THE adage “time flies when you’re having fun” has been true for the Comtest Group of Companies, which was established in 2005 and is proudly celebrating 20 years of successful trading in the Southern African test and measurement, communications, equipment, solutions, and specialised systems markets.
In 2005, Comtest was appointed Fluke’s Master Distributor for Southern Africa. Over the intervening years, numerous corporate awards followed, and many other manufacturers have allied with the company. It has also forged alliances with leading international companies. Currently, Comtest represents the following international test and measurement companies: Beha-Amprobe, BK Precision, Fluke, Fluke Calibration, IET Labs, Franklin, Meriam, Microsemi, Midtronics, Pico Technologies and Radian Research.
Comtest acquired the company Instrotech which had been established in 1981, in November 2010. Instrotech is a supplier of high-quality process control instrumentation and industrial electronics and a leading producer of weighing electronics, signal conditioners, process calibrators, and digital display units with worldwide sales. Instrotech also imports instrumentation with distribution rights for reputable international partners and leading brand products, including Ellis, Keller, Kobold, LR-Cal LTR, Michell Instruments, Monitran, Optris, Siko, Scancon, Selet, Semnix, Sensor Tech and Vishay VPG Transducers.
Barend Niemand, Comtest Group CEO, says, “It’s been a wonderfully exciting ride from the start! I can hardly believe we are in our 20th year – 20 years of innovation, hard work and achievement. The Comtest team’s dedication and perseverance has resulted in growth and success. Above all, our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has brought us to this impressive milestone. I want to thank our suppliers, industry and customers for their ongoing support, making this possible.”
“On a personal note,” he added, “I am truly privileged to have worked alongside my executive team, comprising Jannie Dirks, sales director; Eduard Arnold, financial director; Pieter Deysel, technical director; and Hugh du Plessis, R&D director. My management style is “open door” and participative,” said Niemand.
