EC Industrial & Business News - Issue 56 by The Media & Events Company

EASTERN CAPE INDUSTRIAL & BUSINESS NEWS

YOUR LINK TO INDUSTRY THROUGHOUT THE EASTERN CAPE

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JULy / August 2013

Inside J Bay wind farm to bay view Kevin Hustler

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Focus on Automotive Industry - page 5

Coega Industrial Zone - page 14

Materials Handling, Bulk Handling & Logistics - page 15 Water & Effluent Management - page 24

Company & Product News - page 27

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wind farms arising from the South African Government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPP). With demand for electricity continuing to grow in South Africa, the introduction of this clean energy will have far reaching benefits for A 50 metre trailer gives an indication of the sheer size of a windmill’s blades the country’s power sector, economy and people. effreys Bay Wind Farm, one homes and avoid more than 420,000 The wind farm is expected to start of the largest wind farms in tonnes of carbon emissions each supplying electricity to the national South Africa, has announced year. grid by mid-2014. “Not only will the that it began transporting wind turJeffreys Bay Wind Farm will com- project be able to provide a sigbines from the Port of Ngqura to the prise 60 turbines on a site spanning nificant number of homes with clean, wind farm site on 22 July 2013. 3 700 ha. The site was chosen for its renewable energy by harnessing a This marks an exciting milestone optimal wind conditions and minimal free source of energy, it will also in the construction of this wind farm, environmental constraints, as well save millions of litres of water that which is expected to supply enough as its close proximity to a 132 kV would otherwise have been conclean, renewable electricity to power Eskom grid line. sumed in the production of energy,” Enquiry no: 1 more than 114 116 South African The project is one of the first concluded Pickering.

R6 Billion export programme awarded to local firms

eneral Motors South Africa (GMSA), in partnership with component manufacturer Tenneco South Africa, has been awarded a R6 billion contract to export catalytic converters to North America. The catalytic converters, which will be manufactured at Tenneco South Africa’s Clean Air Plant in Port Elizabeth, will be supplied for GM’s next-generation V-6 engines which will be used for vehicles built and sold in North America from 2015 through 2022. “The decision to award this contract to South Africa is a great show of support by our parent company, as it comes ahead of a

clear legislative framework by the South African government to support the strategic growth of exports,” said Mario A. Spangenberg, President and MD, GM Africa. This programme is a major boost to the Eastern Cape economy. It will create and retain employment through various value streams of manufacturing, supply and support services. In addition, the mining sector will benefit from a projected requirement of 10 tons of platinum group metals over the duration of the programme. GMSA and Tenneco South Africa have worked together for over 12 years to produce catalytic converters and related components

for the North American market. GMSA’s current exports stand at 2.6 million catalytic converters per annum for application on 17% of vehicles produced by GM globally. “Tenneco and General Motors have long and proud associations in South Africa spanning many years. We are delighted to have been selected by GM for this critically important programme,” said Gary Keen, Tenneco Country Manager. General Motors International Operations Vice President of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain Johnny Saldanha said, “Supplier operations in South Africa are competing with other operations around the globe. In order to attract business, suppliers need to be globally competitive in the critical areas of both cost and productivity. In parallel to this, business needs to operate in an enabling economic environment supported by a stable labour force.” He added, “A key characteristic of vehicle manufacturing is that we often have to plan as far as five years in advance for the next vehicle Enquiry no: 2 programmes.”

Beating the pothole An innovative programme by the Department of Roads and Public Works (DRPW) is set on making potholes in the province a thing of the past. “Soon it will be smooth sailing in the Eastern Cape for motorists and commuters. The Eastern Cape’s roads have long needed attention and the REDP strategically aims to facilitate meeting these ends, in the process developing emergent and small construction firms to build roads under mentorship of established construction companies and engineers,” said Ayanda Vilakazi, Coega Development Corporation (CDC) Head of Marketing and Communications. Enquiry no: 3

July / August 2013

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EC Industrial & Business News

Community to benefit from wind power

ennergi, the newly formed “cleaner energy” company started by coal mining giant Exxaro and India’s largest private power company, Tata Power, recently achieved financial closure of its 229MW wind power projects in the Eastern Cape. This development means that significant investment and funds will start flowing into the communities of Bedford and Cookhouse, which will see renewable energy projects delivering electricity to the national grid. The financial close of these two wind projects is a promise of hope for the Eastern Cape communities surrounding the projects. Cennergi has a focused and dedicated economic development programme within each project, aimed at developing and uplifting the communities situated in the direct vicinity of each power project. “Having reached financial closure, we are very excited that these projects now move to the next

phase of development. We are one step closer to delivering renewable energy onto the national grid,” commented Business Development Manager Wendy Green (pictured). Cennergi’s Amakhala Emoyeni Wind Farm project is a 134MW wind farm located between Bedford and Cookhouse. Fiftysix Nordex turbines of 91 metre hub height and 2.4 MW capacity each will be installed on the land. The area has an excellent wind resource and close proximity to critical infrastructure such as roads and the national electricity grid. The Cookhouse and Bedford Community Trusts together own five percent of the equity of the project but the full benefits of the project will be extended to other towns in the 50km radius like Adelaide and Somerset East. “The project’s commitment to socio-

Marketing is key to SME success

economic development has been communicated to the communities through general community gatherings, development forum meetings and other communication tools such as the quarterly newsletters that are distributed in these communities. In this case, all project communities understand that reaching financial close will be a beginning of greater things for them,” said Noxolo Mbana, Cennergi Manager: Sustainability and Economic Development. “As a Bedford community member, financial close means the start of the construction phase of the project, which will in turn bring about jobs and skills development programmes into our community,” said Dr Lana-Lorraine Blom, Bedford community member and Project Co-ordinator for Thembani SDCC & Bedford Integrated Projects. Enquiry no: 4

n the current economic c l i m a t e entrepreneurs are required to keep their businesses profitable, while spending as little money as possible. As a result, entrepreneurs should adopt an integrated approach to marketing their business as the heart of success lies in marketing strategy. This is according to Justin Hawes (pictured), MD of Scan Display Solutions and 2012 finalist of the Sanlam/Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year competition, who says that marketing is essential for the growth of a small business. “Marketing is a process by which a product or service is introduced and promoted to potential customers. Without marketing, a business may offer the best products or services in its respective industry, but potential customers

would not know about it. This makes it a vital tool for any entrepreneur entering new markets,” says Hawes. He says that within the industry there is also a perception that only larger, more established businesses need to adopt marketing strategies. “This perception is definitely incorrect. Businesses of all sizes need to be continually marketed, even in a small way, or it is unlikely that they will grow.” Hawes says that the marketing world is consistently evolving, creating new ways to engage with consumers, as well as influence them to try new products and services. “These new channels may intimidate small business owners and young entrepreneurs from a technological perspective, but in the current economic climate communication channels such as social media platforms can be very effective, low-cost marketing Enquiry no: 5 tools.”

ECDC eyes opportunity to be premier bamboo grower Development financier, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has pumped R300 000 into a Uitenhage bamboo trial which should entrench the province’s leadership position as a pioneer in the industry. The two hectare trial is being run by a 15-member Tinarha Agricultural and Tourism Initiative Cooperative (Tati). The bamboo industry is at an infant stage in South Africa with only 692 ha of commercially planted bamboo. About 80% of this is planted in the Eastern Cape. Three pilot plantation sites with five hectares each were established in Centane, Ndakana and Uitenhage and an amount of R1m invested. A further R2m was received from DEDEAT to expand the Ndakana to 100 hectares. After three years, the financier will be able to measure the success of the pilots in preparation for commercialisation. Currently, the largest bamboo farm in South Africa is 400 hectares and is located north of Bathurst. Between 1 000 and 2 000 products can be made from bamboo.

“ECDC has injected R300 000 into one of the pioneering bamboo trials in South Africa. The money has been used for site development, to buy implements and for general support for the trial. The corporation is one of very few funders willing to test these new industries which have the potential to create massive employment opportunities. “We expect to harvest the bamboo in three years. This is instructive of the value of bamboo if you consider that bamboo takes five to seven years to mature. It takes half the time to harvest to make some of the products made from traditional trees which can take up to 15 years to mature,” says Project Manager Andile Yani. Yani says some of the 1 000 products that can be made from bamboo include coal replacement, carpets, pellets as well as bio-efficiency products. Bamboo has a value chain that can create thousands of jobs and selfemployment opportunities from processing, manufacturing, distribution and financial services up to Enquiry no: 6 the retail phase.

EASTERN CAPE INDUSTRIAL & BUSINESS NEWS Tel: 0861 122 441 P O Box 1322 Wandsbeck 3631 Fax: (031) 266 7514 Email: editorial@mediaevents.co.za www.mediaevents.co.za

YOUR LINK TO INDUSTRY THROUGHOUT THE EASTERN CAPE

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July / August 2013

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EC Industrial & Business News

Rural retail still tops

he Eastern Cape, a region mostly overlooked by commercial property investors when compared with other parts of South Africa, is experiencing a sustained retail and property boom. According to Galetti Broker and Eastern Cape commercial property specialist, Peter Coetzee, the trick however is to ensure a clear understanding of this market’s specific needs and consumer behaviour patterns. Trading densities in the Eastern Cape’s small towns are enormous, and unlike South Africa’s retail centres that are often used for entertainment, they exist for the sole purpose of supply. Says Coetzee, “We’ve seen a few ‘western’ shopping centres popping up in more rural areas throughout the coastal belt of South Africa, only to trade badly. Many of these centres

and ‘cash and carry’ to encourage the wholesale purchaser. A perfect example is Massmart’s Rhino Brand. Another point of differentiation from consumers living in more urban areas is the motivation behind a visit to a retail area. More urban consumers will commute merely for entertainment, while for consumers living in rural areas, a trip into town will be with purpose. Coetzee believes the rural retail centres situated in these small Eastern Cape towns will continue to trade well for the forseeable future. “Provided they offer the correct tenants for the market – the likes of competitively priced supermarkets, hardware stores, funeral services, alcohol retailers, banks, clothing retailers and butcheries – and take advantage of the unique shopping environment.”

