MANUFACTURING CAPABILITY Reliable Transformers designs and manufactures dry-type and oil-filled power and distribution transformers up to 3.5 MVA
Photo by: Duane Daws
While Ekurhuleni-based transformer manufacturer Reliable Transformers currently designs, manufactures and tests its products according to the SANS 780 specifications for distribution transformers and other applicable transformer specifications, it is working towards attaining its ISO 9001:2008 quality management system accreditation, which it plans to have by the end of September.
Reliable Transformers CEO Andre van Zyl told Engineering News during a visit to its factory this month that the company is also currently expanding facilities, increasing its current factory size of 3 500 m2 under roof by an additional 1 500 m2, enabling it to triple its manufacturing capacity.
It plans to establish an assembly workshop with a 25 t lifting capacity and upgrade its test facilities and stores, while also extending its research and development facilities and its yard space; establishing overhead truck loading capability and streamlined materials handling capability and a three-storey office block for administration staff and management; and upgrading its oil storage facilities.
Meanwhile, the company also plans to expand its African footprint from its current presence in South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Namibia to include countries such as Ghana, Angola, Kenya and Tanzania.
Reliable Transformers designs and manufactures dry-type and oil-filled power and distribution transformers of up to 3.5 MVA, reactors and chokes, precipitator transformers, converter feeder transformers, rectiformers and constant voltage transformers, besides other products, at its factory in Benoni.
The company’s plant and equipment includes eight overhead cranes, two forklifts, a complete coil winding workshop, a steel fabrication workshop, a core manufacturing workshop, an assembly workshop, drying ovens, a paint shop, test bay and stores.
Van Zyl, who has a background in electrical engineering and microprocessor development and programming, says that its system and software set it apart from other manufacturers. All its products are designed using in-house-designed computer-aided design tools and production management systems that are also completely computer-controlled to enable the company to accurately plan and schedule jobs.
Reliable Transformers, which has been headed by Van Zyl since 1995, employs about 80 people.