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Mechanical Technology — April 2015
9
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Special report
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The distribution board workshop and produc-
tion line at Shaw Controls.
A fully withdrawable MCC board, one of
the new products manufactured by Shaw
Controls.
An LV fixed semi-withdrawable MCC manufactured by Shaw Controls in Robertsham.
Shaw Controls’ modern manufacturing facility features the latest technology. Switchgear panels are manu-
factured using bent steel profiles and enclosed on all sides by steel plating.
capability
switchgear units have metal divisions
separating the compartments.
The general busbar configuration
comprises one or more rectangular
bars, manufactured from electrolytic
copper with tin-plated fittings. The LV
compartment is located in the upper
front part, which houses the measuring
instruments, protection relay, terminals,
thermostats and contacts. This is com-
pletely isolated from the MV via a steel
plate, with its own closable door.
The Zest WEG Group recently also an-
nounced a significant expansion of Shaw
Controls’ manufacturing capabilities. This
is to cater for the significantly extended
product range as well as the increased
demand for Shaw Controls’ E-housing
solutions. This expansion will include the
design and establishment of a 2 000 m
2
standalone E-house and container con-
version facility. Shaw Controls’ E-houses
represent a cost-effective alternative to
traditional containerised solutions manu-
factured in standalone marine containers.
The expansion of Shaw Controls is in
line with the Zest WEG Group’s strategy
of extending its manufacturing capability
to boost its presence in the local market
and in Africa, which is perceived as a
major growth area. “Our aim is to posi-
tion the Zest WEG Group as a regional
hub of WEG and in so doing position
Shaw Controls as the number one panel
builder and systems integrator in Africa,”
says Louis Meiring, CEO of the Zest WEG
Group.
Shaw Controls will also be able to
leverage the expertise of the Zest WEG
Group to offer a total solutions package
for its customers’ complete electrical re-
quirements, from switchboard panels and
control systems to transformers, switch-
gear, MCCs, distribution boards, motors
and also full installation if need be. “Our
product range can be integrated with the
rest of the Zest WEG Group companies
for turnkey projects,” Knihs says.
Another milestone achieved by Shaw
Controls is that all of its LV products
have been successfully type tested
to the IEC 61439-1 and IEC 61641
standards. The maximum test rating is
690 V+5% @ 65 kA. “We are at the
forefront of testing and compliance in
South Africa with all certification be-
ing undertaken independently, which
helps position the Zest WEG Group at
the top end of the local market,” Knihs
concludes.
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