Eager to diversify its product range and expand its customer base, SA transformer and switchgear manufacturer, Hansen + Genwest (previously Kopex Africa), is setting its sights on acquisitions and spreading its footprint into the rest of Africa.

Part of the global Kopex Group which is based in Poland, Hansen + Genwest designs, manufactures and installs dry-type transformers in flameproof and non-flameproof models, as well as related switchgear.

The company offers 24/7 after-market support to its customers through a field service department with fully equipped service vehicles and after-hours logistics support from its main store.

In line with its growth plans, Hansen + Genwest recently designed, manufactured and launched a gas-cooled transformer – the first of its kind in SA – which promises to revolutionise the use of transformers in underground mines.

The gas-cooled transformer has been developed in conjunction with customers and advanced through the research and development (R&D) stage to production in a mere eight months. This unit is 2.5 MVA with 11 kV primary and dual voltage secondary outlets (3 300V and 1 000V).

Hansen + Genwest recently launched a gas-cooled transformer – the first of its kind in SA

With a dedicated six-engineer-strong R&D department, the company designs all its products in-house at its premises in Benoni, Gauteng, where its manufacturing and testing facilities are also located.

As a proudly South African manufacturer, the company imports only 15% of the components used in its products.

Passionate about its products, Hansen + Genwest takes product-safety seriously and subjects all its ranges to stringent type-testing. ‘To my knowledge, we are the only supplier that type-tests their equipment,’ says Hansen + Genwest MD Nico Roets.

‘We comply with all relevant international industry standards, and test each product before it is delivered to our customers.’

Being part of an international firm provides Hansen + Genwest with the financial backup to realise its growth and expansion plans.

‘We need to export less of our raw materials and produce more products locally’

An international ‘big brother’ also gives the company more credibility. ‘We are not just another small-big company – we’re part of a very large international organisation that enables us to share knowledge and expertise over a vast range of disciplines – from R&D to production and management,’ says Roets.

Commenting on business in general in SA, Roets believes the country should do more to manufacture goods locally. ‘We need to export less of our raw materials and produce more products locally. This can only be achieved if we can increase our productivity levels and up-skill our labour force.’

Sensitive to SA’s unemployment and skills challenges, Hansen + Genwest is investing in an apprenticeship programme and training matrix for its employees. The company has 85 permanent staff members on its payroll and approximately 30 to 40 contractors.

6 Hamburg Road, Apex Industrial,
Benoni, Gauteng, 1501, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)11 746 5800
Fax: +27 (0) 11 421 5880
www.hansen-genwest.co.za