Centurion Systems pulls gate-motor production back from Asia to Joburg, now exporting to 72 countries

Johannesburg gate-motor manufacturer Centurion Systems has repatriated production previously outsourced to partners in China and the Philippines, completing the move within a year, Engineering News reported in January 2026.

The company expanded its Johannesburg factory to double night shifts and upgraded its production lines to meet rising global demand. Centurion now exports to 72 countries, with growth strongest in Africa, South America and the Asia-Pacific region.

The company marks 40 years of operating in South Africa in 2026 and has been owned by Italian automation group FAAC since 2016.

All research and development, prototyping, testing, manufacturing and beta testing is done locally, with product design shaped by South Africa's security environment. Production focuses primarily on residential gate automation, alongside commercial and industrial entrance-control products including boom gates, access control systems and remotes.

"At Centurion, we are proudly South African, from the inception of an idea all the way through to marketing the product," said marketing manager Mark O'Brien.

Source: Engineering News, 15 January 2026 - engineeringnews.co.za