Retail centres in the Eastern Cape largely exist for the sole purpose of supply

Enquiry no: 7

Waste institute conference to focus on ‘Green Revolution’

29km water pipeline for Tsomo

outh Africa is at work building new schools, power stations, water pipelines, roads and various other infrastructure projects – and Robor is part of it. These and other initiatives form part of the government’s 18 Strategic Infrastructure Projects (SIPs) which are being led by The Presidential Infrastructure Co-ordinating Commission. President Jacob Zuma launched the commission in 2011 to co-ordinate planning and funding for key infrastructure projects. In October 2012 he said the projects are expected to cost the

sprout up in the small towns, expecting to pull trade away from the main street shops and completely change spending patterns.” According to Coetzee, the problem is that the success of these centres is dependent on a convenience market. While high-income groups rank convenience as a top priority, the same does not apply to lowerincome groups. “Lower LSM trade is entirely about price point and if a consumer can buy an item at a more competitive price on the other end of town, they will walk there to save a few cents on the Rand,” Coetzee explains. Many of these shoppers also tend to stockpile and sell the goods on from small trading set-ups of their own in the rural environment, so it is of paramount importance that the offering be a hybrid of supermarket

Part of the 1 500 ton consignment of pipes for the project country about R4-trilion over the next 15 years. The Chris Hani District Municipality, based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape contracted Maluti GSM Engineering and Consulting, to oversee part of the 29 kilometre main water pipeline that is being installed by Norland Construction in the Tsomo area. This project forms part of SIP 6, which aims to assist the 23 least resourced district municipalities with maintenance backlogs and upgrades required for water, electricity and bulk sanitation.

Robor supplied a customised steel pipe solution for the water pipe system. “We supplied more than 1 500 tons of Ductile Iron Pipe and Fittings,” said Nico Schoeman, MD of Robor Pipe Systems. Robor also provided the corrosion protective coating for the water pipe. Robor furthermore has an extensive range of corrosion protective coatings which include TOSAwrap, TOSAtape, Polyclad, Epoxy coatings and hot dipped galvanizing for use with steel pipes on offer.

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Enquiry no: 8

he Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA)’s Eastern Cape branch is hosting the biennial conference on 10 September 2013 at The Boardwalk Conference Centre in Port Elizabeth. The conference theme is “The Green Revolution” and will focus on how imperative it is to move to a greener future to save our planet. According to the third National Waste Information Baseline Report, 108 million tons of waste was generated during 2011. An astounding 98 million tons was waste landfilled and only 10% of total waste was recycled. The IWMSA’s Eastern Cape branch will be hosting the conference in Port Elizabeth where representatives from industries across South Africa, as well as local and district municipalities, will share knowledge on feasible waste

management solutions. “The Green Revolution conference aims to educate, inform and create a platform for dialogue for all sectors on the increasing need to create a sustainable green future. It is a great opportunity for industry players to come together and share ideas and find solutions for the many waste related issues that impact on society and our environment,” comments Dr Suzan Oelofse, President of the IWMSA. A variety of topics will be discussed during the conference such as policies and strategies on green procurement, by-laws, regulations that assist in changing mind-sets; waste minimisation and recycling; E-waste; organic waste management; alternative energy; new technologies; hazardous waste and domestic Enquiry no: 9 waste management.

July / August 2013

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EC Industrial & Business News

Auto maker’s boost for small businesses V olkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has announced that its multimillion rand project aimed at boosting local small businesses is yielding encouraging results. The Uitenhage based Volkswagen Business Support Centre was established in April 2011 in partnership with small business incubator company Raizcorp and has 20 beneficiaries from Nelson Mandela Bay. The small businesses receiving training and guidance from the centre have, on average, improved their turnover by almost 50% and grown their employee base by more than 30%. VWSA has invested R10 million in the past two years and has further committed R5-million per annum for the first three years of the centre’s operation. The beneficiaries’ combined economic contribution stands at

almost R35 million per annum. VWSA MD, David Powels said the success of the project was in keeping with the company’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) goals. “The key principles guiding us in deciding which projects to support are that they must be holistic, comprehensive and sustainable,” said Powels. “The success of the businesses at the centre will have a broader benefit for the Eastern Cape province, which at the moment has the third highest rate of unemployment in South Africa.” According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey released by Statistics South Africa this month, unemployment in the Eastern Cape has risen from 29.8% to 30.2%. The businesses supported by the centre employ over 140 people. The employees – excluding the business directors – in turn support nearly Enquiry no: 10 440 dependents.

New PE premises for construction peripheral firm Sika’s PE branch celebrated the launch of its new premises in May 2013 with a festive event, attracting a sell out crowd of nearly 150 guests. The Port Elizabeth branch services the region spanning George to Middelburg to East London. Having outgrown their old premises after ten years, Sika PE is now situated at 226 Commercial Road, Sika’s PE Branch Manager Jean le Roux (left) with guest Stefan Smith Sidwell, Centrahill. The larger property will ensure there is space for Sika’s increased stock levels, with warehousing space augmented from 380m² to 1000m² (100 pallet spaces to 250 pallet spaces), thereby also reducing logistics costs. Offloading the 24-ton truckloads from NDC (Sika Head Office warehouse) every week is faster, now that a forklift is able to offload from both sides, without turning the truck around inside the vast yard. There is also additional safe and secure parking available for clients and staff (500m²). Future plans for the new premises include: transporting imported stock via Coega Port; installing a cold room for the storage of automotive stock; and building a dock levelEnquiry no: 11 ler

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bay view Kevin Hustler

The Nelson Mandela Bay business community has welcomed substantial investments into the Coega Industrial Development Zone. We’ve seen investment in the form of the First Automobile Works’ (FAW) plant, the Famous Brands’ cold storage plant, and the addition of Coega Cheese onto the Coega Dairy outfit. Agni Steels’ R400-million smelter facility and the Air Products Air Separation unit, which will be in operation in 2014, are massive investments. In May this year, we saw DCD Wind Towers invest in a R300 million wind tower manufacturing facility, demonstrating immense confidence in the Eastern Cape market to support the growth and development of the renewable energy sector in the province. The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) are to be congratulated on securing such an investment, as this development reflects positively on Nelson Mandela Bay’s ability to attract, support and retain investments. If Nelson Mandela Bay is to ensure that it benefits from investments such as these, the vital role of the Port of Ngqura and the Coega Industrial Development Zone must be recognised and supported. The port is currently key to the import of renewable energy components, with the IDZ perfectly situated for the manufacture of future energy component requirements. The Chamber’s strategy is proactive and Baycentric, based on the foundation of real and relevant issues faced daily by business in Nelson Mandela Bay, and supported by key enabling factors to bolster the socio-economic growth and development. This foundation enables us to drive the economy forward to greater economic development through a focus on strategic projects and developments that offer windows of opportunity, including Project Mthombo and the Waterfront Development. Project Mthombo holds the promise of excellent up and downstream benefits for businesses situated in the Eastern Cape. Transnet has committed to the removal of the tank farm during 2016 from the Port of Port Elizabeth, and the relocation of the manganese ore facility to the Coega IDZ by 2018. Through a co-ordinated approach and integrated planning, Transnet is entertaining the idea of a phased approach to a port marina development, balanced with a sustainable working port within the Port of Port Elizabeth. Investment strengthens the movement towards the diversification of the industrial base of the local economy. This goes a long way to building momentum towards realising our goal of creating a competitive and sustainable socioeconomic environment in Nelson Mandela Bay.

July / August 2013

EC Industrial & Business News

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Landmark undergoes R13 million revamp

fter 44 years of service, the landmark VW building, situated on Mount Road is undergoing a revamp to the tune of R13 million. The revamp will boast a new VW Crafter Workshop, be home to the MotoRent division and every floor has been remodeled with new amenities for staff and customers. “We will be back in operation in

August,” said Mr. Alan Taverner Chairman of Tavcor Motor Group. The revamp also prepares a way for a new franchise, Tavcor Commercial Vehicles – sales and service as well as VW Mastercars - since the VW Passenger franchise for sales and service is now situated on William Moffett. Dealer Principal, John Els said that,

“The full range of commercials will be available on display and the service division will cater for older car owners as well as commercial vehicles.” The Mount Road premises will remain the headquarters of the Tavcor Group as well as the trade parts, accounts and administrative divisions. Known for many years as the Embassy Building, the Mount Road building, now undergoing renovation was built by LTA Construction in the late 1960s. It was the home of VW Passenger sales and service for 43 years and also for a short while to the Porsche and Jaguar franchises as well as the Audi franchise which relocated in the 1990s. Established in 1948, Mr. Taverner Senior went on to buy Embassy Motors in 1961 and later on Alan Taverner took over as GM from 1980 and went on to become the MD in 1981, when his father passed away. “The building far exceeded its capacity for too many years,” said Chairman Alan Taverner. In 2000, it underwent a “facelift” to become VWSA’s new Piazza concept showroom. At its peak, the building housed 140 people and was responsible for sales deliveries of close to 150 cars per month.

Enquiry no: 12

Accessory firm pledges reliability being accepted as ‘dependable’,” says Keith Russon, CEO, Stirling Accessories. “The reality is that these ‘copy cat’ replacement parts, which include low quality mirrors, lamps and reflectors, are manufactured from inferior materials and do not meet SABS Stirling Accessories maintains its pledge to manufacture quality and safereliable components that meet stringent quality and safety ty specifications. standards “In spite of the current trying In spite of the influx of imported exchange rate, which has a significant low quality, automotive accessories effect on pricing, Stirling Accessories into South Africa, Stirling Accessories continues to make a significant investmaintains its pledge to manufacture ment in using high quality, locally reliable components that meet strin- sourced materials and the latest techgent quality and safety standards. nologies and machinery to manufac“One of the toughest challenges ture automotive accessories that are facing the local automotive sector safe, reliable and offer extended seris the urgent need to combat infe- vice life. We are also committed to rior imported components, which are skills training and job creation for the

locally community. “We have also recognised a need to educate the local market about the importance of selecting quality automotive accessories over the preference for ‘cheap and nasty’ inferior components. For example, the glass used in automotive mirrors should be 3 mm thick, with shatterproof features for optimum safety and an accurate convex radius. Mirrors, with a 1,5 mm – 2 mm mirror glass thickeness, are flooding the local market, with no shatterproof protection and most consumers are completely unaware of this. “Consumers – including original equipment manufacturers, the specialist replacement sector and general commercial users - need to be educated about which automotive components are safe to use and why it is worth spending a little bit extra to ensure optimum safety on our roads.” Stirling Accessories ensures that all components in the range that require legal specifications, have been awarded SABS certification. This certification provides a basis on which the market is assured that control programmes at Stirling Accessories are maintained at the Enquiry no: 13 highest standards.

