S4 Integration and DSA launch Joint Venture – S4 International

The relationship between S4 and DSA dates back to 1994 when S4 started providing local support for DSA in South Africa. Since DSA’s official shareholding in S4 in 2010, the collaboration between the two companies has grown steadily, jointly developing turnkey automation and software solutions including the 2021 automated lithium-ion battery-cell tester.

With S4’s years of experience in automation and machine-building and DSA’s expertise in innovative communication solutions for automotive electronics and modular software and hardware solutions for the entire life cycle of vehicles, this joint venture is set to bring a unique offering to the European market. With cost-efficient production and unparalleled manufacturing skills in South Africa as well as DSA’s expertise in end-of-line testing, S4 International will serve customers across Europe.

For more than 40 years, DSA has been a leading expert in the development of innovative and customer-specific communication solutions for vehicle electronics. Whether in vehicle development, production, after-sales, or the field of vehicle connectivity, DSA’s modular and flexible solutions support processes during the entire vehicle life cycle. “The launch of S4 International is a further step in our long-term business strategy. With this new venture, we offer complete test and production solutions with a focus on the European market. This way, we bundle our competencies and strengths into a single company that has a face for customers in Europe, close to the customer’s location”, expresses Dr Thomas Huth, Managing Director of DSA.

“We are very excited about the new venture and the potential for further growth of our business locally and abroad,” said Andrew White, Managing Director of S4 Integration. “We have often received requests from our European customers to offer our solutions in Europe and globally. One of the key challenges in doing so is having the resources available in the region to generate sales and, more importantly, offer after-sales support.” Andrew goes on to say, “The establishment of a base in Germany is our first significant step into entering the global market as it enables us to provide the level of service and support our European customers have come to expect from us.”

Most of the anticipated growth will take place in South Africa, intending that all project management, design, manufacturing and initial programming of solutions, machines and production lines be handled at S4’s Headquarters in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The leading industrial automation partner has additional developments underway including a new building to make room for the anticipated growth of its industrial automation manufacturing facility. “We hope to continue to grow and to develop and support the Eastern Cape economy further and create opportunities for skilled and unskilled job seekers,” said Andrew White.

ABOUT S4 INTERNATIONAL

S4 International is an industrial automation solution provider based in Aachen Germany. Established in 2022 as a joint venture between S4 Integration (Pty) Ltd and Daten- und Systemtechnik GmbH (DSA), combining S4’s experience in automation and machine building with DSA’s expertise in end-of-line testing, data management and niche industrial software to bring a unique offering to the industry. For more information visit www.s4international.de.

ABOUT S4

Headquartered in South Africa, S4 Integration is a multi-award-winning service-oriented company founded in 1994 with over 300 employees, offering superior turnkey solutions for major industries. With highly qualified engineers and IT specialists dedicated to developing the best possible solutions as well as the comprehensive experience gained both locally and abroad, S4 offers cost-effective automation and machine-building solutions uniquely tailored to the clients’ needs.

ABOUT DSA

For 40+ years, DSA has been developing innovative diagnostic solutions for vehicle electronics. Headquartered in Aachen, Germany, DSA is a globally operating company with an international team of more than 550 employees and is present at most automotive locations worldwide with offices in Germany, the USA, China, Italy, Brazil, India, and Mexico. As a long-standing automotive expert and market leader, DSA supplies modular software and hardware solutions for the entire life cycle of vehicles. Furthermore, this industry leader develops innovative solutions that enable vehicle manufacturers and service providers to meet the demanding quality standards of the industry, optimize process times and make production processes leaner and more flexible.