ACTOM’s R32 million investment contributes in repositioning South Africa as a globally competitive industrial economy anchored in localisation, innovation and sustainability. This was said by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau, during the official opening of ACTOM’s new state-of-the-art industrial fan manufacturing facility in Driehoek, Germiston, yesterday.
According to Tau, the launch of this advanced manufacturing plant marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to reindustrialise the economy, stimulate domestic production, and expand export capabilities. The facility is a direct outcome of the National Industrial Participation Programme (NIPP), a strategic policy instrument that leverages government procurement to develop local manufacturing capabilities, facilitate technology transfer, and enhance skills development.
Tau emphasised the broader significance of the investment, noting its alignment with the goals of South Africa’s industrial policy.
“This facility demonstrates how government procurement, when properly aligned with industrial policy, can deliver real economic value. ACTOM’s investment is not just a vote of confidence in our economy – it’s a bold step toward building the energy and industrial infrastructure we need,” he stressed.
Tau further explained that the plant will manufacture large-scale industrial fans essential for key sectors such as energy, mining, and food processing. The fans will serve both domestic infrastructure projects and regional markets, positioning South Africa as a supplier of high-quality, locally manufactured industrial components.
Tau also highlighted the significance of the partnership between government and industry through the NIPP, pointing to ACTOM’s facility as a tangible example of industrial policy in action.
“When companies like ACTOM partner with the state, we don’t just localise production – we build local capacity, transfer skills, and create sustainable jobs. This facility is a practical example of how National Industrial Participation obligations can support import replacement, build competitive industrial capabilities, and help us realise our reindustrialisation agenda,” he said.
Echoing Tau’s remarks, ACTOM’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mervyn Naidoo, expressed the company’s strong support for government’s localisation drive.
“This new fan manufacturing facility positions ACTOM at the forefront of South Africa’s industrial transformation. It is an investment in advanced technology, local skills, and sustainable growth. We are committed to supporting the country’s industrial policy objectives through localisation and innovation,” he said.
Naidoo also noted the plant’s strategic importance for key sectors and the potential it holds for employment and skills development.
“Our fans will be critical components in power generation, mining operations, and food processing plants – all vital to the South African economy. This investment enables us to compete both locally and internationally, while creating meaningful jobs and building industry-specific technical skills,” he explained.
The official opening brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders in the enterprise development ecosystem, all united in their commitment to building a resilient, inclusive and competitive industrial base.
Tau concluded with a call to deepen collaboration between the public and private sectors, stressing that sustained partnerships are key to unlocking South Africa’s full industrial potential.
“This is industrial policy in action. It affirms our belief that localisation is not just desirable – it is entirely achievable when we work in partnership with industry to build a prosperous, sustainable future for South Africa,” he concluded.
Enquiries:
Yamkela Fanisi
Ministerial Spokesperson
Cell: 076 034 6551
E-mail: YFanisi@thedtic.gov.za
Bongani Lukhele
Director: Media Relations
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Cell: 079 5083 457
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E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
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