ACTOM, a leader in energy infrastructure, officially opened its Pretoria Power Transformer manufacturing factory, following the strategic acquisition of SGB SMIT Power Matla, in what was structured as an asset transaction with the transfer of staff. The event marked a significant milestone for South African industrial capability and was attended by key stakeholders such as The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), City of Tshwane, Tshwane Economic Development Agency, Gauteng Growth Development Agency, Ministry of Energy, Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities (AMEU), South Africa’s Independent Power Producers Office, including government representatives, the Mayor of Tshwane, The Manufacturing Circle, SEIFSA and industry partners. The factory tour, held on the 3rd of December 2025 showcased the facility’s renewed operations and ACTOM’s commitment to local manufacturing, renewable energy support, and job creation.
The acquisition of SGB SMIT Power Matla has significantly expanded ACTOM’s manufacturing footprint and technical capability in the transformer market. ACTOM is positioned to strengthen Sub-Saharan transformer production at a time when South Africa faces rising demand from grid modernisation, renewable energy projects, and embedded generation initiatives. This strategic move ensures that critical transformer technologies remain locally produced, reducing reliance on imports and improving supply stability for both public and private sector clients.
The combined capability also enhances ACTOM’s ability to deliver larger power transformers such as class three and heavy – duty transformers, improve lead times, and increase local content across its product range. This includes transferring specialised skills, deepening engineering expertise, and expanding relationships with local component suppliers. As a result, the reopened facility will not only support national energy resilience but also provide a competitive, locally manufactured alternative in a market dominated by imported equipment on the larger classes of transformers.
The reopening of the factory, following a fire in a section of the factory two years ago as well as the business rescue process saw approximately 250 employees return to work, in both their Pretoria and Cape Town facilities reflecting the company’s dedication to revitalising local production and supporting sustainable economic growth.
The facility, a major investment by ACTOM, not only manufactures power transformers but also supports industrial skills development, local content initiatives, and the broader South African energy and industrial sectors, including renewable energy projects. This expansion underlines the critical role of domestic manufacturing in maintaining competitiveness in a market increasingly challenged by imports.
“Pretoria West can be revived as the manufacturing hub in Tshwane. That is our vision for the years to come, to make this strategic area work as a zone for rebuilding our manufacturing sector. The launch of ACTOM’s power transformer factory, in Pretoria West gives us hope that the industry sees this area as an investment opportunity,” says Dr Nasiphi Moya, Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane.
Mervyn Naidoo, Group CEO of ACTOM, highlights the strategic importance of the facility:
“This reopening is a testament to ACTOM’s commitment to South African industry, local job creation, and skills development. By investing in local manufacturing capabilities, we are strengthening our competitiveness, supporting communities, and contributing to sustainable economic growth. Our transformers and electromechanical solutions are critical to both conventional and renewable energy infrastructure, ensuring South Africa can produce world-class solutions locally.”
The event included guided tours of the production lines, interactions with returning employees, and a panel discussion on ACTOM’s role in building Africa Energy Infrastructure with a number of stakeholders from government entities and ACTOM.
This initiative demonstrated ACTOM’s commitment to advancing skills, empowering communities, and fostering industrial resilience in South Africa’s transformer and renewable energy sectors.
