Local Manufacturing Success Story exports products worldwide
Article Category:
26/05/2015
CBI-electric is a truly South African success story. As the only manufacturer of circuit breakers and related devices on the African continent this locally grown organisation, established in 1949, exports the majority of its products to countries across the world.
The organisation has established subsidiaries and distribution channels in North America, Australia, Asia and Europe. To be able to be successful in international markets it is imperative to maintain a leadership position within your home market, notwithstanding strong international competition. Coen Esterhuizen, Managing Director of CBI-Electric states, “We maintain our leadership position by investing extensively in skills development, machinery, systems, facilities and equipment. This is supported by leading edge in-house research complemented by our design, development, manufacturing and testing capabilities.”
In a recent speech President Jacob Zuma stated that the manufacturing sector continued to contribute significantly to the country's economy and there is a strong focus on growing this sector aimed at achieving the aims of the National Development Plan (NDP). The NDP aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. According to the plan, South Africa can realise these goals by drawing on the energies of its people, growing an inclusive economy, building capabilities, enhancing the capacity of the state, and promoting leadership and partnerships throughout society.
In addition to the locally manufactured products that CBI-electric exports the organisation has long term partnerships with highly reputable international organisations such as Mitsubishi Electric and Eaton. CBI-electric and Mitsubishi has extended their 14-year relationship with the re-signing of the agreement during April this year.
CBI-electric is also the only manufacturer in the Southern Hemisphere with its own 65 kA, 44,000v SANAS accredited test station with certifications witnessed by SABS, UL, VDE and CQC. The organisation holds numerous international certifications including American, Canadian, Australian, Russian, European, Chinese, Japanese, Ukraine, South African and others.
Esterhuizen states, “We are pleased to announce that we will soon be launching a new state of the art web-based design system. To complement the system, we are also launching new product ranges with specific focus on our Australian and American subsidiaries, but also applicable to the South African market. Products supplied by CBI-electric are for the Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Mining, Utilities sectors and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s). These products include Protection devices; Distribution devices; Control devices; Metering devices; Automation and Control systems; Industrial and consumer energy storage devices; HVAC systems and devices; Systems / solutions integration as well as Specialised application devices.
The Company also holds a strong position internationally as an equipment supplier to the Telecommunications, Rail and Solar industries.
