Profile

CONTROLGEAR (CG) was established on the 3rd of October 1986, by Deon Coetzee, with the primary objective being the distribution of electrical switchgear and associated products, to the electrical wholesale trade as well as to industry throughout the then Transvaal region. The company soon grew, and it’s reputation as a switchgear company soon led to it doing business far beyond the borders of what is now known as Gauteng.

CONTROLGEAR currently deals not only with customers in Gauteng, but has a solid customer network throughout Southern Africa and across it’s borders to Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania, and currently employs approximately 22 full time staff.

CONTROLGEAR has consistently performed among the top three distributors within the Southern African region, for most of the leading switchgear companies represented here. During it’s first year in business it actually won the South African distributor of the year, for what was then known as Sprecher & Schuh, and which is now a subsidiary of Rockwell Automation.

During 2002 Deon realised the need for Black Economic Empowerment, and after negotiations with Bongani Mkhize were concluded, they formed the Engineering, Manufacturing and Installation division of CG as a fully fledged BEE company, which officially started trading under the name of CONTROLGEAR SYSTEMS (CGS) on the 1st of August 2002.

The directors of CONTROLGEAR SYSTEMS are Deon Coetzee, the managing director, Bongani Mkhize, the marketing director, and with Mildred Basi, a non-executive director, involved in the administration side of the business.

As a BEE company, CONTROLGEAR SYSTEMS quickly established itself in the marketplace, and the first order won was a contract from TOTAL S.A. to design, supply and install the electrical installation for the oil and diesel dispensing and management systems at the ISCOR Grootegeluk mine near Ellisras.

The project, worth approximately R2m, was completed in record time, and to the total satisfaction of both ISCOR and TOTAL S.A. Subsequently the company has completed several similar design and installation projects for TOTAL S.A. throughout the Southern African region.

CGS, recently also won the contract from City Power to supply MOELLER Moulded Case Circuit Breakers for their highly critical distribution network. The contract, worth in excess of R8.6m was awarded to CONTROLGEAR SYSTEMS, not only due to it’s BEE status, but also for the technical ability that City Power required the successful supplier to have. The staff of CONTROLGEAR SYSTEMS, together with MOELLER technicians have trained more than one hundred of City Power’s electricians in the installation, connection and operation of these highly specialised MCCB’s.

CGS is currently experiencing a tremendous growth period, having undertaken the huge task of fully computerising and integrating it’s processes. New stores were built with a full time stores manager now running the operation. The computer system incorporates inventory control, purchasing and a full accounting system. Internet marketing is done via the new CG website at www.controlgear.co.za.

The company, being a fully fledged Black Economic Empowered entity, and with it’s computerised system, as well as it’s participation in the electrical and electronic industry, is currently at the leading edge of technology. The highly trained sales staff regularly attend product training, making them competent to deal with any customer related enquiry or query.

At CG we are ready to serve the South African industry well into the next millennium, as I believe that with CG embracing technology as we have, we are part of the next industrial revolution taking place all around the world right now.

We are prepared and ready for the future!