ACTOM Reopens Pretoria Power Transformer Factory, Strengthening South Africa’s Industrial and Energy Infrastructure
ACTOM, one of South Africa’s leading energy infrastructure players, has officially reopened its Pretoria Power Transformer manufacturing facility, marking a major milestone in the country’s industrial and renewable energy landscape. The reopening follows ACTOM’s strategic acquisition of SGB SMIT Power Matla—structured as an asset purchase with full staff transfer—positioning the company for accelerated growth in transformer manufacturing and energy resilience.
Held on 3 December 2025, the factory tour and launch event brought together key industry and government stakeholders, including representatives from the DTIC, City of Tshwane, Tshwane Economic Development Agency, Gauteng Growth Development Agency, Ministry of Energy, AMEU, the Independent Power Producers Office, municipal leadership, and major industry bodies such as the Manufacturing Circle and SEIFSA. Their presence underscored the strategic national importance of revitalising South Africa’s manufacturing capability.
The acquisition significantly expands ACTOM’s national manufacturing footprint and deepens its technical capability in the transformer market. With South Africa facing rising demand driven by grid upgrades, renewable energy expansion and embedded generation, ACTOM is now better positioned to scale Sub-Saharan transformer production and reduce the region’s reliance on costly imports.
The combined capability allows ACTOM to produce larger-class and heavy-duty power transformers, shorten lead times, and increase local content across its product portfolio. It also unlocks stronger engineering capacity, skill transfer, and deeper collaboration with South African component suppliers — ensuring that high-value, critical energy technologies remain locally manufactured.
The factory’s reopening comes after a two-year recovery effort following a fire at the previous plant and the subsequent business rescue process. Approximately 250 employees have since returned to work across the Pretoria and Cape Town facilities, reinforcing ACTOM’s long-term commitment to rebuilding industrial strength and supporting inclusive economic growth.
Beyond manufacturing, the facility also serves as a hub for skills development, local supply-chain expansion, and renewable energy support, further cementing ACTOM’s role as a driver of South Africa’s industrial resurgence.
Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Dr Nasiphi Moya, emphasised the broader vision for the region:
“Pretoria West can be revived as the manufacturing hub of Tshwane. ACTOM’s investment signals renewed confidence in this strategic area and shows that industry sees real opportunity here.”
ACTOM Group CEO, Mervyn Naidoo, highlighted the company’s long-term vision:
“This reopening is a testament to our commitment to local industry, job creation and skills development. By investing in local manufacturing, we’re strengthening competitiveness, supporting communities, and ensuring South Africa develops world-class energy solutions locally.”
The event featured guided factory tours, engagements with returning employees, and a panel discussion exploring ACTOM’s role in shaping the future of African energy infrastructure.
The reopening of the Pretoria plant represents more than a manufacturing expansion — it reflects a renewed commitment to industrial resilience, community empowerment, and Africa-focused energy innovation.