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Zahier Ebrahim (left() and Lance Schultz will head up the Programme for Industrial and Manufacturing Excellence (PRIME) funded by the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA)

Jobs fund scoop for Eastern Cape

he AIDC Eastern Cape has partnered with the government’s Jobs Fund initiative to ensure that the region’s automotive sector will be a major beneficiary. As part of a successful application by the AIDC, 45 engineers will be placed into automotive and affiliated sectors annually, providing scarce skills support to the region’s manufacturers. Funded through the Development Bank of South Africa’s R 9b Jobs Fund, the engineers will seek to improve the local automotive economy towards excellence under the AIDC’s internationally endorsed programmes and projects. The engineers will be placed at host companies around the Eastern Cape. AIDC Supplier Development Manager Lance Schultz said the programme will introduce advanced engineering capabilities to the region including simulation, design and statistical analysis for suppliers and manufacturing entities. In addition, the engineers will be developed in the leading performance improvement programmes including Six Sigma, Total Productive Maintenance and traditional World Class Manufacturing systems. The AIDC, an implementing agency of the Eastern Cape Development Corporation and Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, will seek to place all the candidates after the programme’s duration at the host companies, however during the contract term all engineers will be sponsored through the programme to companies around the automotive hub of Nelson Mandela Bay. “There is little doubt that every

engineer on the programme will find permanent placement in industry after 12 months, then fully equipped to transfer learning into their new organisations,’’ Schultz said. The programme will also create an estimated 2 000 jobs through the competitiveness improvements made and indirect jobs exceeding 5 000. “An increase in competitiveness will lead to an increase in local content as suppliers seek to mitigate the rising cost of production,” said Zahier Ebrahim, Senior Project Manager for Supplier Development. Schultz said that “the resource of an engineer placed at no fee into Eastern Cape automotive manufacturers, under the guidance of the AIDC, is a major gain to industry and the competitiveness of the automotive cluster in the Eastern Cape.’’

Back to school The AIDC Eastern Cape will be conducting Six Sigma Green Belt training from 19-23 August 2013 in Nelson Mandela Bay. The training is accredited through the services SETA and follows the ISO 13053-1 guidelines. Six Sigma is a systematic problem solving methodology to reduce process variation and improve control of manufacturing and service processes. The ultimate goal of any six sigma project is to make breakthrough improvements in the company’s processes to achieve performance excellence. Interested suppliers can contact Mia on 041 393 2113 or email, mverwey@aidcec.co.za for course details and application forms. Enquiry no: 14

SO MIN PO ON G RT ELI TO ZA BE TH

July / August 2013

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

EC Industrial & Business News

Transporting pitch a major challenge C argo Carriers has been awarded the contract to transport pitch & tar across southern Africa Pitch & tar, a by-product of the steel smelting process, is burnt as a low-cost furnace fuel, but the plants that use it are scattered as far afield as eMalahleni (Witbank), Middelburg, Zimbabwe and Richards Bay. It presents a serious transportation challenge because the material needs to be maintained at high temperature – if it drops below 200°C, it solidifies into a destructive solid and renders a tanker useless. Cargo Carriers has been in business since 1956, making a name as a reliable and efficient haulier. When the company listed on the JSE in 1987, it was one of the largest privately owned transport operations in southern Africa. Since 2002, it has been reinvented as a specialist logistics and supply chain service provider, in which capacity it has become a trusted name in the steel, sugar, powder, fuel, chemicals, gas, and mining sectors. Because pitch & tar has to be kept at a constant 200°C and to reduce costs it is vital that the supply chain between producer and consumer runs continuously.

Cargo Carriers has tankers dedicated to this contract, staffed by full-time drivers, to ensure that the operation runs smoothly. Tankers also pick up a return load of crude tar from either Pretoria or Newcastle, for delivery to Vanderbijlpark, further improving cost-effectiveness. Tankers are clad in a double skin, both to insulate the load and to improve safety. A heating blanket within the skin maintains the temperature. Since the cargo is potentially hazardous, Cargo Carriers has to maintain strict adherence to Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) protocols. Cargo Carriers are also affiliated to the Chemical & Allied Industries (CAIA) and are signatories to Safety and Quality Assessment (SQAS) and Responsible Care. World-class logistics software allows the tracking and tracing of all loads throughout their journeys. Driver performance is monitored closely by onboard technology, and driver training and retraining is a continual process, to ensure the highest safety levels. Cargo Carriers also has contracts with spill-response companies, so that in the event of an accident, containment and clean-up can Enquiry no: 15 be launched immediately.

Middle market recognises benefits of components

ive years since being awarded the distributorship for IPD engine parts, Metric Automotive Engineering, a comprehensively equipped diesel engine and component re-manufacturer, reports the emergence of a “middle market” of customers who are increasingly recognising and experiencing the significant cost savings associated with these world class quality replacement parts. IPD is an international manufacturer of engineered replacement parts for Caterpillar engines. These parts are manufactured in a Lloyds accredited ISO 9001:2000 quality controlled environment to ensure integrity and optimum performance under working conditions, identical to that Andrew Yorke, of the OEM parts. The company owns and says the emergence operates six distribu- of a “middle market” of customers are tion centres around recognising and the world and parts experiencing the are also distributed significant cost through a carefully selected distributor savings associated network. The major with quality replacement parts criteria for selection as a distributor are experience and a superior knowledge of engines. “Traditionally, our marketing efforts have focused on two distinct ends of the market,” Andrew Yorke, Operations Director at Metric Automotive Engineering, says. “On the one side are the OEM buyers who are risk-averse and who realise that the investment into higher cost, but high quality replacement parts will be returned in the form of long term cost per hour savings. At the other end are customers who are purely price-driven and are mostly content to buy copycat parts that duplicate the look, but not the performance of the original. “The so-called middle market we’re now seeing is positioned between these two segments and comprises new customers who are learning the benefit of investing in the long term care of their equipment to achieve the best return on investment. This recognition is based on the proven, long term performance of IPD components in South African conditions and the technical support and warranty programmes that back them up.” Bob Straw, Vice-President Sales and Marketing at IPD headquarters in California, USA, recently visited Metric Automotive Engineering’s operation to experience these market developments first hand and confirms that there is a growing number of users in the local market who recognise IPD as a quality product line that lasts longer than products which are cheaper up-front, but which are unable to go the distance in the long term. Enquiry no: 16

July / August 2013

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

EC Industrial & Business News

Fleet management systems not effective for recovery

t is a common misperception that fleet management systems are also effective recovery systems. This is absolutely not the case according to Deon Bayly, MD, MTrack In South Africa the term “vehicle tracking” has become so entrenched and generic that people tend to take it to mean any supplier who provides any system which combines the installation of an electronic device in a vehicle, or fleet of vehicles, with purpose-designed computer software to enable the owner or a third party to track the vehicle’s location, and collect data in the process. This term has come to mean both fleet management (and vehicle monitoring in its simplest form) and asset recovery, but as we will see, these two applications are not one and the same thing. A vehicle tracking system is basically an electronic device installed in a vehicle that emits a signal that allows its location to be pin-pointed almost anywhere in the country. It can then be used to transmit data, or it can be located by land or air-based recovery teams. The actual technology used differs from supplier to supplier in that some use satellites (GPS) and others radio signals or cellular technology. Most modern vehicle tracking systems use Global Positioning System (GPS) modules for accurate location of the vehicle. Many systems also combine a communications component such as cellular or satellite transmitters to communicate the vehicle’s location to a remote user. Vehicle information can usually be viewed on electronic maps via the Internet or specialised software. Fleet Management in southern Africa, has evolved over the last decade in a combination of both vehicle and driver management. This can have a major impact on vehicle running costs. Fleet systems are designed to address many of the operational challenges prevalent amongst commercial fleet operators. These include basic activity monitoring, reduction of operating costs and enhancing the management of the Supply Chain. Fleet systems are of course also supposedly designed for asset tracking and recovery, but this they do far less effectively. So, what is asset recovery? Asset recovery is quite simply the ability to track and recover a stolen asset when required. It’s a simple definition, but extremely difficult to get right in Enquiry no: 17 practice on a consistent basis.

Remarkable energy savings possible in body manufacture

research project in Europe aims to save up to 50% of energy in the production of a motor car. In a sub-project “Planning the efficient use of compressed air”, Festo investigated compressed air applications in car body manufacturing together with project partners. Measurements and planning tools have shown that energy savings of up to 35% is possible. This Conventional body is the first time that data on the manufacture typically makes use of compressed air in automouse of pneumatic compotive production has been collated. nents such as maintenance The results were presented at the units, valves and servothird Resource-Efficient Production pneumatic welding tongs Congress in Leipzig.

The InnoCaT 1.2.2 subproject sets out to co-ordinate the use of compressed air on the part of manufacturers and consumers, and thus save energy. At the beginning of the subproject the following data was measured: energy consumption at production hall level, compressed air generation and distribution at plant and production hall levels, and compressed air consumption at system and component levels. Three software tools were developed in parallel to this: the first enables the distribution and generation of compressed air to be holistically analysed and optimally dimensioned.

By means of the second tool, energy consumption can be estimated and the system life-cycle costs (TCO) calculated. The third tool facilitates the exchange of planning data on compressed air systems among various software applications. Conventional body manufacture typically makes use of pneumatic components such as maintenance units, valves and valve terminals, clamp- and pin-pulling cylinders and servo-pneumatic welding tongs. Data and tools which would make energy consumption transparent have hitherto been lacking. Enquiry no: 19

Friendly sealant for harsh environments

MG Automotive B has extended its range of qual-

ity branded components to now include an environmentally-friendly tyre protection sealant, designed for commercial trucking, mining and construction industries. This new international brand, BEST tyre protection sealant, is a thixotropic and colloidal resin, containing micro fibres and recycled rubber crumb materials, with cooling agents and rust inhibitors that protect all metal parts. “BEST, which is non-toxic and water soluble, is injected into the tyre through the valve, without the need to dismantle the wheel from the machine or the tyre from the rim,” says John Black, General Manager of BMG Automotive. “In the event of a puncture, this sealant automatically creates patches and plugs, sealing holes caused by foreign objects. This material also eliminates leakage from hidden rubber pores and seals valve leakages and prevents air pressure leakage from the rim and o-ring. “This sealant efficiently seals around objects embedded in the tyre up to 50 mm, prohibits internal rubber separation and also reduces overheating of the rubber mass and the metal armour of the casing.” Benefits of this reliable and cost efficient tyre protection sealant include improved safety for the driver.

Leading tailor-made process solutions

Process Gas Solutions Afrox offers customised process solutions which are supported by a range of industrial gases, addressing the need for cleaner and more efficient operations. AFROX Customer Service Centre: 0860 020202

Email: customer.service@afrox.linde.com

www.afrox.com

Enquiry no: 18

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July / August 2013

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

EC Industrial & Business News

Engineer invents collapsible ladder for bakkies, 4x4s

ric Fredericks from Fredericks Engineering has invented “Bigstep” a collapsible ladder which can be mounted to the tailgate of bakkies and 4 X 4s. Due to the considerable bin height of these vehicle types people have difficulty climbing on and off. This Bigstep ladder enables one to safely and hassle-free step on and off the bin area of a bakkie. This product has proven to reduce injury risk, especially when carrying a load. It has three steps and two grab handles to assist with getting on and off. The unit folds flat when not in use secured with robust rattle-free catchers. The strong and durable assembly is constructed from powder coated steel. All nuts, bolts, hinges and fixtures are

stainless steel. The Bigstep is targeted at mining companies, quarries, the construction industry and the leisure market where people frequently need to make use of the bins of bakkies and trucks. The aim and focus is the safety of workmen loading and being transported. When not in use it conveniently folds back and is secured with robust catchers. Included in the packaging is a DIY kit that consists of: mounting instructions, pencil, centre punch, pilot drill, 5 mm drill, stainless steel pop rivets and stainless steel allencap screws. Approximately six prototypes were made and modified to improve the design, function and to ensure that it is aesthetically pleasing when attached to a vehicle.

