Launch of new transformer company

Oct 11, 2018 | 2018

SGB-SMIT, the pure-play transformer specialist from Europe with the highest customer dedication“ and Power Matla, locally owned black empowered company with investments mainly within the renewable energy, ICT, mining and power utilities markets, are proud to announce the launch of their new company SGB-SMIT POWER MATLA as of 1 August 2018.

The new company, originally Powertech Transformers (PTT), will continue to operate out of its two factories in Pretoria and Cape Town, South Africa.

“Government has supported the local transformer manufacturing industry by designating the sector through its minimum local content drive for all classes of transformers and reactors. We as PTT had built on that trust by committing to skills transfer and technology through SGB-SMIT whilst answering the call for black industrialisation through Power Matla.  The Level 1 B-BBEE accreditation status achieved in March 2018 will also be maintained in the new company” said Bernard Meyer, SGB-SMIT POWER MATLA Chief Executive Officer.

SGB-SMIT confirms its continued interest in the local and African market through the purchase of the company Powertech Transformers to ensure the sustainability of locally manufacturing its transformers in the Pretoria West and Cape Town factories. This will allow the new transformer company to maintain its leadership position through full access to SGB-SMIT’s technology for power, distribution and dry-type transformers ranging from 16 kVA to 795 MVA.

Jan Ölscher, CEO of SGB-SMIT, said, “Being close to our customers lies at the heart of SGB-SMIT Group. In this spirit, the investment into Powertech Transformers is a decisive step to extend our global reach and establish a local presence in Southern Africa. With our partner Power Matla, we will strengthen Powertech Transformers as the leading supplier of transformers in the region. We look forward to working with them and continuing our growth story together.”

“Power Matla began its participation in the transformer business as early as 1999 in Desta Power Transformers.  We began this journey with an ambitious goal and a vision to build an African power and energy market leader, focusing on clean energy solutions and complementary products across the sector value chain.  This partnership aligns and supports the Power Matla vision to grow further within the African continent.  We are proud to partner with the global leader of transformer manufacturers. Our journey has not always been an easy one, but we persevered, and it is with pride that we can launch the next phase of our growth path.  We pride ourselves on being active and strategic business partners, winning and achieving success through collaborative combinations and synergies. Power Matla is excited about our new partnership with SGB-SMIT,” said Kgathola Ngoasheng, Power Matla Chief Executive.  ‘’The Powertech Transformer business has a long and successful history spanning more than 70 years.  The strategic partnership with SGB-SMIT is a natural one, given the complimentary synergies and strengths between the companies and the growth opportunities in Africa, using South Africa as the base country.”

“Our JV with SGB-SMIT will deliver the most advanced transformer products that support our customers with superior technical solutions and services, thereby enhancing the company value proposition in an increasingly competitive environment. This partnership will enable the newly relaunched company, SGB-SMIT POWER MATLA, to deliver on our customer expectations in Africa and beyond.  We look forward to leveraging SGB-SMIT technical capabilities to assist the local company to become more efficient and cost effective. Power Matla will support the new company to grow the business presence in Sub Saharan Africa.  SGB-SMIT POWER MATLA will continue to serve the African continent with its range of transformers. Its order book reflects the strong position the company has in the market, fully supporting the announced infrastructure spend by the local utility ESKOM and municipalities within South Africa and other customers within the continent.”

SGB-SMIT, is the largest independent and pure-play transformer manufacturer in the world, with headquarters in Regensburg, Germany. They are represented on 3 continents in 8 countries with plants in Germany, the Netherlands, USA, Romania, Malaysia, India, China and the Czech Republic. With transformer expertise since 1913 they produce transformers ranging from 50 kVA up to 1,200 MVA.  More information on the SGB-SMIT Group is available on the Internet at https://www.SGB-SMIT.com.

Power Matla (Pty) Ltd is a locally owned black empowered company with investments in various portfolios within the renewable energy, ICT, mining and power utilities markets providing good shareholder value and solid returns.  More information on Power Matla can be found on the Internet atwww.powermatla.com. 

Altron finalises disposal of Powertech Transformers

Jul 26, 2018 | 2018

26 July 2018: JSE-listed Allied Electronics Corporation Limited (Altron) today announced that it has finalised the disposal of its 80% interest in Powertech Transformers Proprietary Limited (Powertech Transformers) to a B-BBEE consortium comprising of Europe’s number one medium-sized manufacturer of transformers, SGB-SMIT, and local black-owned Power Matla Group.

Commenting on this significant milestone for the company which is on its new path as an ICT focused business, Mteto Nyati, Altron Group Chief Executive said, “The conclusion of the disposal of Powertech Transformers is an achievement for my executive leadership team and I. We will now invest our time on what matters most and apply renewed focus on driving key levers of our strategy which will fast track our growth.”

“In selling this asset, which is no longer core to our business, we considered the commercial interests of Altron and those of South Africa. We have ensured that the customers of Powertech Transformers, especially Eskom, continue to receive high quality and consistent, if not better, services. For them it will be business as usual. Through this acquisition SGB-SMIT injects foreign direct investment into our economy and brings international expertise, while Power Matla has a deep understanding of the South African energy market. Together these two companies bring a wealth of experience and knowhow that is sure to propel Powertech Transformers into its next growth phase,” Nyati added.

The effective date of the disposal is 31 July 2018.

Further update on the disposal by Altron of its interest in Powertech Transformers

Jun 15, 2018 | 2018

JSE-listed Allied Electronics Corporation Limited (Altron) today announced that shareholders are referred to the announcements released on SENS on 15 November 2017 and 4 April 2018 relating to the disposal by Altron, through various of its subsidiaries, of its interest in the Powertech Transformers group on the terms and conditions applicable thereto.

As certain conditions precedent to the transaction are still being attended to, the parties have mutually agreed on an extension for the transaction to close by 31 July 2018. Altron has been provided with additional contractual assurances from the purchaser with regard to their commitment to finalising this transaction.