, commercial customers and the mining sector.

ACTOM Group CEO Mervyn Naidoo…

Lumkile Nkomfe:

ACTOM believes that greater localisation will be key to supporting South Africa's energy transition, with local manufacturing enabling faster delivery, greater technical support and increased value retention within the domestic economy.

ACTOM Group CEO Mervyn Naidoo...

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.