Right: Eric Fredericks demonstrates the simplicity of Bigstep. Above: The rattle-free, Bigstep is tidily folded into place A similar stepladder suits three ton and eight ton trucks as well as trailers. Fredericks has been involved in the engineering business for more than 30 years and seen many people hurt while climbing on and off trucks with companies having to pay injured staff who were injured on duty.

Enquiry no: 20

Oil analysis firm opens new office

earCheck’s oil and fuel analysis facility recently moved up a gear with the opening of a brand new office to service the Eastern and Southern Cape. WearCheck introduced oil analysis to the region more than 30 years ago - initially with travelling technicians; and later through Technical Support Consultant Leon Marshall, who has serviced an established WearCheck client base from his Port Elizabethbased home office for the past nine years. Located in Sidwell, Port Elizabeth, the new office will serve as a meeting venue for WearCheck customers, or as a depot where WearCheck products, such as sampling kits, can be purchased. “For convenience, certain sample kits are pre-labelled with the WearCheck laboratory address.

Leon Marshall provides technical support for condition monitoring specialists WearCheck in the Eastern and Southern Cape

So once a customer has taken the sample, they simply drop the sealed kit off at the nearest post office”, said Marshall. “For faster turnaround time, there are courier options.” While the majority of Marshall’s customers require industrial or automotive oil analysis, he also covers fuel (petrol and diesel), engine coolant and transformer oil analysis. Marshall provides technical backup to customers in an area stretching from Umzimkulu on the KZN border, all the way to Mossel Bay in the southern Cape. After graduating from UCT he spent over 20 years administering fleets of construction equipment before joining WearCheck. He has been located in the Eastern Cape for 33 years and is familiar with many of the technical players in the region. Enquiry no: 21

Stylish factory tour in comfort

eople planning to visit the Volkswagen Group South Africa’s manufacturing factory in Uitenhage can expect a tour with style and comfort. The Volkswagen FactoryTour is now mobile, allowing the visitors to rest their feet, sit back and enjoy the ride whilst witnessing the intricate manufacturing process of the current best-selling passenger cars in South Africa,

Polo and Polo Vivo. The new FactoryTour vehicle was custom built by two Volkswagen Motorsport employees using recycled and unused car parts from the factory. The novelty and ingenuity of their approach in manufacturing the vehicle that consists of three cars resulted in a comfortable, practical and stylish vehicle. “We were initially planning to

outsource the project but we changed our minds after realising we have vast amount of experience in the company which we can tap on for our ambitious project. The decision to use internal expertise saved the company money and delivered world-class, quality work that we are very proud of,” said Matt Gennrich, General Manager of Communications at Volkswagen Group South Africa. It took Johnny Allen and Cobus Barnard from Volkswagen Motorsport over three months to complete the three cars. “Each car took nearly 30 days to complete. We spent most of the time designing, sourcing parts and manufacturing the cars,” explained Barnard, who has been with Volkswagen for nearly 10 years. The FactoryTour vehicle can comfortably sit 21 people and will be pulled by an electric tow motor. In the past five years, nearly 43 000 people have visited the Volkswagen manufacturing factory. The FactoryTours take place during weekdays. There are two tours on Monday to Thursday at 09h00 and 12h00. On Friday, there is only one tour at 09h00. Bookings can be made through the Volkswagen AutoPavilion on (041) 994 5941/3. The FactoryTour includes the tour of the AutoPavilion, where some of the Volkswagen South Africa classic Enquiry no: 22 cars are on display.

July / August 2013

EC Industrial & Business News

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Truck market grows by 6.8% during first half of 2013

he local truck industry has logged a noteworthy 6.8% increase in sales during the first half of 2013, totalling 14 844 sales at the end of June. This is according to the latest combined results released by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), Associated Motor Holdings (AMH) and Amalgamated Automobile Distributors (AAD). “We are very heartened by the steady growth of the industry during the past six months,” said Jacques Carelse, MD of UD Trucks Southern Africa. “If the various macroeconomic indicators remain relatively stable throughout the

remainder of 2013, the market should be able to reach a forecasted total of around 28 000 units.” The best performer during the past six months has certainly been the Medium Commercial Vehicle (MCV) segment, which experienced a 10.1% growth during this period, selling a total of 5 625 units. The Extra Heavy Commercial (EHCV) segment increased sales by 6.4% to 6 200 units, while the so-called bread-and-butter Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV) segment concluded the period on 2 528 units, a 6.8% increase in sales. Bus sales continued to decrease, as expect-

ed by 17.5% to conclude the first half of the year on 491 units. “Bus manufacturers are expected to get some reprieve during the next couple of years as the various Rapid Bus Transit programmes are implemented in some of the larger metropolitan areas,” said Carelse. “As for the rest of the market, rising inflation and a volatile Rand, both of which affect the affordability of trucks, could impact fleet owners’ replacement schedules during the last half of the year.” Looking at some of the current market dynamics, UD Trucks’ GM of product planning and marketing, Rory Schulz, said there

are numerous new developments that could influence the distribution of sales between the various segments. “As a company we have always supported Government’s investment in the country’s rail networks, as we believe it forms an integral part of the solution to a better logistics industry, and subsequently to the enhancement of the local economy,” said Schulz. “When it comes to the resulting shift in market dynamics, we estimate that some big volume loads will migrate to 4x2 truck-tractors with semi-trailers instead of interlink combinations.” Enquiry no: 23

Lubricant recommendation web site launched

ngeN Petroleum has launched an online tool that makes real-time recommendations about the best possible lubricating oil for a customer’s make and model of vehicle. Jason Heath (pictured), Product Strategist for Petronas Lubricants Africa, which provides marketing and strategic support for Engen Lubricants, says the system lets customers search through an international database of automotive manufacturers. It uses drop-down menus such as Sector (commercial, retail, agricultural or off-highway), Category (in the event of retail being chosen, the choices would be cars, motor cycles or vans), make and model. Once the selection is made, a detailed recommendation is returned, covering the vehicle’s engine, transmission, differential and other key applications. “It removes the uncertainty of finding the correct oil,” says Heath. “This allows the customer to ensure that they are using the correct lubricants to match their vehicle or equipment make and model, ensuring maximum performance.”

In addition, the tool offers convenience, he says. “Instead of searching exhaustively in different manufacturers’ literature, customers can find it in one convenient location.” The new functionality was launched in March this year in association with Oats, a UK-based leader in product recommendation software. The tool is real-time and automated, removing the hazard of out-of-date information. “It is multi-purpose,” says Heath. “Our sales force taps into it to prepare professional customer proposals, and our customer service centre is now freed up to help customers with larger and more detailed vehicle and equipment recommendations. Besides individual vehicle owners, agriculture cooperatives, Engen distributors, farmers, trucking companies and off-highway equipment users all have excellent use for it.” Engen will continuously update the system to ensure that the online programme has the latest vehicle and equipment makes and models and remains a relevant and vital tool for Engen’s customers and internal Enquiry no: 24 stakeholders, he concludes.

Tyre company scoops diamond award

ontinental Tyre South Africa (CTSA) won the PMR Africa Diamond Award in the manufacturing category at the PMR Africa Eastern Cape Province Leaders and Achievers Awards Breakfast recently. A number of Eastern Cape companies received awards in various categories. Companies are measured on their contribution to the economic growth and development of the province, level of management expertise, implementation of corporate governance and level of innovation. Gishma Johnson, CTSA Corporate Communications Manager, says the company is honoured to be the only tyre manufacturer to have received this accolade this year. “Driven to be the tyre company of choice is what we stand for and awards like these give recognition to the hard work our employees put in to make this happen,” she said.

Sivu Boqwana (left), CTSA Legal Compliance Officer and Gishma Johnson, Corporate Communications Manager proudly display the Enquiry no: 25 award 71130 Tectra Automation Ad-EC.indd 1

2013/07/17 3:51 PM

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July / August 2013

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

EC Industrial & Business News

Combi caters for commercial, passenger sector

he all-new Nissan NV200 Combi is now available in South Africa. Following the release of its NV200 Panel Van sibling in June, the Combi variant of the NV200 forms part of a comprehensive new LCV offering from Nissan – now there is a Nissan LCV for everyone, no matter what their needs may be. Following design principles demonstrated by the NV200 Panel Van, the NV200 Combi is smart, light on its feet, cleverly-designed and well-packaged, with the over-riding idea of “more” being exhibited in all aspects. More space, more enjoyment, more versatility and more efficiency.

With a wide range of appealing features, the reliability and durability that comes with the Nissan badge as well as suitability to any environment whether it be urban, suburban or rural, the new Nissan NV200 Combi caters for the needs of the commercial and passenger sectors alike. Its seven seat layout means there’s enough passenger space for the whole family and the dog, or clients and employees, and its ability to easily swallow up large cargo items without lengthy seat-removal means it’s the perfect family vehicle or business tool. More reasons to just get in and go! Chief Marketing Manager for

the LCV Business Unit at Nissan South Africa, Freddie Louw, says: “The new Nissan NV200 Panel Van has already seen a warm reception in the South African market and we are delighted to be able to add the Combi version to our product portfolio. The new NV200 Combi represents another new segment for the Nissan brand and with so many good reasons to own one, we expect it to find favour with a large variety of new owners – from fleet clients and businesses who require versatility to families who are looking for seven

seat practicality without having to break their budget. The new NV200 Combi is a real all-rounder.” More style – the new Nissan NV200 Combi has been designed with both style and practicality in mind. The sharp, angular face which features well-defined headlights and a clean Nissan grille flow into upwardly-slop-

ing design lines which join the flanks of the vehicle. Creating a sense of forward motion as well as a stern and assertive look, the NV200 Combi not only looks like it means business but is attractive and stylish enough to entice driver and passengers to get in and enjoy the experience. Not just a panel van with seats. Enquiry no: 26

Automated, accelerated machinery safety system design

purred by advancing technology and evolving industry standards, safety is moving from an afterthought to a central function of machinery designs. Safety is no longer an add-on. It is becoming a key element integrated early in the design process. In addition, the business case for machinery safety is well known among many end users, and many are embracing safety more formally every day. Rockwell Automation is addressing this challenge with two new tools that automate and accelerate best-in-class safety functionality. The tools use the most complete offering of safety automation products and expertise in easy-to-use applications to dramatically reduce the time it takes to confidently design and deliver compliant machinery safety systems. The free Safety Automation Builder (SAB) software, which Rockwell Automation made available in

