Switchgear systems specialist, RBF Technology, a Proudly South African company and part of global specialist in energy management, Schneider Electric, continues to entrench itself as one of the leading manufacturers of LV switchgear and controlgear assemblies locally.

RBF MD, Johan Basson, says that the company has differentiated itself through an ongoing commitment to quality, service and a strong focus on its customers’ needs. RBF achieved BEE status in 2004, when 26% of its shareholding was taken up by people of colour. The organisation has held an ISO 9001 listing since 1991, and was the first motor control centre manufacturer in South Africa to be awarded the SABS mark on its panels for compliance with SANS 1973-1 (IEC 60439-1). “RBF is in the fortunate position to be a preferred supplier to a number of large organisations and companies, but commitment and hard work is required to maintain this position,” he explains.

Approximately 50% of RBF’s business falls within the mining sector and covers a broad spectrum including coal, base metals, gold, platinum, copper and diamonds. At any one time the company is working on a number of projects, covering mining, water treatment, steel, paper and pulp, and power generation.

RBF has comprehensive facilities and capabilities which cover every aspect of the design, engineering and manufacturing of motor control centres, including the popular range of fully tested and certified B100 and C100 motor control centres, the Schneider Okken system and numerous others. RBF is also a preferred panelbuilder for a number of blue-chip companies.

Since its inception in 1979, RBF has concentrated on providing competitively priced quality products and this philosophy has been a major contributor to its growth. The business was initially established to service the electrical industry in the fields of design, manufacture and installation of electrical switchgear systems and control.

The organisation operates from its offices in Booysens, Johannesburg, which is attached to a modern factory dedicated to the manufacture of a wide variety of electrical assemblies. The factory comprises 4000 m2 of workshop space, linked to a three storey office block enabling the staff to be “on the spot” to provide more accurate project management and quality control of all spheres of the manufacturing process.

The versatility of the manufacturing operation is carried one step further by a thoroughly competent team taking care of installation and commissioning of RBF’s switchgear assemblies. The company is in the enviable position of being able to offer clients technical advice, guidance and on the job assistance, which carries the benefit of many years of experience in this field.

RBF Technology employs approximately 120 people and has the necessary infrastructure and facilities (technical and commercial) to handle projects in a professional and efficient manner. Senior RBF staff serve on technical committees and working groups responsible for the SABS specifications on switchgear and control gear assemblies thereby ensuring that the company is kept abreast of developments.

“The structure of the business is ideally suited to provide quick response and efficient execution of changes or additions, and because of its comprehensive capability, such features as technical assistance and back up, ensures the most professional execution of projects,” adds Basson.

Contact Johan Basson, RBF Technology, Tel 011 689-9830, johanb@rbf.co.za