In the early hours of the morning of the 7th May 2007, a fire broke out close to the substation at Foskor's Phosphoric acid plant in Richards Bay. After the emergency fire services, who were assisted by the uMhlatuze fire department, managed to extinguish the flames, it became evident just how extensive this fire had been, crippling 50% of production at the plant.

On the 8th May, Panel Technique (Pty) Ltd were invited by Schneider Electric's Vic Strobel to join him on site to get to work assesing the damage. The timeframe to repair the damage was critical to Foskor and within 48 hours of the fire, we had a plan in action to refurbish and rewire all the Low Voltage Motor Control Centers within a period of 21days.

It seemed an impossible task to some but with a keen spirit and an reliable and experienced team, we made the commitment to Foskor to deliver within the timeframe laid out.

Our contract included the complete refurbishment of steelwork, 3 x Main LV Incomers and 265 x Low Voltage Direct on Line Motor starters ranging from 4kW to 132kW. 

The repairs all round were a great success and credit must go to all who were envolved.

Not only did we have another happy customer, we were also recognized in the Schneider Electric "2006 new2 Trophies" campaign we were awarded a trophy for Customer Attitude.