February 2013, accelerates safetysystem development from early-stage evaluation through design, layout and performance validation. The tool automates and simplifies the process end to end, using a powerful, intuitive user interface that walks a designer step by step through a complete safetysystem design in less time while helping eliminate errors, omissions and miscalculations. By leveraging the Rockwell Automation safety automation portfolio and applying best practices, SAB software automatically populates a SISTEMA1 project file, a conceptual safety layout drawing, an architectural structure drawing, and a bill of materials graphically depicted on the machinery. SAB software follows the conventional design steps and guides a designer through a seven-step project flow. The user responds to questions and prompts – provided in drop-down menus and help screens – to gener-

ate a safety automation solution using required input, logic, output and connectivity elements. SAB-generated information exports seamlessly to ProposalWorks product selection software from Rockwell Automation. The design tool also creates a SISTEMA project file that automates calculations indicating the achieved performance level (PL) attained by the safety-system simulation. Ultimately, SAB software provides a designer with a compliant safetysystem configuration in the form of a layout drawing, a complete bill of materials with pricing, and confidence that the selected hardware meets functional safety requirements. The automated process follows the conventional design steps, but can eliminate hours of searching through catalogues, creating layout drawings, calculating performance levels, and requesting component quotes. Enquiry no: 27

Monitor, manage, protect fuel

ith the ever-escalating cost of fuel these days, the siphoning of fuel from vehicles for illicit sale in commercial fleets and industry in general is, not surprisingly and most alarmingly, on the increase. Rototherm, represented locally by Instrotech, uses the proven Canongate technology. Tank-i has been developed for level measurement on the vehicle fuel tank and is a solution that allows fleet operators to monitor, manage and ultimately protect their fuel. A small, non-invasive ultrasonic sensor is bonded to the external base of the fuel tank. The system calculates

the height of the liquid in the tank from the time taken for the signal to be transmitted and then received from the liquid surface. Signals from the transducer are fed into the processor and then output to a separate system. The package is supplied as a sensor/processor pair. The system can be configured to work in a low power mode which can be controlled from the telemetry system where required. When combined with a GRS telemetry tracking system, the fleet manager can get an accurate and up-to-date indication of the vehicles’ fuel consumption and be warned of any excess consumption.

Tank-i is ATEX (safety) approved for hazardous areas where required and easy to install – with no down-time and no penetration of the tank. It can be retrofitted to existing tanks/fleets and is unaffected by temperature fluctuations. With no moving parts there is no maintenance on the unit. Currently, Tank-i has found application in refrigerant receivers; low pressure gas (LPG) tanks; distilled spirits vats; beer tanks and tankers; pure water tanks; liquid chlorine tanks; acid and solvents tanks. Tank-i is used by leading beverage, pharmaceutical and chemical companies around the world.

Enquiry no: 28

July / August 2013

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

EC Industrial & Business News

New horizons for lift truck firm in PE T

10m decontaminated litres of diesel cleaned and growing...

lgae-X-East Coast has recently successfully surpassed remediating over 10 million liters of contaminated fuel in diesel fuel tanks and in so doing saving customers over R120 million. This milestone was achieved from relatively small beginnings in 2004 to an operation that now has the technology and capability of handling all types and sizes of tanks ranging from 100l to 1000 000l. Lauge Steenveldt Technical Director said that one of the major issues was creating awareness and educating customers as to the importance of knowing their fuel status and addressing fuel and tank maintenance issues. “Simply relying on the belief that fuel is fuel has cost diesel engine operators dearly. Another major negative apart from the other effects such as premature component failure, higher consumption and power loss is that contaminated fuel causes increased emissions levels. For companies who are serious about lowering their carbon footprint and environmental compliance they must take the appropriate remedial steps.” He explains that once a con-

taminant accumulates in a tank it will continue to affect all the fuel that passes through it. In the past tank cleaning was a generally neglected maintenance item which was only attended to in extreme circumstances due to the cost, waste factor and downtime that accompanied this procedure. “Thankfully this is now a thing of the past thanks to the Algae-X specialised tank cleaning service which eliminates the negatives that traditional procedures involved such as long periods of decommissioning of the tanks and disposing of vast quantities of fuel. “All the leading dealerships have embraced this service as a proactive step to reducing their customers’ risks to the negative effects that poor fuel quality guarantees. This is now a cost effective (approximately 50% of a conventional service) simple procedure,” says Steenveldt. Algae-X-East Coast offers a full range of services comprising: • Fuel sampling and independent analysis; • Mobile tank cleaning and fuel remediation; • Supply and support of Maintenance and Monitoring Enquiry no: 29 systems.

he Goscor Group’s Port Elizabeth operations – which include Goscor Lift Truck Company (GLTC) and Goscor Cleaning Company (GCC) – officially opened the doors to its new headquarters in Deal Party recently after outstanding growth in the business meant the company had grown too large for its old premises. Branch Manager for both companies, Mike Burley, said that new, larger premises had become essential. “Our growth has been phenomenal and the increased space will make it easier for us to give our clients the kind of personal, comprehensive service they have come to expect from Goscor,” Burley said. The new premises are two-and-ahalf times the size of the old premises in Neave township. They include larger warehouse space, a much bigger and better structured workshop, more office space, and a dedicated showroom area for the display of Goscor’s

wide range of top-quality products – from vacuum cleaners to large lift trucks. Burley added that the move will make it possible to bring more machines into the short-term rental fleet, and to increase the number of parts in stockholding, thereby improving parts availability and readiness. “The much bigger and better-structured workshop also means we will be able to service more machines more quickly. This improved service capacity will clearly translate into even less downtime and increased productivity for our customers,” Burley said. With the change to larger premises, an additional technician has also been employed to cater for the increase in volumes. GLTC MD, Darryl Shafto, said that he was looking forward to even better growth in the region, given the benefits of the new premises. “Appropriate physical conditions are crucial to our business and I know that the new Deal

Barry Hilton (left) with Branch Manager, Mike Burley at the launch of the new Goscor PE office Party premises will make a significant difference,” he said. Shafto added that both the Cleaning and Lift Truck businesses provide world-class machines and solutions, but that this would mean nothing without world class customer service and Enquiry no: 30 support.

Rotating Unions by Me d ia

Can you tell the Difference?

Coolant

Picking up the difference between the two weld beads pictured above is difficult. The first was made with a popular general purpose electrode widely available in South Africa. The second was completed with XcelArc, ESAB’s new premium quality general purpose electrode. Both electrodes give an excellent finish, little spatter, and are a pleasure to use, with an easy-striking arc and smooth stick-free action for laying down the weld metal. Good penetration into the work piece gives a strong and durable weld each time. You could pick either of them, but we wouldn’t.

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2013/07/16 2:31 PM

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Engineering company leads the pack

Experienced and skilled personnel ensure that quality remains a focus

July / August 2013

EC Industrial & Business News

ooyco Engineering is steadily consolidating its position as a market leader in custom engineered air conditioning systems for both military and railway applications. “Our strength lies in the depth of experience and technological applications knowledge within our technical team,” Jeremy Pougnet, CEO of Booyco Engineering, says. “This invaluable pooled resource allows us to participate on an international platform, while bringing a robust cost leadership strategy to the table. “Booyco Engineering’s speed and flexibility in responding to client queries and crafting innovative solutions

gives us a definite edge in the global market when competing against the more cumbersome international corporations. Another market differentiator is our extensive reference base of custom engineered units which have been field-proven to be reliable and which continue to perform under exceptionally tough conditions. Effectively, we are small and nimble enough to negotiate a path quickly and efficiently through specific application requirements.” Established in 1985, Booyco Engineering was originally exclusively focused on developing tailor-made air conditioning solutions for the military

The IDC is the biggest supporter of tenders awarded in the

Over the next five years, the IDC will make available R25 billion

Department of Energy’s Renewable Energy Independent Power

to fund projects related to green industries.

Producers (REIPP) programme. The IDC is identifying and providing funding for many projects In the first round of REIPP tenders, the IDC participated in twelve

that will contribute to building South Africa’s industrial capacity

successful bids, and seven more in the second round. The green

and creating jobs. Visit www.idc.co.za to find out more.

energy bids include wind power, concentrated solar power, photovoltaic and small hydro projects.

The power behind renewable energy

until 1989, when the company extended its offering to include the rail sector. “Interesting, there are common denominators between the requirements of military and railway sector companies,” Pougnet says. “For instance, the operational requirements for customers in both these sectors call for higher levels of shock and vibration than most other automotive engineering applications. Another commonality is operating temperature — military vehicles and locomotives both operate in areas of extreme temperature, from aggressive summer heat to below-freezing winter lows. “Every application requires a custom designed air conditioning system. Although we draw from experience and tap into our extensive design library, in almost three decades in business we have yet to sell a solution for an installation that was originally developed for another application. “Reliability is of absolute importance and although we cut our teeth on military applications, it has been our work for the railway sector that has really taught about innovating systems that deliver the required performance levels 24 hours a day. Railway locomotives run almost continuously and in this environment, any reliability issues quickly come to the fore.” He adds that it is becoming the norm in the rolling stock arena to discuss performance in terms of a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of 25 000 hours. This has become a reality not only through a better understanding of the factors surrounding reliability, but also because these factors are being adequately addressed by harnessing improved analytical techniques. “In tandem with a dramatic growth in local industry, we’re being asked to undertake increasingly sophisticated projects that have required us to come up with ever more technically advanced solutions,” Pougnet continues. “Today we’re operating at a completely different level to when we started out. We’re now exporting to major defence contractors around the globe and have enjoyed notable successes with military exports to Singapore and Europe. “In terms of the railway sector, we’re proud to have exported our air conditioning systems to the largest locomotive manufacturer Enquiry no: 31 in the USA.

Hi-tech injectors for high performance

Chillibush7293IDC

Telephone: 086 069 3888 Email: callcentre@idc.co.za To apply online for funding of R1 million or more go to www.idc.co.za

he testing of Delphi E3 diesel electronic unit injectors being offered by Reef Fuel Injection Services (RFI), an authorised service centre, is being carried out to OEM specification and will not jeopardise the manufacturer’s warranty. So says Warren Hauser, Workshop Manager at RFI, a subsidiary of Metric Automotive Engineering. RFI has become the only local company in Gauteng to offer a testing, diagnostic and reporting service for Delphi E3 diesel electronic unit injectors and is only one of two companies in South Africa presently offering this specialised service. “These are costly hi-tech injectors — in fact they are one of the world’s most advanced production diesel unit injectors for high performance heavy duty applications,” Hauser says. “OEMs obviously want the best possible analysis service to ensure their product’s longevity and are now beginning to recognise the difference between the cheaper, superficial generic testing and the full spectrum genuine assessment of this injector.” RFI is an approved Delphi agency and repairs undertaken at its Germiston-based facility carry a full Delphi guarantee. The OEM’s software is available for E3 diesel electronic unit injector testing, making it possible for the RFI team to access the trim code of the injector. “The advantage of offering an OEMapproved testing service is that we can generate trim codes. These codes are fed back into the vehicle’s control area network (CAN) and harnessed by the ECU (engine control unit) of the diesel engine to achieve peak performance in terms of engine running, fuel consumption and reduced emissions,” Enquiry no: 32 Hauser explains.

