The international provider of testing and certification services TÜV SÜD acquired the South African company Pro-Tec Boiler Inspection & NDT Services (Pty) Ltd, with its headquarters situated in Middelburg, Mpumalanga Province. Pro-Tec is the number one provider of non-destructive material testing and inspection services for the power generation industry in South Africa. In 2011 the company and its 160 staff are expected to generate revenue of EUR 8 million. This latest acquisition marks a further step in TÜV SÜD’s international expansion strategy and underlines its focus on the energy sector.
Pro-Tec is headquartered in Middelburg near Johannesburg, the hub of the South African energy industry. The service provider focuses on non-destructive testing and inspections of pressure and other equipment carried out mainly for the power generation industry. Pro-Tec’s capabilities also support other industries like Chemical, Oil & Gas and Minerals. In recent years Pro-Tec has succeeded in massively expanding its business in South Africa.
“The acquisition of Pro-Tec is a perfect fit for our international expansion strategy”, says Karsten Xander, Member of the Board of Management of TÜV SÜD AG. “It enables us to strengthen our presence on the South African market and make full use of our group’s expertise in the energy sector.” TÜV SÜD established TUV SUD South Africa Holding (Pty) Ltd in May 2010 and successfully entered the South African vehicle inspection market in summer 2010, acquiring a shareholding in AVTS Roadworthy Stations. Through Pro-Tec the group is now paving the way for the rollout of a broader service portfolio. “This applies to expansion in the energy sector and other industrial services which we intend to offer in South Africa and, starting from there, also in other African states”, adds Dr Boris Gehring, CEO of the Industry Services division of TÜV SÜD.
“The further expansion of industry in South Africa and its neighbouring states will result in a clear rise in the demand of energy”, forecasts Leon Nel, Managing Director and Spokesperson of Pro-Tec Boiler Inspection & NDT Services (Pty) Ltd. “We expect energy generation to double by 2026.” According to Nel, the modernization and expansion of the complete energy sector offers excellent growth opportunities for his company which, under the umbrella of TÜV SÜD, can also offer a broader service portfolio for the power station sector and the energy industry as a whole.
