FIRST SOUTH AFRICAN MADE AC LOCOMOTIVE MOTORS FOR TRAXX AFRICA TFR23E PROJECT                           

The project was aimed at producing AC traction motors and gear boxes assembled into complete drive units for the TRAXX Africa TFR23E project (the AC drives are what make the trains move and are critical to the overall performance and reliability of the trains).  A total of 1,440 units are on order to support the 240 locomotives ordered by Transnet Freight Rail from Bombardier SA.  These are the first AC drive units ever produced in South Africa for freight locomotives.  Each locomotive has 6 drive units and each unit weighs 4,500kg. The AC drive units contain over 70% local content. Each unit contains a high performance electric motor and high precision gear box that are rigorously tested. Key suppliers provide high precisions machined casting and fabrications (precision tooling).   

IEC HOLDEN Pty (Ltd)

Located in Isando, Gauteng IEC Holden Pty (Ltd) is BEE 3, ISO 9001 and ISO 3834 certified with a facility of over 7,000 square meters.  Current employment is 105 and will grow to over 300 over the next 12 months. IEC Holden have invested over R250,000,000 over the last 18 months to establish the manufacturing operation and invested heavily in supplier and skills development. IEC Holden was awarded the contract with Bombardier in May 2014 and moved into its new facility in Isando during June 2014.  IEC Holden has potential to grow its manufacturing to include motors and generators for mining and wind power and expect to develop its Isando operation into a regional and potentially global exporter of advanced manufactured electric motors and generators. 

GLOBAL CONNECTION

IEC Holden Inc (Canada) has been in the railway industry for 106 years globally with over 60 years specifically in traction motors for locomotives.  IEC Holden serves 8 of the world's largest rail equipment OEM’s including Bombardier, Alstom & GE Transportation.  IEC Holden has manufacturing plants in Canada, USA, Mexico and South Africa. # # # For more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Ralph A Robinson, please contact Annelize Myburgh on +27 (0) 10 003 8360 or e-mail [email protected]