July / August 2013

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

EC Industrial & Business News

Complex, multi-layered moulds require precision and rotating unions

he popular debate about new drive concepts has almost made us forget all the other fields that automotive engineers focusing their research and development efforts. Take the many “mouldings” for instance, without which modern vehicles would be inconceivable. Unlike moulds for the “plastic parts” of earlier vehicle generations, presentday moulds require far higher precision. Achieving this takes high-performance machining centres that machine out the complex geometries to precision by drilling, milling, grinding, polishing so that these machining centres can truly show their full potential. There is one detail that makes all the

difference: the rotating union! This is the interface on the fast-turning spindle to the fixed supply lines for cutting fluid, minimum quantity lubricant (MQL), cutting oil or compressed air. The task of the rotating union is to guide these media through the spindle and into the tool, or more precisely “to the tool tip” – without additional vibration or leakage in the process, and over as long a time as possible! One thing becomes immediately clear: only high-quality components like Deublin rotating unions can accomplish this task effectively; there is no room for “cheap parts” here. When we combine all our requirements, then for our machining centre for making high-precision moulds, we want an “allmedia”

Purchase carbon credits by reducing gas wastage

ndustrial operations in South Africa are able to reduce gas wastage and consequently purchase carbon credits, by making use of the specialised Shielding Gas Saving System manufactured in-house by Shield Technologies, a leading expert on products designed specifically for welding and industrial applications. Shield CEO Wayne Holt explains that the use of gas in welding cannot be avoided, as they are required in all welding applications to protect the weld from the atmosphere, in order to prevent an interaction with nitrogen and oxygen which results in welding defects. He does, however, highlight the fact that efficient gas management can substantially reduce carbon emissions. “The impact of gas on the environment starts with the manufacture of industrial gases, where considerable amounts of electrical energy is consumed. In South Africa, the vast majority of electricity is generated by coal and fire power stations, and this high consumption has a direct and significant impact on the environment,” he notes. During the supply and usage cycle, further electrical energy is used to compress the gas, while from a logistical point of view, trucks contribute further to carbon emissions when delivering the gas to its final destination. Holt points out that gas wastage is a major contributor to excessive carbon emissions in the industry, and can be substantially reduced via the Shielding Gas Savings System. “An important component of this technology is that the Shield Gas Saving System prevents surges at start-up, allowing for an even flow during welding, while enabling the user to conduct routine leak detection surveys. The result has been significant gas and financial savings for clients, with wastage being reduced by up to 80%” he indicates. Holt notes that a proactive approach to reducing wastage entitles a business to purchase JSE-listed carbon credit notes, which enable businesses to offset their emissions to achieve carbon neutrality. A single carbon credit represents the reduction of one tonne of CO2 equivalent emissions, and also provides holders with the opportunity to gain exposure to carbon credits that are generated from carbon dioxide emission reducing projects, by holding a listed tradable security. Carbon credit notes can be traded via a stockbroker, and the price is determined by supply and demand of carbon credits in the market. Carbon credit note holders in South Africa do not take physical delivery of carbon credits, however, the issuer is obliged to deliver the carbon credit cash equivalent amount to the holder of each carbon credit Enquiry no: 34 note. 2013_DAF ATe Advert_210X275

rotating union: this gives the machine builder and operator full control over the opening and closing of seal surfaces. Given the way that

pressure is applied to the various connections of the rotating union, one can disconnect the seal surfaces as necessary, e.g. to carry compressed air, or close them when carrying, say, cutting fluid, cutting oil or oil mist. This variant is the comprehensive solution for all currently existing media. Furthermore, solution providers such as Deublin and PECS not only provide the machine manufacturer with the components themselves, but also support them with expertise, especially when it comes to specific conditions of installation and operation, thereby offering the manufacturer and ultimately his customers the longest service lives as a mark of highest quality. That way, maintenance costs drop and the overall Enquiry no: 33 benefit increases.

July / August 2013

EC Industrial & Business News

COEGA DEVELOPMENT ZONE

Coega delivering on jobs promise and investments

Construction boom at Coega as projects under production amount to R1.2-billion, over 2500 jobs created

B AfriSam’s new cement plant at Coega is expected to start operating in 2015

Construction of cement plant on track

n October last year AfriSam signed a lease agreement with the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) for the establishment of a cementitious milling and blending plant in Zone 5 of the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ). An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is currently underway and authorisation is expected early in 2014. “Following on the requisite environmental approvals, we will submit a proposal to the AfriSam Board for approval of the project. We expect the plant to come on line during 2015,” says Stephan Olivier, CEO of AfriSam South Africa. The plant will supplement AfriSam’s current supply within the Eastern Cape area. Distribution depots in Queenstown and East London are currently supplied with cement from AfriSam’s Ulco plant in the Northern Cape. “By building

a plant closer to our target market, we will be able to provide customers with a faster turnaround and at the same time minimise our transportation costs,” Olivier explains. “In addition, the high standard of infrastructure, coupled with the plant’s proximity to the deepwater Port of Ngqura, makes it costeffective to import the raw materials required for the manufacture of cementitious material,” Olivier adds. Apart from the logistics and supply chain benefits derived from the plant, the project will contribute towards skills upliftment and job creation in the area. AfriSam is still engaged in discussions with the manganese smelter companies to investigate and identify synergies and an agreement has been reached to further capitalise on the mutual benefits which can be derived between the companies.

Enquiry no: 35

UILDING projects in the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) have injected over R1.2billion into the Nelson Mandela Bay construction industry over the past two quarters. Several major construction projects are currently underway in the Coega IDZ including erection of: • Chinese car and truck manufacturer First Automobile Works’ (FAW) plant; • Famous Brands’ cold storage plant; • DCD Group’s wind tower manufacturing plant; • The addition of Coega Cheese onto the Coega Dairy outfit; • Agni Steels’ R400-million smelter facility; and • Rehau’s extension in A worker the Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park (NMBLP). Industrial gas company, Air Products South Africa, is also about to begin construction of its R300-million stateof-the-art air separation unit in Zone 3 in July. Afrox has announced that it is also constructing an air separation unit at Coega with a full bouquet of process gases. “The global economic climate is still not stable, yet investment continues to flow into the Coega IDZ and is literally taking root in the construction projects underway,” said Ayanda Vilakazi, Coega Development Corporation (CDC) head of marketing and communications. “We currently have 20 operational investors, and once these construction projects are complete, we will be up to 27 operational investors by mid-2014.” Vilakazi said the activity meant major spinoffs not only for lead contractors, but also sub-contractors, suppliers and the whole built environment supply chain: “At a time when there is industry malaise at a national level, the Coega IDZ is experiencing a construction boom to the value of R1.2billion. “The unaudited results 2012/13 financial year also show that construction jobs in the Coega, IDZ and

Coega IDZ. Vilakazi said Famous Brands was a prime example of the short conversion times investors experience from the point of signing a lease with the CDC to full operation. “The turnaround times are much quicker now than they were a couple of years ago and we are able to construct buildings for investors relatively quickly, meaning that they move to operational phase within about a year of signing, depending on the size of the project,” said Vilakazi. “This has implications for investors’ bottom dollar as they are able to start production relatively quickly.” A partnership between Famous Brands and Coega Dairy has also seen the dairy on site at the FAW plant in Zone 2 of the Coega expanding its operations to industrial development zone supply cheese products to the group in a project dubbed Vilakazi, adding that it was through ‘Coega Cheese’ with a joint valued these major investments that the CDC investment of R45-million pouring into was delivering on its mandate to cre- the Coega IDZ as a result. ate jobs. the NMBLP for April 2012 to March 2013 amount to 1722 and investor jobs created are at about 856 – so just over 2500 jobs created directly through activity in the Coega IDZ,” said

FAW

Famous Brands The Famous Brands project is nearest completion and the company was given access to the warehouse portion in the first week of May allowing its service provider to start with racking on the warehouse floor. The warehouse is operational and Famous Brands moved its stock into the cold storage unit on June 10. “Everything is on track, with timeframes tight but on target to be met. The project is still well within original time, cost and quality parameters set – despite loss of a number of days due to inclement weather, mainly wind and rain,” said Bruno Ponzi, CDC Senior Project Manager for infrastructure development. The company – which owns the likes of Steers and Debonairs – was also given access to the ground floor of the office block portion this week, with the balance of the building due for hand over on June 21. Once delivered Famous Brands would become the newest operational tenant in the

In addition, says Vilakazi, the construction activity is creating needed jobs on the city, particularly on the FAW site, with the R200-million FAW construction project well underway. To date about 304 construction jobs have been created on its site, a number that grows week to week. In total the construction phase will see about 2000 jobs generated over the yearlong duration. In the operation phase of the truck assembling plant a further 280 jobs will also be created. According to Arnie van Jaarsveldt, WBHO Construction Eastern Cape MD and lead contractor on the FAW project, the highlight of the construction will be its architectural finesse. Van Jaarsveldt said Eastern Cape Architects Studio d’Arc wanted to make a statement with the Chinese automotive giants’ building in Zone 2 of the IDZ. “Its prime position on the N2 means it will get heightened attention.” Enquiry no: 36

COEGA in numbers Investors

Numbers

Comment

Operational

Coega Concrete Product (Pty) Ltd, Dynamic Commodities (SA), UTI Couriers (SA), Cerebos (SA), MSC, PE Cold Storage (SA), Digistics (SA), Electrawinds, General Motors Part and Accessories Distribution Centre, Cape Concentrates, Universal Wind, Coega Dairy, AP Moeller South Africa, Discovery Holdings Pty Ltd. NMBLP: First tier suppliers: Faurecia (French), Rehau (German), Grupo Antolin (Spain), Benteler (German) and Inergy (French). Logistics: Kuehne and Nagel (Germany) One importer (Hella, Germany) and four SA linked service providers to the automotive sector are also located in the Central Hub of the NMBLP bringing the total tenants to 11 companies.

