Hiconnex Industrial has received a coveted stamp of approval from global connector specialist, HARTING Technology Group, to produce a selection of HARTING connectors at its premises in Centurion, Gauteng.
Chris Brand (pictured left), general manager of Hiconnex Industrial, and Bernd Fischer, HARTING Technology Group’s general manager for corporate regional management, cut the ribbon on the new facility.
Hiconnex Industrial specialises in supplying cable and connector solutions for the general industrial, oil and gas, renewable energy, mining and rail industries, and this latest development services the latter in particular.
Operating out of a newly-developed facility in its existing premises, the connectors that Hiconnex Industrial has been authorised by HARTING to produce are destined for a new fleet of 600 modern commuter trains being built for South Africa’s metro railway network. HARTING SA has secured a supply agreement with Gibela, a consortium between majority shareholder Alstom, Ubumbano Rail and New Africa Rail which has a contract to supply the trains to the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). The fact that these connectors will now be made in South Africa aids the goal of maximising local content for the Gibela project.
From left to right: Colly Majola, warehouse manager; Godfrey Mmoke, laser machine operator; Allister Francis, team leader and mechanical assembly.
The new facility was unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the 1st of August by Hiconnex Industrial’s general manager, Chris Brand, and the HARTING Technology Group’s general manager for corporate regional management, Bernd Fischer. “This is the culmination of 18 months of work putting in place the equipment and processes necessary to produce connectors to HARTING’s exacting quality standards,” stated Brand. “During that time we have obtained our ISO 9001:2015 certification, and are in the process of obtaining ISO 14000 and 18001 as well.”
Staffed by three members of the Hiconnex Industrial team, the facility receives the base parts for the connectors from an overseas HARTING production plant, and assembles and packages them ready for delivery.
From left to right: Hitesh Pema, Hiconnex CEO; Bernd Fischer; Errol Mann, HARTING South Africa director; Chris Brand.
They are manually assembled using jigs custom designed and built by Manhattan Tools (based in Benoni on the East Rand of Gauteng) and marked using a newly purchased laser marking machine from CAB Technology. From there the connectors are visually inspected by two members of the team, before being individually sealed in air-tight plastic packaging.
“We have the capacity to produce all the HARTING connectors necessary for a train in just two days, so even once the Gibela project ramps up to full speed we will be more than capable of keeping up with the supply requirements.
The finished connectors are certified to meet HARTING’s renowned quality standards.
We can proudly say that being given the blessing of one of the world’s leading connector manufacturers to make products on its behalf acknowledges the fact that we have created a facility that is truly world class,” Brand concluded.
Quectel’s RG255C-NA and RM255C-GL accelerate 5G RedCap adoption iCorp Technologies
Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Quectel’s RG255C-NA and RM255C-GL modules represent a strategic move into this fast-growing segment, delivering Sub-6 GHz 5G connectivity optimised for mid-tier IoT applications.
Read more...SDRs – Which RF architecture should you choose? RFiber Solutions
Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
There are several common methods of implementing SDR architectures. This paper discusses which is best when meeting a specific need.
Read more...A two-stage approach to super-wide input voltage range DC-DC converters RFiber Solutions
Editor's Choice
Teaser: In addition to handling the various input voltage ranges required, the SynQor line of InQor DC-DC converters are fully encased and ruggedised to handle the harsh environments that often accompany systems that have such challenging technical requirements.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Engineering the future Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice
As we welcome the first issue of Dataweek in a new year, it is an exciting time to be part of the electronics community, especially for our readers. The pace of change across our industry continues to accelerate, reshaping how we design, build, and interact with technology.
Read more...Barracuda commissions new IPC Class 3 aerospace facility Barracuda Holdings
Editor's Choice News
The company has commissioned a new dedicated IPC Class 3 facility in Somerset West. and has concluded a new investment partnership that will provide the capital and management capacity required to scale operations.
Read more...Engineering copper grain structure for high-yield hybrid bonding in 3D packaging Testerion
Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The way copper grains are sized and distributed forms the metallurgical foundation of hybrid bonding, enabling lower bonding temperatures, greater reliability, and stable grain structures throughout integration.
Read more...Understanding solder dross: causes and control strategies Truth Electronic Manufacturing
Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Dross formation is an inevitable consequence of wave soldering. It occurs when molten solder comes into contact with oxygen, forming metal oxides that float on the surface of the solder bath. Over time, this oxidation byproduct accumulates and must be removed to maintain solder quality and process consistency.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version