Bay automation company going global with new joint venture
An industry-leading automation and software solutions provider in Gqeberha is going global through a joint venture with a German counterpart.
After years of successful collaboration, S4Integration (Pty) Ltd and DSADaten- und Systemtechnik GmbH recently announced the start of their joint venture, S4International, an industrial automation solutions provider based in Aachen, Germany.
The relationship between S4 and DSA dates back to 1994 after S4 began providing local support for DSA in SA.
Since DSA’s official shareholding in S4 in 2010, the collaboration between the two companies has grown steadily, jointly developing automation and software solutions including the 2021 automated lithium-ion battery-cell tester.
S4 Integration managing director Andrew White said with the company’s years of experience in automation and machine-building
and DSA’s expertise in innovative communication solutions for automotive electronics, modular software and hardware solutions for the entire life cycle of vehicles, the joint venture was set to bring a unique offering to
the European market. “We are very excited about the new venture and the potential for further growth of our business locally and abroad,” White said.
“We have often received requests from our European customers to offer our solutions in Europe and globally.
“One of the key challenges in doing so is having the resources available in the region to generate sales and, more importantly, offer after-sales support.
“The establishment of a base in Germany is our first significant step into entering the global market as it enables us to provide the level of service and support our European customers have come to expect from us.”
With cost-efficient production and unparalleled manufacturing skills in SA as well as DSA’s expertise in end-of-line testing, S4 International will serve customers across Europe.
For more than 40 years, DSA has been a leading expert in the development of innovative and customer-specific communication solutions for vehicle electronics.
DSA managing director Dr Thomas Huth said S4 International was another step in their long-term business strategy.
“With this new venture, we offer complete test and production solutions with a focus on the European market.
“This way, we bundle our competencies and strengths into a single company that has a face for customers in Europe, close to the customer’s location,” Huth said.
Most of the anticipated growth will take place in SA, intending that all project management, design, manufacturing and initial programming of solutions, machines and production lines be handled at S4’s headquarters in Gqeberha.
The leading industrial automation partner has additional developments under way, including a new building to make room for the anticipated growth of its industrial automation manufacturing facility.
“We hope to continue to grow and to develop and support the Eastern Cape economy further and create opportunities for skilled and unskilled jobseekers,” White said.