Investors under construction

First Automobile Works (FAW, China), Famous Brands (SA), Coega Cheese (SA), Agni Steels (India), Rehau (Germany) Extension in NMBLP, DCD (SA)

Investors due to start construction [pending construction company appointments]

Air Products SA

Investors in process of completing an Environmental Impact Assessmen

AfriSam (SA), AMG (China), Casa Steel (SA)

Signed term sheets

TBA when lease agreements are signed

Pipeline information

Projects in negotiation stage are valued at R8,1-billion and those under feasibility account for R116,3-billion.

July / August 2013

EC Industrial & Business News

MATERIALS HANDLING, BULK HANDLING & LOGISTICS Latest Shortage of supply chain A management skills leads to technology new degree qualification delivers competitive advantage

ondra Cranes has begun incorporating brake logic circuits in finished machines, enhancing competitive advantage by further reducing maintenance costs. The company is also casting gearbox housings and some flanges from aluminium. Together, the two innovations serve to extend overall machine life by minimising brake and motor wear, and by reducing weight. Logic circuits are the only significant technological innovation to be applied to the global crane market in recent years. They comprise computer switching circuits that use electronic logic gates to assess input data and produce single logic outputs. Applied to a mechanical machine, they allow optimal operation. “We are using these circuits to maintain our product ranking among the best in the world,” comments MD Marc Kleiner (pictured). “Although other crane manufacturers point to features making use of communications technology, I believe that these are over-rated because they facilitate remote monitoring of operations rather than delivering the significant cost advantages of the logic circuit,” Kleiner said. Electronic logic gates differ significantly from their relay-and-switch equivalents, being faster, much smaller, and consuming less power. Applied to the brakes of a crane or hoist, the circuits override incorrect brake usage during machine and load positioning, eliminating the overheating of brake pads and motors. In practical terms, the operator receives an on-screen read-out of the control sequence for the operation at hand, as well as the time that each control is to be applied. Should the operator work outside the instruction parameters, the operation is suspended for a pre‑determined period. “The result is an increase in brake life by a factor of up to three, because the brake logic circuit eliminates the human tendency to overwork the crane,” Kleiner notes. “It also bolsters confidence in new operators who are trained and qualified, but who lack the required experience.” Enquiry no: 37

s South African businesses continue to expand their footprint into Africa to tap into the continent’s expanding consumer market and growing middle class, so the shortage of managers with suitable high-level skills in export and supply chain management is becoming increasingly apparent. The importance of addressing this need, particularly within the African context, is borne out by the likes of McKinsey Consulting’s ‘Rise of the African Consumer’ report. Among other things, the researchers noted that: “…building an efficient and well-managed distribution network can have an enormous impact on financial performance” of a business. The report further emphasised that creating a strong route to market, while challenging given Africa’s fragmented retail environment, “if done well can create competitive advantage”. Similarly, a key component of the 2013 SAPICS (Association for Operations Management of Southern Africa) Conference, held recently, was around an identified skills shortage in supply chain management and the finding – as determined by industry managers themselves – that operational ability is not in

short supply, but that management skills within the supply chain are sorely lacking. The IMM Graduate School of Marketing (IMM GSM) has identified this industry need and now offers a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree in Marketing and Management Science. This has a special emphasis on training students in the science of managing the supply chain in order to support the marketing function through the optimal delivery of goods and services to customers. “This qualification combines the marketing function with the critical supply chain functions of distribution, logistics and project

management, with a strong focus on practical and relevant business research,” says Peter Bezuidenhoudt, CEO of the IMM Group. “It is an ideal qualification for supply chain management professionals who wish to capitalise on the IMM GSM’s proven track record of distance learning programmes for working adults.” The BCom degree in Marketing and Management Science is at Level 7 of the NQF and takes a minimum of three years to complete. It is complemented by a Higher Certificate in Export Management (Level 5 on the NQF) and a Diploma in Export Management (Level 6 on the NQF). Enquiry no: 38

Nice rack? Universal Storage Systems, through the use of its own research technology and highly trained engineers, has a reputation of solving the toughest industrial shelving problems. By combining our knowledge with that of international partners, Universal is one of South Africa’s leading manufacturers of industrial and commercial racking and shelving for warehousing and storage solutions.

For more information and a full catalogue of our products please visit us at www.universal-storage.co.za

MATERIALS HANDLING, BULK HANDLING & LOGISTICS

Freight companies fall short of B-BBEE – lose business W hile the majority of large freight companies are B-BBEE compliant, many small to medium-sized freight businesses, with a turnover over R35-million, do not have a B-BBEE scorecard and are losing business as a result. Keith Levenstein (pictured), CEO of BEE advisory firm EconoBEE, says that the freight industry still has a large number of businesses that are not BEE compliant. “Freight businesses, falling into this turnover category, are not winning freight contracts because of this. And surprisingly, many of these companies only need minimal work to increase their BEE score while others already have an acceptable BEE score but are not aware of it.”

“They believe it involves too much work or requires a BEE partner to buy a share in the business, which is not the case,” he says. Based on new government legislation, state-owned entities by law need to award tenders based on two key factors, the company’s B-BBEE status and the tender price. A standard calculation weights the B-BBEE status against the contract price to determine the winning tenderer with the lowest score. In all government tenders now, the company with the best prices will not necessarily win the contract. If company A quotes R10-million and has a B-BBEE Level 8 rating and company

B quotes more, say R10,5-million, but has a better B-BBEE rating, company B could still win the contract, even though company A has the better price. B-BBEE legislation places businesses into three turnover categories. Firstly, businesses with a turnover of under R5-million, who automatically receive a Level 4 status. Secondly, businesses with a turnover up to R35million, and thirdly businesses over R35-million. The BEE scorecard consists of seven elements. Levenstein recommends that freight companies should focus on the components of Enterprise Development, SocioEconomic Development, Procurement and Skills Development. The remaining three elements are Management, Employment Equity and Ownership. Enquiry no: 39

The movement

has begun

from fossil fuel to zero fuel

Gideon Smith

July / August 2013

EC Industrial & Business News

New system will provide detailed quality, performance

n an ideal world, equipment on the factory floor would operate 100% of the time at 100% capacity with zero defects. In real life however, this situation is rare. The difference between the ideal and the actual situation is due to losses. Calculating the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) rate is a crucial element of any serious commitment to reduce equipment and processrelated wastes. S4 Integration’s OEE system places focus on improvement by increasing the visibility of losses within the process and quantifying them. Working together with the AIDC Eastern Cape and the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) cluster, S4 is in the process of developing a system that takes most of the requirements of TPM into consideration. The S4 OEE system will provide detailed reports identifying losses and calculating OEE on the basis of availability, quality and performance “We are very excited about the development of this OEE package,” says Gideon Smith (pictured), Marketing Manager at S4. “We have done extensive research and identified the short-

comings on other competitive products and feel that we are one step ahead of the rest”. “I believe working closely with the AIDC and the TPM cluster will give us a competitive advantage seeing that we will now have a better understanding exactly of what the market needs. Taking all of this into consideration we are now able to add additional functions and features into our package that will take OEE to the next level. “This offering thus provides a value proposition as supposed to existing OEE packages in the market. At S4 we keep moving forward and doing new things as we know innovation is the key to success and our OEE package will be a testimonial to this.” • Key benefits of S4 OEE: • Modular system • Integrated andon system • Equipment monitoring • Powerful reporting system • “Plug and play” solution • Fully user-configurable • Cost effective • Customer customizable S4 aniticipates having the product ready for installation before year end. Enquiry no: 41

Storage solutions for automaker

Operating cost of your forklift: FUEL CONSUMING TRUCK

ELECTRIC TRUCK

Optimised aisle widths mean enhanced flow of material handlers throughout the warehouse

Benefits of an electric Toyota Forklift

downtime • Reduction of noise • Waste reduction • Operator toxic inhalation eliminated

ELECTRIC TRUCK

• Less maintenance less

FUEL CONSUMING TRUCK

• Zero carbon emissions • Elimination of fuel costs

TEL : +27 (0) 11 395 0600 EMAIL : toyotaforklift@eiegroup.co.za WEB : www.eiegroup.co.za

ith the recent introduction of a new vehicle model, a large automotive manufacturer in Pretoria contracted APC Storage Solutions SA to expand its parts and accessories warehouse to accommodate an extra 3 000 stock keeping units (SKUs) for storing aftermarket parts. The warehouse now features a total SKU capacity of over 200 000, but occupies the same original square meterage. The order was to supply conventional pallet racking that has been manufactured according to the automaker’s global specifications. APC Storage Solutions SA’s warehouse design department, APC Consult, also helped enhance operational flow – despite the increased storage density – by re-evaluating the manufacturer’s original tender requirements. “Using a few trade tricks and creative ideas, we reduced aisle space and optimised general processes, which has significantly increased order picking speeds and boosted overall performance throughout the warehouse,” says Shawn Gray, Solution Consultant Automotive, APC Storage Solutions SA. “We looked at our client’s actual requirements and went beyond what was originally asked for in the tender.”

The final racking installation features a frame height of eight metres and a beam length of 2,7 metres, and is capable of storing three tons per level. “We used an incredibly strong mesh to create storage surfaces capable of handling and supporting load capacities that exceed our client’s requirements,” says Gray. “This mesh is designed and manufactured to the highest international standards to accommodate small and large items on the same storage surfaces.” All of APC Storage Solutions SA’s racking comes standard with a five-year guarantee. Prior to this expansion project, APC Storage Solutions SA redesigned two sets of the automaker’s existing racking systems to achieve greater flow and faster, easier picking with material handling equipment and by hand. This created the additional floor space for accommodating the 3 000 extra SKUs. The installation was carefully co-ordinated with the manufacturer to prevent interruptions to standard warehouse operations. “During installation, we adjusted and secured the racking levels to perfectly match the items being stored, ensuring maximum space utilisation and density,” says Gray. Enquiry no: 42

July / August 2013

EC Industrial & Business News

MATERIALS HANDLING, BULK HANDLING & LOGISTICS

Aerial platforms trump traditional scaffolding

The Crown WT 3000 pallet truck with Crown’s fleet management system InfoLink in operational use by Spicers

Lift truck firm wins the crown T he Imperial Group’s Goscor Lift Truck Company, sole distributors in South Africa of Crown warehouse materials handling equipment, has announced that Crown was recently presented with the prestigious IFOY Award in the Forklift Truck Solutions category. Sponsored by the VDMA Materials Handling and Intralogistics Sector Association, the competition’s independent jury of internationally respected journalists were impressed by the way Crown’s InfoLink fleet management system streamlined operations at Spicers, one of the UK’s largest wholesalers of stationery and office supplies. The jury was convinced by the efficiency and innovative approach evident in Crown’s integrated system solution. By opting for an all-new fleet of Crown lift trucks, complete with the full integration of Crown’s InfoLink system, Spicers has succeeded in reducing fleet maintenance and repair costs by 90%. In addition, the fleet management system has enhanced the company’s intralogistical efficiency to such an extent that Spicers has cut the size of its lift truck fleet by 40%.

