Electricity + Control March 2018

DRIVES, MOTORS + SWITCHGEAR

an engineer, electrician or hold any other technical position. This has changed and we have six wom- en who have either University or Technicon qual- ifications who we are training in engineering dis- ciplines such as testing, MCC design, estimation, project management – a host of disciplines. And this is going very well. If you put something in place that works well – it generates more enthusiasm and growth and it feeds on itself. Knowledge is power, after all. If you empower people, they blossom. Our trainees are so receptive; they want to gain knowledge and skills. In addition, they take back this positive ex- perience into their communities. If you have 100 employees – each individual is part of a structure that supports three or four people at home. So as an employer, you are actually looking after 400 or 500 people. The knowledge that one is playing a role in nation building is very rewarding. Tell us about the technical side of your business We started off by concentrating primarily on elec- trical distribution and motor control. However, the trend over the last 10 years has been on the ‘To- tal Solution’. To avoid multiple interfaces, end-us- ers, project houses and consultants request total solutions. We provide all aspects of electrical turn- key solutions – MCCs (Fixed, De-mountable and Withdrawable) Containerised and pre-fabricated modular substations, Equipment for renewable energy projects, Floor-standing heavy duty distri- bution boards, Distribution boards, kiosks and pil- lar boxes, PLC and marshalling panels, VSDs and softstarters, Remote I/O boxes, 19” rack panels, Control desks, Special enclosures, Standard enclo- sures, Custom control panels, Field isolators and junction boxes, Electrical spares and equipment. Sixty percent of what we do today is solution provision. We don’t do everything ourselves – we partner with OEMs and we can do this because we are independent and flexible. What competition do you have? There are a reasonably large number of competitors – JB Switchgear is probably positioned as one of the top three in our field of business. We are very strong in the Mining, Metals and Minerals (MMM) sector. This is traditionally where we have moved and where we do most of our business. Other in- dustry sectors, water treatment for example, have become popular as we all know that water is the country’s next big crisis. Water reticulation, water treatment, dams and boreholes – these areas are becoming increasingly important for us.We are also

active in other industries – automotive, cement, power generation, petrochemical; whilst approx- imately 75% of our business comes from MMM – the actual growth is coming from other sectors. Do you do business out of South Africa? Possibly 60% of our work is destined for sites out- side the country’s borders. We have done projects all over the world… we are currently working on a large project for an Australian mining company – Mount Pleasant. All the boards and the switchgear for the project are being manufactured in South Af- rica – because we’re competitively priced. African countries that we have worked in include DRC, Mali, Ghana, Botswana, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, Zam- bia… we have done projects all over the continent. What makes JBSS stand out from the rest? One of key aspects of our offering is technical com- pliance with National and International standards. In doing work for international markets, such as the Australians, we found that the focus on safe- ty features on equipment is very strong. In South Africa, this is an area that has not really enjoyed as much attention from local manufacturers; however customers are becoming more critical and selec- tive as to what they will accept and the situation is changing. If you look at high level or visibility projects when you’re dealing with big international companies – there is no compromise on safety and performance. I am, personally involved in technical committees, working groups, SABS and industry associations to ensure that we are up to date with the latest trends, developments and standards. And we offer advice and guidance to customers, consultants and project houses when required. Most exciting project Every project is exciting in one way or another and usually includes a wide variety of disciplines and products. A very successful and satisfying pro- ject was providing a total solution for a new dia- mond mine in Lesotho, Liqhobong. Access to the site was difficult as it was high up in the Lesotho Mountains. The mine was commissioned ahead of schedule and it all came together very well. Finally … I have two points to make in my ‘Recipe for success’: • You need to be a good listener. The best sales- man is the person who listens best. Your cus- tomer knows what he wants. • If you make a promise – you must keep it … whatever it takes.

One person cannot change the world, but one person can change the world for somebody.

Johan Basson. Managing Director, JB Switchgear Solutions.

Electricity + Control

MARCH 2018

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