A small converted house in Lakeview, Booysens, marked the start of Electromechanica. David, with only one assistant, found immediate success with the introduction of Lovato motor control switchgear and Finder relays - both from Italy. Not long after this humble beginning, the company moved to premises three times the size to accommodate the expanded product range. By now, control, signalling, electronic timing and monitoring devices were introduced along with other complementary products, and the demand for all products increased.

By September 1986, Electromechanica staff increased to 20 and again a move to larger premises, in Selby, was necessary. The company was strongly positioned in the market after the introduction of load-break and fuse switches, time switches, float switches and a range of wiring accessories.

An official KwaZulu-Natal branch opened in 1990, directed by Les Davis. It was successful from the start and moved twice to accommodate local demand for the products. Recently, the branch moved to brand new premises in Avoca.

Electromechanica entered the power factor market in 1991 with a range of components including reactive control relays, switching devices and fuse protection. The company started local assembly of power factor capacitors and complete systems. Today, Electromechanica is recognised as a leader in this field and enhance their power factor range with capacitors sourced from Alpes Technologies, France (arguably the most reliable capacitors in the market).

Crane controls, limit and foot switches, photo and proximity switches are just some of the additional products introduced to the range up to the establishment of Electrodev in 1992. Electrodev is dedicated to the local design, development and manufacture of electronic timing, counting, control and monitoring devices and added further products to Electromechanica's already extensive range. Now with over 30 employees, the company moved to even larger premises.

Circuit breakers - another extremely successful venture for Electromechanica - were introduced to the product range in 1993. The company later secured an exclusive agency with Hager, France, for modular circuit breakers, earth leakages, timers, control devices, enclosures and distribution boards.

1994 saw the establishment of an official branch in Cape Town ably directed by Peter Whitelaw. As with the KwaZulu Natal branch, Cape Town was an immediate success and today occupies its own premises in Montague Gardens.

Electromechanica continued to introduce new products including fusegear (DIN and BSstyle fuses and holders, and cylindrical fuses and holders), which prompted change in many fuse applications in local panel building sectors. With the increased product range and growing number of staff, the company moved in 1997 to their own purpose-built head office in Ormonde, Gauteng (opposite Gold Reef City). This was where the company introduced generator controls, including changeover switches, gen-set controllers, battery chargers and many other components for gensets. Electromechanica is now recognised as the market leader in this industry. The timeous introduction of Socomec (France) - a high quality range of fuse switches and changeover switches (both mechanical and motorised) - further enhanced the product selection.

Leading up to 2000, Electromechanica added industrial multi-pin plugs and sockets, switch sockets and enclosures. In this year, Electrodev diversified their range with the introduction of a modular range of DIN rail mounting products (matching standard miniature circuit breakers). Presently, the Electro range includes highly accurate digital and analogue devices suitable for all applications in the electrical industry.

Dave van den Berg's visits to suppliers, international events and exhibitions throughout the world keep the company at the forefront of the latest products and technology available. Emphasis for brand and product decisions is on quality and reliability, with conformity to international quality, performance and safety standards.

The highly successful introduction of Delta Electronics automation products positions Electromechanica in a much specialised market sector. Delta products include variable speed AC drives, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), touch-screen human machine interfaces (HMIs), servo drives and motors, temperature controllers and communication modules.

Electromechanica head office moved in August 2008 to new purpose-built premises (across the road from the previous premises) aimed at improving service levels and accessibility for customers. A larger sales area with showroom facilities, a 75-seater auditorium and entertainment area allows for more client interaction. More than double previous warehouse space and an improved dispatch department contribute to a better purchasing experience for clients. This facility epitomises Electromechanica's belief that customers come first.

David van den Berg has grown the company from strength to strength with his foresight to know which products to introduce to the market and by relying on the company's original philosophy, which still applies today, "Electromechanica - dedicated suppliers of quality products and service at competitive prices".

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Energy efficiency systems are key to reduce operation costs and contribute to an eco-friendly environment. Electromechanica represents leading brands that focus their efforts on the reduction of energy usage.

 

 

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