Electricity + Control December 2016

COVER ARTICLE

Aberdare Cables is the largest cable manufacturer in Southern Africa

FEATURES: • Control systems+ automation • Hazardous areas+ safety • Transformers+ substations • Flowmeasurement • Energy+ enviroFiciency

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A berdare specialises in the manufacture of low and medium voltage electrical cables for application in power generation, transmission and distribution, serving market sectors in rural elec- trification, transport, renewable energy, mining, large industry, OEM, retail, agriculture and building and construction environments. Aberdare’s three manufacturing sites and eight customer service centres in South Africa enable the business to provide personalised service to its entire customer base. With 70 years’ experience, Ab- erdare’s focus remains on its customers, embracing technology and embodying high standards of quality. The company offers cable design, product development, as well as installation support, commissioning and diagnostic testing through the company’s Engineering Services division. In addition compre- hensive value added services such as Key Account Management, Customer RelationshipManagement, product and application training, laboratory testing and aTechnical Help desk are offered. Aberdare Cables is a level 2 BBBEE contributor, under the amended BBBEE codes.This places the company in an advantageous position to secure business in the industry.The emphasis by SOEs and mines has shifted to 51% black owned companies with a preference for black women owned (BWO) or >30% BWO.The industry has seen a signifi-

cant reduction in volumes since the economic crash of 2008.Volumes dropped inAberdare Cables as well as the industry and this trend has continued as the SouthAfrican economy reaches new lows.The local industry is only expected to improve in FY 2018 when Government is expected to implement the various growth plans for the country and also ahead of the National Elections in 2019.This improved demand is expected to continue for a number of years. Aberdare has continued to change and innovate the business in the changed market conditions. The key success factors for Aberdare going forward are, achieving acceptable BBBBEE status, effectively and efficiently managing the value chain of the supply of cables and to continue producing the products and services of high quality that you can trust. Aberdare Cables was recently acquired by a large cable company called Hengtong Fibre Optic Cable Company, a China based company. This brings many opportunities and benefits to the Aberdare Cables’ business, through adaptation to efficiencies and best practices of a global cable manufacturer.

Enquiries: Jyoshtie Dhunes. Email Jyoshtie.Dhunes@aberdare

December ‘16 Electricity+Control

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