Actum Electronics and 2006
30 November 2005
News
Actum Electronics (www.actum.co.za) has been a leading distributor of electronic components to the South African market for over 27 years. In late 2004, two entrepreneurs, Greg Barron and Kevin Klaff, purchased the business. These individuals, who are fully-involved in the operations of the business, have positioned the company as a provider of quality products, ensuring that it delivers with shortest lead-times and highest levels of client service.
In terms of prospects for the industry for next year, Actum Electronics responded to some questions posed by Dataweek.
How does the South African economy affect your business?
The economy has a big impact on our business from two main factors. Firstly, being exclusively an importer, the Rand/Euro exchange rate plays a large part in our profitability. Secondly, supplying products mainly into the military field means that a downturn in the economy has an impact on the military sector, which in turn, affects our business.
Was 2005 poor/good/great? And what are your expectations for 2006?
2005 was great! And for 2006, some things we intend doing are: consolidate our base; continue to strengthen client relations and reputation as a quality service provider; consolidate the newly-acquired Altico static control products business into Actum Electronics; expand our product range with new exclusive suppliers; remain looking to purchase businesses that have good synergies with Actum; looking forward to winning back the Currie Cup.
Do you experience any supply problems? Can this be improved?
Overseas suppliers have been very good. However, we have been experiencing big delays with customs and clearing of products. This is definitely an area where improvements can be made to ease the burden for small businesses. This has a direct impact on our ability to deliver to our clients, which impacts on our quality of service and business.
Do you see any particular hot opportunities ahead?
Many - there are big consolidation opportunities in the South African market.
Are there any issues in the industry that need to be tackled? Is the government or other industry organisations doing enough?
Clarity on customs codes and clearance procedures - this could be a value-add that ADEC could provide instead of trying to train people on accounting issues.
Any final comments about business in this industry?
It is all about providing clients with service!
Further reading:
Engineering in a world that cannot assume connectivity
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Across industrial automation, networking, and defence systems, engineers are rediscovering the importance of resilience and autonomy in an increasingly connected world.
Read more...
IOT secures major industry partnership
IOT Electronics
News
IOT Electronics has announced a new strategic partnership with Powell Electronics, becoming an Official Authorised Reseller in South Africa.
Read more...
Successful Proteus training conference
Dizzy Enterprises
News
Dizzy Enterprises recently hosted two hands-on Proteus Training Conferences, bringing together electronics professionals, designers, and enthusiasts to explore the latest capabilities of the Proteus Design Suite from Labcenter Electronics.
Read more...
Hitachi reinvents asset management solution
News
Hitachi Energy, in collaboration with Microsoft, is accelerating the digital transformation of essential infrastructure - from electricity networks and transportation corridors to heavy industrial operations - by reinventing how critical assets are managed and maintained.
Read more...
Mycronic releases mixed Q4 results
News
Mycronic reported mixed Q4 results for the year ended January to December 2025, while delivering record full year order intake and net sales.
Read more...
AGOA: Businesses should diversify or face significant exposure
News
Cross-border payments platform Verto has called on South African and African businesses to accelerate their transition toward a “post-AGOA” trade strategy following President Donald Trump’s signing of a one-year extension to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Read more...
European components distribution growing
News
European electronic components distribution returned to growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to newly released figures from DMASS Europe.
Read more...
Silicon Labs reports strong growth
News
Silicon Labs has reported robust financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025, with significant YoY revenue gains and shifting market dynamics.
Read more...
Siemens acquires Canopus AI
ASIC Design Services
News
The acquisition extends Siemens’ comprehensive EDA software portfolio with computational metrology and inspection to help chipmakers solve critical technical challenges in semiconductor manufacturing.
Read more...
Micron breaks ground on new wafer fabs
News
Micron Technology has advanced two major semiconductor manufacturing initiatives that together reflect the company’s strategic response to sustained global demand for memory solutions.
Read more...
printer friendly version