Sparks Electrical News August 2018

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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ELECTRA MINING AFRICA: MORE THAN JUST A SHOW

ABB COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF GE INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS M ore a tradition than a show, for 46 years, Electra Mining Africa has been delivering an effective platform to showcase the lat- est innovations, technologies and trends in mining and related industries. Taking place from 10-14 September at the Expo Centre in Nasrec, Johannesburg, leading players in the mining, manufacturing, electrical and power industries are looking forward to engaging with visitors and sharing information on their latest products, services and solutions. “There will be an exciting line-up of new products and services, live demonstrations and free-to-attend seminars at this year’s ElectraMining Africa,and visitors will benefit from the insight and information they will gain,” saysGaryCorin,ManagingDirector of Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, organisers of the show. “New technologies and innovations are influencing the way we do business and it’s imperative that those in the industry keep up-to-date with these trends.” New at this year’s show, each day will focus on a different theme. Day one will centre on the future of skills development. One of the highlights at Electra Mining Africa will be the Artisans Training Centre, developed in partnership with The SAJ Competency Training Institute and the South African Equipment Export Council (SACEEC). This will be a fully functional ABB completed its acquisition of GE Industrial So- lutions (GEIS), GE’s global electrification solutions business on June 30, 2018. The transaction was an- nounced on September 25, 2017, and is expected to be accretive to operational EPS in the first year. The $2.6 billion transaction offers substantial value creation potential within ABB, including growth opportunities to be leveraged from coupling ABB’s digital offering, ABB Ability™, with the extensive GEIS installed base. ABB expects to realise approximately $200 million of annual cost synergies in year five, whichwillbekey inbringingGEIStopeerperformance. From a local perspective, GrahamAbrahams, Vice President for Electrification Products in Southern Africa said, “The product portfolios of GE Industrial Solutions and ABB are highly complementary. Together we will have a comprehensive combined portfolio, as well as an expanded African footprint, sales force and distribution network. We are committed to servicing the GEIS installed base and will now be able to provide a more technologically advanced and digitally connected offering to our customers across the continent.” “We are very pleased to welcome GE Industrial Solutions to ABB,” said ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer. “The combination reinforces ABB’s position as a worldwide leader in electrification and accelerates our growth and competitiveness in key markets, particularly North America. As one of Thomas Edison’s original businesses, GEIS is the cradle of electrification – a legacy that we will preserve and build on, now that GEIS is part of ABB.” GEIS will be integrated into ABB’s Electrification Products (EP) division, led by EP President Tarak Mehta, as a new business unit called Electrification Products Industrial Solutions (EPIS). Stephanie Mains, previously the President and CEO of the GE Industrial Solutions business, will lead the new business unit as Managing Director. As part of the transaction, ABB has established a long-term strategic supply relationship with GE to supply them with products and solutions from across the ABB portfolio. Included in the acquisition is a long-term right to use the GE brand. ABB is a pioneering technology leader in electrification products, robotics and motion, industrial automation and power grids, serving customers globally.

workshop where learners will be demonstrating the skills they learn at SAJ, including boilermaking, welding, electrical, fitting, millwright, turning and CNC programming tool,JIG and diemaking. Artisans visiting Electra Mining Africa can test their skills against the highest standards of industry – and could win a prize. Top new products will be the focus on day two whereas on day three, visitors will be part of the ‘Local is Lekker’ South Africa day – a day to celebrate our local heritage. Safety takes the spotlight on the fourth day. Diversity takes centre stage on the final day of the show, celebrating the diverse reach of Electra Mining Africa,which has been showcasing the future of mining, manufacturing, electrical and power since 1972. Top industry speakerswill present at the conferences

to the SAIMechE hosted daily free-to-attend seminars.

taking place alongside ElectraMiningAfrica and hosted by leading industry associations SAIMM, LEEASA and WIMSA. Further knowledge and learning will be central

Enquiries: www.electramining.co.za

Enquiries: +27 (0)10 202 6995

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

AUGUST 2018