By Simone Liedtke – Creamer Media’s Social Media Editor & Senior Features Writer

( Virtual Showroom ) In response to growing demand and increased production needs, manufacturer Rittal South Africa is set to expand its modification centre, in Edenvale, as the company commits to enhancing its production capabilities and market reach, while continuing to ensure that it meets customer needs efficiently and effectively.

A significant catalyst for this expansion has been Rittal’s investment in the BC 1007 HS Perforex machine, which was installed in April 2023. This high-speed precision machining machine – one of only two in South Africa – has been integrated into Rittal’s headquarters in Sebenza, in Edenvale, in collaboration with sister company software firm EPLAN.

Since its installation, Rittal MD Adrian Buddingh says the Perforex machine has significantly improved production processes at the company.

Buddingh highlights the machine's impact, noting an increased uptake and positive market feedback, adding that customers have appreciated the quick turnaround times and the ability to make on-site modifications, a capability that the Perforex machine uniquely provides.

“This machine enables us to reduce lead times significantly. Up until now, local customers have waited anywhere between 14 and 18 days to receive finished panels,” he explains.

The dramatically reduced lead times for customised panels of between 24 and 48 hours, depends on capacity and modifications.

This improvement is crucial for Rittal's customers, who Buddingh says have expressed gratitude for the investment. They note the time and cost savings, as well as the quality of the cut-outs.

A promotional campaign initially helped introduce these benefits, leading to sustained strong sales of enclosures.

Technical Support

The Perforex machine excels in high-speed precision machining, capable of handling materials such as steel, aluminium, plastic and copper. It features an intuitive user interface, remote maintenance support, and an 18-slot fixed tool magazine for swift automated tool changes.

The pneumatic clamping device and specialised milling cutters ensure fast, low-vibration milling, extending tool life and enhancing precision.

To maximise the machine’s capabilities, Rittal’s local team received comprehensive training from a product specialist from the company’s head office in Germany.

This training has been vital in ensuring the machine’s seamless integration into Rittal’s production processes, Buddingh avers.

Expanding into KZN

While the company has long served the local market from its head office in Gauteng, an expansion to KwaZulu-Natal brings Rittal closer to its growing customer base in the region.

“It’s a major manufacturing hub in South Africa and comprises prominent industries such as sugar, forestry, petrochemicals, automotive, steel manufacturing, plastics and packaging, paper, as well as food and beverage,” says Rittal sales manager Jason Osner, who adds that the region is also home to two major ports for import and export.

Rittal KwaZulu-Natal representative Terrance Buddingh, meanwhile, says the company’s new facilities include a fully equipped workshop and training facility.

Perforex customisation of enclosures can, as a result, now be completed for customers in KwaZulu-Natal too.

Looking Ahead

Rittal continues to work closely with EPLAN, exploring new synergies, including the digital twin concept, which Buddingh says has been well-received by the market.

While no technical enhancements or software updates have been necessary since its acquisition, the Perforex machine remains highly configurable to meet Rittal’s evolving needs, he adds.

To showcase the capabilities of the Perforex machine and other innovations, Rittal plans to host their yearly customer day in October, providing an opportunity for potential customers to see the machine in action and understand its benefits first-hand.

Although there are no immediate plans to acquire additional Perforex machines, Buddingh highlights that Rittal remains committed to integrating new technologies and innovations into the company’s manufacturing processes.