MechChem Africa July-August 2025

ACTOM highlights local rail capabilities As South Africa accelerates its R158.54-billion infrastructure investment plan, the spotlight is once again on the country’s rail network – and the engineering expertise that keeps it running. ACTOM, a company at the forefront of this work, showcased its offering at Africa Rail 2025. W ith more than 120 years of ex perience, ACTOM has built up a strong footprint in rail, sup porting both modernisation technologies, drawing on its experience as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). This capability allows the company to service and maintain aging infrastructure while laying the groundwork for modernisation to ensure that older systems remain functional and safe as new technologies are phased in. and maintenance projects across South Africa. Its work with key clients such as Transnet and PRASA reflects a broader effort to ensure continuity in rail services while adapting to

Nqobile Mthembu, Business Development Manager at ACTOM. automation, smart metering and bat tery backup systems that help improve energy resilience – a growing concern given load shedding and cable theft. • Rotating machinery and traction motors: ACTOM subsidiaries LH Marthinusen and Reid & Mitchell support the repair and supply of key electromechanical components used across freight and passenger rail. • Vibration management: Arnot Vibration Solutions contributes technology that enhances locomotive reliability and pas senger comfort.

“We’re not just installing new equipment,” Mthembu notes. “Our cradle-to-grave op erational model means that we stay involved throughout the system lifecycle, providing the support needed to keep things running and to ease the shift to more advanced technologies.” Cross-cutting industry expertise ACTOM’s work in the rail sector brings together multiple business units, each con tributing to different parts of the network: • Signalling systems: ACTOM Signalling is currently focused on upgrading relay based systems, particularly in PRASA’s KZN operations. • High voltage equipment: ACTOM HVE produces components like disconnec tors, circuit breakers and instrument transformers. • Smart technologies: offers substation

new technologies and challenges. Balancing continuity and change

“In many ways, we’re helping to bridge South Africa’s rail past and its future,” says Nqobile Mthembu, Business Development Manager at ACTOM. “Much of the country’s rail infrastructure still relies on older systems, but the pressure is on for us to upgrade and automate. That transition needs to be man aged carefully.” In KwaZulu-Natal, ACTOM is assisting with the refurbishment of legacy relay-based interlocking systems, a key part of the signal ling infrastructure. Elsewhere, it is involved in modernising rail yard automation systems for Transnet, improving safety and operational efficiency. ACTOM plays a critical role in support ing both in-house and third-party legacy

Local presence means faster response.

Maintenance is a central focus for ACTOM, with its after-sales support and proactive

ACTOM is involved in modernising rail yard automation systems for Transnet, improving safety and operational efficiency.

16 ¦ MechChem Africa • July-August 2025