Eskom, the South African electricity utility, is to receive additional government support for its 440 billion rand build programme.

The South African government has pledged to inject 20 billion rand to strengthen Eskom’s balance sheet, ensuring it can complete its programme while remaining financially sound.

The R20 billion injection, originally announced in principle two weeks ago, was confirmed yesterday by Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba.


Based in Russia, Vagonmash has achieved a number of firsts in the railway car production sector; and with a commitment to innovation and excellence in design, the company is continuing to go from strength to strength.

 


In previous eras, fortunes have been made in Africa through gold, diamonds and oil. Today, the smart money is on telecommunications, as Alan Swaby learns in discussion with BT South Africa.

 

 


The story of Target Engineering Construction Company is intrinsically linked to growth and development over the past four decades in the Middle East. Ayman Taji has masterminded the company’s steady growth throughout that period; and here he talks to Andrew Pelis about the legacy he will leave behind when he shortly steps down from his role.

 


As 2009 drew to a close and most Queenslanders were enjoying the Christmas break, ABB Australia pulled off a remarkable feat of engineering collaboration, logistics and lateral planning. Its client, CS Energy, was rather impressed, as John O’Hanlon discovers.

 


Han-Tek Inc, a materials handling and systems automation company in upstate New York, announced today its acquisition of PowerLab Control Technologies, an industrial systems integrator in North Carolina.

Through this acquisition, Han-Tek is bolstering its solutions portfolio with process controls and SCADA capabilities. PowerLab is in the process of being integrated into Han-Tek's Controls Division.


Last week the European Commission said: "The EU pays the price for its outdated and poorly interconnected energy infrastructure." Today the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) publishes a new report with a vision for a modern renewable energy power system, which sets out how the grid can integrate increasing amounts of wind energy.


Jane Bordenave revisits Retsol to learn about the dramatic changes that have taken place over the past year; and to find out more about chairman Wayne Duncan’s ambitious plans for the future.

 

A lot has changed since we last spoke to Retsol in 2009. The company, which was established in 2002, was working with Unilever to manage two of its franchises in ice cream and health food. It was also involved in the fast food and bakery markets, independent of Unilever—however, since then the firm has undergone a major overhaul.


Sotkamo Silver is in the process of breathing life into the Taivaljarvi silver mine project. CEO Dr Timo Lindborg talks to Gay Sutton about building a sound investor base and the future development of the company.

 

 

 


As the world emerges from global recession, the prospects look good for the rapidly expanding Barcelos brand. Ben Sansom discovers how good quality rustic Portuguese cooking has been turned into a global restaurant franchise.