Transforming the Picture: The Nisko Group's Transformer Revolution

The need for electricity and energy security is a national interest in routine times and emergencies. "Without realizing it, we developed a dependence on that unpredictable current, which is sometimes taken for granted by the public – connecting a device to an outlet and, bingo, it works. Until a malfunction or power outage sharpens our understanding of how many systems we use, from convenience products to life-sustaining devices that require electricity, with emphasis on security systems and medical systems," says Ashi Roth, CEO of Ardan Transformers of Nisko Group Ltd.

The group, which designs, manufactures, and installs transformers, is known for its large projects it manages in the field of electricity in routine and emergency situations. "A reliable and stable electrical system," explains Roth, "is required to lead a normal life, maintain the standard of living, and encourage growth and prosperity. This is where transformers come in, which are a critical and central component of electricity transmission grid." And this is the role of the Nisko Group (Ardan Transformers), which includes the design and manufacture of the optimal transformer solutions for the electricity transmission grid, continually improving product technologies, production technologies, quality, and reliability. "It is vital to understand the needs of the market to enable the provision of solutions to the unique requirements of the economy and to serve as a part in the State of Israel energy independence ," says Roth.

Increasing power grid capacity
As the standard of living increases, we consume more electricity, in addition to the electric vehicle revolution that significantly increases the demand for electricity, and the need for a higher power supply to end users. According to Roth, this is one of the challenges facing Israel, which is experiencing population growth, an increase in the standard of living and, accordingly, an increase in the level of electricity consumption.

Of all the challenges, increasing the output of the electricity grid is the most basic challenge facing the electricity sector. To meet the demand that will enable the increase in grid capacity and electricity consumption, the company, an Israeli manufacturer competing in an international market, works tirelessly to continue to be the best in product technology, production technologies (maximum automation), and customer service and experience.

How do you deal with the additional challenges facing the State of Israel, in routine and emergency times?
"The answer to yet another challenge that is proper maintenance, i.e., maintaining the entire life span of the transformer (30 years), is proper planning, and maintaining the quality of production and the final product, which is a durable transformer in all weather conditions and over time. The issue of maintenance burnout is also addressed by a subsidiary we established, which provides dedicated maintenance services to the market."

"The greater threat is damage to infrastructure, from a power plant to other production facilities or transmission infrastructures, which can be harmed by missile attacks, earthquakes, targeted terrorist incidents, and even cyberattacks, which can cause significant damage to the electricity sector. Here, too, we have practical solutions, as a company defined as essential during an emergency and operating in accordance with the regulations of the National Emergency Authority, which specifies the parameters for a high level of survival for those involved in the matter."

Alongside coping with production and challenges, what is the response given to the substantial changes that have taken place in the electricity market in recent years?
"In the past, all electricity was produced centrally, through power plants. Today, the trend is to transfer a significant part of electricity production to generation from renewable energies, which means to distributed production in smaller facilities. These changes lead to the creation of a dynamic network that require expanding the transmission network and making it as efficient, advanced, and high-quality as possible. This is in addition to the response we provide to various network problems caused by these changes, to enable a full and stable energy supply to every consumer, anywhere, any time."

"As noted, our subsidiary, which recently supplied mobile substations to the Israel Electric Corporation in a complex engineering project, is also an integral part of this process. In the last campaign, we even diverted production resources from the private market to complete orders for the Israel Electric Corporation, in addition to partnering in many diverse projects with the defense establishment, which we consider to be part of our mission."

The Iron Swords war proved once again how important it is to manage an autonomous electricity sector.

"Absolutely! In times of emergency, the continuous supply of electricity, both for the security establishment and for civilians, is of added importance. The advantages of Israeli production include an initial commitment to the needs of the state, information security, preservation of local knowledge and capabilities, and an economic contribution that includes the employment aspect."

Is that one of the reasons you relocated the factory in the north?
"Yes. Three years ago, we moved to a new factory with 130 employees, to expand production capacity and provide employment to the population of the north. The plant is defined as essential in times of emergency, which means that even if war breaks out in the north, we are prepared to function at 100% capacity; this is based on our capacities and drills we conduct on an ongoing basis. The new, modern, and advanced factory is located in the Nof HaGalil industrial zone, in Yokneam, which makes it possible to increase the plant's output, the number of machines and production lines, and absorb additional workers. This is in order to adapt ourselves to the growing demand in Israel and around the world.

Thanks to the local authority, the Nof Hagalil Municipality, which thoroughly understands the significance of industry in Israel and the need to create high-quality jobs, we contribute to the settlement in the north of the country, which makes us both proud and happy."

Quality and technological superiority
The transformer factory of the Nisko Group Ltd. was established by two pioneering industrialists, Yitzhak Nitzan and Aryeh Kidron, who understood that a developed country must have the ability to produce and develop equipment for the energy sector. Today, the company designs and manufactures transformers and technological devices for transmission of medium and high voltages — transformers of all types, mobile substations, and more.

"Our goal is to provide a comprehensive and complete solution to our customers through a broad engineering department, independent production, importation of unique components, collaborations with international companies, and a service and installation department," notes Roth, referring to another challenge that the company also provides a solution to, which is a decentralized network that creates stability problems. According to him, the process of voltage stabilization is the future for which the industry is aiming, resulting in a much more technological and complex product, both in production and operation.

What does the future hold for the group?
"To continue integrating advanced technologies, streamline work processes and provide high-quality, efficient and cost-effective products, we are constantly in contact with academics the R&D personnel from companies in Israel and around the world."

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In cooperation with Nisko Group Ltd. (Ardan Transformers)