Cable manufacturer Aberdare has launched a new e-commerce platform to enable the online sale of its products.

“As we look forward to the digital future, it is imperative that we adapt to ensure we continue to add value to our customers as we also embrace the digital Internet of Things and artificial intelligence era.

“It is with this in mind that we embarked on this journey to launch South Africa's first e-commerce platform in the cable industry,” Aberdare marketing, sales and distribution executive director Mishack Matla said at the official launch on April 21, in Germiston, Gauteng.

He expressed the hope that the new e-commerce platform would enable Aberdare customers to engage with the business in a more efficient manner.

Aberdare’s Chinese parent company Hengtong recently invested R135-million into a high-tech high-voltage manufacturing line at Aberdare’s facility, in Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape.

Officially launched in July of 2019, the industrial investment saw the expansion of Aberdare’s cable manufacturing capability from the previous level of 33 kV up to 132 kV.

“This investment has allowed us to add value to the electrical infrastructure of not only our country, but also that of our neighbouring countries,” Matla said, adding that the company has also added a fibreoptic cable factory to its manufacturing portfolio.

These new product ranges will be available for purchase on the new e-commerce platform alongside Aberdare’s other products.

The platform is free to use and provides customers with several key services, such as the ability to view pricing and stock availability, lead times, place and view orders and monitor progress as the order moves through Aberdare’s value chain.

Customers will also be able to view and download invoices, statements and proof of delivery documents.

“Our aim is to offer test certificates and other technical information in order to provide a complete solution,” Matla said.

He added that, given the electricity crisis facing South Africa, Aberdare felt it was important to be a part of the solution. Therefore, the company will also be adding a battery energy storage solution to its product range.

Two prototype 5 kW inverters and a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery system has been set up at the company’s Germiston offices in the meantime, with the solution to be made available to customers towards the end of May once shipments arrive in South Africa, Aberdare regional sales manager Robert Yin told Engineering News.