AHEAD OF CURRENT THINKING
Magnet, supplier of quality branded electrical equipment, industrial instrumentation and abrasive materials, is one of the country's leading specialists in energy saving project management. Magnet has provided reliable and efficient services to the industrial sector for 40 years. Founded in 1972 in Williams Road, Durban by the late Ernie Howarth, the company has grown dramatically. From humble beginnings with four employees, Magnet now has three branches and three sister companies, with a team of nearly 90 people.
"A well planned and carefully implemented expansion programme has positioned Magnet as one of South Africa's leading suppliers of electrical and instrumentation products, as well as abrasive materials," says Magnet's managing director, Brian Howarth. "The need for top quality, accurate and reliable equipment inspired Magnet to secure the exclusive distributorship rights in this country for the reputable brands of many world leading manufacturers. Magnet has maintained its leading position in this highly competitive industry because of its commitment to optimum quality, ongoing assessment of market requirements, expert back up and delivery deadlines."
Magnet is a major player in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), making a significant contribution in identifying and reducing the extensive wastage of energy in the industrial and commercial markets.
The company's head office is in Durban, with supporting branches geared to enhance service levels, in Richards Bay and Johannesburg. Magnet's greatest strength is its team of loyal, technically competent people. The company is proud that 42% of the team has been with Magnet for over five years and 22% has been with Magnet for over 15 years.
Magnet is committed to providing a diverse, quality branded product range, enhanced by world class technical support and an efficient delivery service. The company originally supplied magnet wire and insulation materials to the local armature winding industry, but with the implementation of a carefully planned expansion programme, Magnet has become a major supplier nationally of a wide range of electrical components.
Magnet is a key supplier to organisations in industries that include paper, petrochemical, motor manufacturing, food and beverage, packaging, steel and aluminum sheeting, as well as woodworking. Key KZN customers include: Tiger Brands; Toyota; Dunlop; Nampak Group; Unilever; ABI; Rainbow Chicken and Sappi. Magnet also supplies many electrical contractors, OEMs and property developers. The specialist team also works closely with electrical consultants and architects, demonstrating the latest technology available and assisting with design and implementation.
Magnet's range of equipment meets stringent international quality and safety standards. The company has extended its service to include a national focus on energy efficiency and energy saving project management. In conjunction with Eskom's various Energy Saving Programmes, Magnet's team of specialist engineers implement energy saving initiatives that involve replacement, retrofitting and re-lamping, for optimum energy efficiency in every application. Energy savings services include metering, hot water systems, air-conditioning controls, lighting and occupancy sensors, as well as solar systems.
Energy solutions include energy auditing and accurate energy saving calculations. Magnet guarantees energy savings within 10% of predicted savings, designs, installs, commissions and supports turnkey projects for diverse industries.
Magnet's technical expertise, coupled with quality branded products and a 24 hour support service, ensures the best possible solution for every project.
