MechChem Africa July-August 2025

Industrial fan production facility launched LH Marthinusen, a Division of the ACTOM Group, has launched a new industrial fan manufacturing and services factory in Ekurhuleni, propelling domestic manufacturing and job creation, aligning with South Africa's National Development Plan and supporting Eskom's infrastructure growth. ⎪ Hydraulic, pneumatic and automation solutions ⎪ L H Marthinusen can boast of over a century of technical excellence and local industry leadership. The company’s legacy of pioneering

electro-mechanical repair and manufacturing expertise began with its founding in 1913, and it still underpins the company’s current expansion, which is deeply rooted in South Africa’s industrial progress. The newly established fan factory not only manufactures industrial fans and their compo nents but also offers maintenance services for essential fan systems that support Eskom's air pre-heater infrastructure. These fans are crucial for Eskom's power generation facilities, as they play a key role in managing airflow and regulating temperature levels. David Sullivan, Divisional CEO of LH Marthinusen, highlights the strategic signifi cance of this facility: “The launch of this facility underscores our dedication to fulfilling Eskom’s infrastructure needs with local products and in novative solutions. Our fans play a pivotal role in the successful operation of Eskom's essential air pre-heater systems. This facility not only boosts our manufacturing capabilities but also fosters employment growth and industrial development in the region.” While the project aims to create 50 new

At the launch of LH Marthinusen’s new fans facility in Ekurhuleni are, from left: David Sullivan, Divisional CEO of LH Marthinusen; Mpho Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition; Mervyn Naidoo, CEO of ACTOM; and Andries Mthethwa, Chairman of ACTOM.

positions throughout the first three years, the company envisages an additional 120 job open ings to meet Eskom’s and general industries’ infrastructure demands. The production of each industrial fan requires 49 tons of steel, along with two tons of stainless steel. The substantial demand for local steel used in quadrifuge (four-stage) fan stations drives growth in domestic manufacturing and supply chain development. CEO of The ACTOM Group, Mervyn Naidoo, notes: “Our investment and expansion aligns perfectly with the goals of South Africa’s National DevelopmentPlan(NDP).Thissupportsindustrial

development while strengthening local manufac turing operations and establishing employment opportunities. This facility supports both energy security for the nation and the NDP’s mission to driveeconomictransformationandskillsdevelop ment, and to modernise infrastructure. It further helps us construct an enduring economy which serves South Africa’s long-term development purposes.” The facility tour at the launch event allowed at tendees to view both the production lines and the R&D facility that performs critical fan component reverse engineering of blades and impellers. www.lhm.co.za

The facility not only boosts LH Marthinusen’s manufacturing capabilities but also fosters employment growth and industrial development in the region.

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