n these fast-paced times, it is becoming essential for companies to cut costs, get the job done quicker and increase productivity without cutting corners on safety. This is visible on mining and construction sites, where more modern equipment in the form of MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms) are being used to access height on site, replacing the traditional construction methods, such as scaffolding. Although scaffolding does provide certain advantages on-site, it is highly time consuming, often taking weeks to plan and erect, requiring safety certifications before production can begin, resulting in a loss of labour and construction time. Coupled with this, the space required for scaffolding rigs limits access to the building, reducing entry points for equipment installation. MEWPs provide access to height without the time delay required to erect scaffolding, offering versatility and a higher speed of access, enabling operators to meet tighter deadlines

while requiring less labour. JLG, distributed in sub-Sahara Africa by Eazi Sales & Service, offers a range of MEWPs which can reach up to 47 metres. Understanding that an hour of runtime equals an hour of income; JLG has developed the QuickStick, which vastly shortens lifting time of the tower boom and main boom which can be simultaneously lifted in less than two minutes. Less construction down time is achieved, making aerial work platforms an essential investment for any construction or steel erection company. JLG MEWPs also provide added flexibility at height, with the JLGdeveloped JibPLUS, enabling the extension of the platform around corners up to 2.5 metres with 125° left/ right motion, allowing operators to reach difficult areas quickly and safely. Falling hazards are one of the most common accidents on construction sites. While with scaffolding operators have to physically climb rigs to reach their platform, MEWPs can move

labourers closer to their required site quickly and in a controlled manner. Weight-loading issues are also a common cause of accidents on site. With a high load capacity of up to 450kgs, all JLG MEWPs are fitted with a work envelope management system which adds load-bearing control to the MEWPs by automatically calculating that the weight of the platform does not exceed the weight of the boom. Enquiry no: 45

In intralogistics, the availability of real-time information on a company’s entire fleet of lift trucks and their operators is the key to enhanced productivity. The wireless InfoLink fleet and operator management system processes real-time and historical data to produce itemised, prioritised information. This can be used to make well-grounded decisions that result in significant cost and time savings. In the course of the one-week IFOY test, held in purpose-built facilities on the Deutsche Messe AG site in Hanover, Crown’s customer project was ranked ahead of competing solutions from two of the industry’s leading companies in the Forklift Truck Solutions category. This category gives precedence to system solutions that show novelty, innovation, customer benefits, sustainability and marketability. Goscor lift Truck MD, Darryl Shafto, says he is never surprised to hear when Crown picks up a prestigious award. “Crown equipment is simply the best in the world and they deserve recognition for their sustained professionalism over many years,” he says. Enquiry no: 43

Quick dimension change detection with light curtains

he Leuze CML 720 Series, available from Countapulse Controls, offers an extremely fast response time of only 30 µs per beam. This speed of operation allows these light curtains to detect even the fastest processes with ease. The beam spacing of up to five mm means that the Leuze CML 720 light curtain can rapidly detect even the smallest changes in dimension, facilitating extremely accurate positioning. Capable of operating in the range up to six metres with a measurement field length of up to three metres, these light curtains allow accurate measurement of large objects with ease. Not only does the Leuze 720 offer speed of detection, users can also simply commission the unit without the need for a PC due to the integrated display in the connection head. A further feature of the unit is the option to use a rear-side mounting for the connection head. This results in a very small dead zone of only 23 mm being created when several light curtains are cascaded. Countapulse Controls’ MD, Gerry Bryant emphasises that technology is worth nothing if the technical support is not available.

Partner with the warehouse pioneers The beam spacing of up to five mm means that the Leuze CML 720 light curtain can rapidly detect even the smallest changes in dimension “We believe that the sharing of applications knowledge with our customers plays a crucial role in increasing productivity and reducing downtime. “This is especially relevant, as many companies no longer have internal technical support divisions. By working together with our customers we can define best practice instrumentation for specific applications,” he concludes. Enquiry no: 44

We provide everything necessary to achieve warehouse efficiency in cost, operations and capacity. We consider product profile, warehouse flow – from arrival to despatch – and the dynamics of monthly, daily and hourly volumes to design a tailored-to-yourneeds storage solution. Our product range, extending beyond racking and shelving to include automation and material handling equipment, provides the capability to achieve otherwise unimaginable efficiency.

For a complete warehouse solution, contact us today!

0861 61 61 61 •

www.apcstoragesolutions.co.za

July / August 2013

MATERIALS HANDLING, BULK HANDLING & LOGISTICS

EC Industrial & Business News

Materials handling units delivered to furniture giant O ne of South Africa’s leading furniture retailers, Ellerine Furnishers, has acquired 76 MHE units from Linde Material Handling. Barloworld Logistics (BWL) was awarded the Ellerines contract to reengineer the group’s supply chain in 2009 with a view to the total network being operational by November 2012. The Boksburg and Roodekop distribution centres in Gauteng were completed first, then Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Cato Ridge in KwaZuluNatal were approached as a concur-

rent project. The project’s criteria required the material handling equipment (MHE) to match a stringent profile in a specific furniture moving application whilst meeting the highest environment friendly standards. BWL ran a tender on behalf of Ellerines requiring, in particular, a fully customised VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) solution. After shortlisting, Linde led the response with a mechanism to handle the loading application. Says Adrian Clayton, General Manager: sales and marketing at Linde

Material Handling, “The Linde project team proposed a solution that would ensure safety, access to all racking locations, maximised capacities to the full height of 11 metres, and bespoke platforms and trolley combinations to improve product handling efficiency.” The platform and trolley combination solution was accepted by BWL on behalf of Ellerines. The solution is the first of its kind in this application, improving efficiency in transferring loaded trolleys onto the VNA units and reducing cycle time considerably during put-away and retrieval of loads.

A bird’s eye view of the range of material handling equipment acquired by Ellerine Enquiry no: 46 Furnishers

Individual customer applications met by automation specialist

utomation specialist, Festo, has global experience in providing solutions for filling and packaging lines. The company provides a wide variety of handling solutions with a choice of drives to meet individual customer applications in packaging, labelling, testing and monitoring in the non-food zone at the end of the value creation chain. An American bottling plant uses a filling machine for wine bottles where all 80 filling heads are actuated by pilot valves. They chose Festo MPA-S valves with extended diagnostics options for their application. The MPA-S offers individual diagnostics where each valve can be monitored separately (wire break, current consumption, switching cycle rate). This data provides the plant with quick and simple error diagnostics and error elimination, thus reducing downtime. The customer chose to use a uniform basic valve type, namely the MPA, throughout the entire system for two reasons: firstly it provided two diagnostics concepts with a single valve type and secondly, the two valve concepts with identical replacement parts meant easier maintenance and parts ordering. Linking an MPA to the Festo CPX

electrical terminal allows for simple incorporation of electric drives into the control concept. In this way, it merges modern technology of the chosen bus architecture in an application with pneumatic valve technology. When used in combination with CPX, MPA-S is extremely interesting for manufacturers who need a configured, fully assembled and completely tested valve terminal with outstanding communication features and maximised integration of functions. In northern Germany, a global leader in speciality food processing showcases their high speed solution with a robotic filling machine, which achieves output rates of up to 800 fillings per minute. With this filling machine, it is an easy task to fill products such as salads, jams, butter, or sauerkraut to precise weight specifications. After filling, the containers are her-

• Pallet racking • Light duty racking • Fencing • Mezzanine floors • Conveyor systems • Vertical storage solutions • Linbins • Containers • Workbenches • Lockers • Cabinets • Shelving

JOHANNESBURG TEL: (011) 608-0250 E-mail: salesjhb@linvar.co.za CAPE TOWN TEL: (021) 380-8760 E-mail: salesctn@linvar.co.za

• Bulk storage • Trolleys & Ladders • Flooring & Matting • Drum storage • Pallets • Lifting equipment • Safety & Security equipment • Medical equipment • Refuse containers • Office equipment • Washroom products • Cleaning products

Instrotech has announced the launch of its latest multifunction weighing transmitter, the model 6004MF version II. It’s a powerful, c o m p a c t , field-mounted unit that can be selected for a variety of weighing functions. Specifically designed for servicing organisations, weighing equipment manufacturing companies and individual users, the 6004MF is a single electronic unit that can be used for almost any application in the weighing industry. The 6004MF finds application in the areas of loadcell transmitting, belt-weighing, loss-inweight transmitter, through-put weighing, bagfilling, batch-weighing and a dynamo meter. A multi-function unit allows the user to keep one spare that can replace any of the abovementioned functions in the field. This also reduces the stock holding requirements for manufacturers, integrators and factories.

Free comprehensive 270 page mail order catalogue available. See contact details

DURBAN TEL: (031) 700-1434 E-mail: salesdbn@linvar. co.za

Order online at world 150x200.indd 1

www.storagedirect.co.za or

Enquiry no: 47

Latest in weighing transmitter technology launched

Leaders in Storage and Materials Handling Solutions

Storage Systems Engineering

metically sealed using a gasification station which feeds nitrogen through ducts to the filled containers. This reduces the residual oxygen to a safe 0.1% of the original volume, thus ensuring a suitable seal for the product’s “Best Before” date. The nitrogen supply is regulated by a Festo DLP, a pneumatic linear drive for process automation applications, whilst pressure sensors control the correct pressure for the nitrogen.

www.linvar.co.za

Enquiry no: 48

2013/04/11 1:11 PM

July / August 2013

MATERIALS HANDLING, BULK HANDLING & LOGISTICS

EC Industrial & Business News

Crane hire should be holistic for maximised benefit H

With South Africa’s largest fleet of mobile cranes, it is critical that Johnson Crane Hire is able to select the crane best suited to the application

eavy lifts, by their very nature, are the source of numerous safety risks. The ability to execute a heavy lift in a safe, yet time sensitive manner is achieved through a combination of procedural excellence, experience, expertise and top quality resources. With 36 years of comprehensive experience in a multitude of industries and applications, Johnson Crane Hire has earned its stripes as a heavy lift specialist. The successful execution of a safety driven heavy lift is determined by careful, systematic planning. “A complete understanding of the nature of the lift, the risks involved, and any limitations is critical to the success of a heavy lift. The planning process begins with a site inspection followed by a more intensive on-site visit by

Johnson Crane Hire’s technical heavy lift team. This allows the team to verify measurements and dimensions. Once the details are acquired, a CAD rigging study, in 2D or 3D, is undertaken,” Peter Yaman, GM of Johnson Crane Hire, says. Johnson Crane Hire uses LICCON software to simulate the lift. This software is specific to individual cranes and allows Johnson Crane Hire to confirm that it has specified the crane correctly for the lift. It confirms that the capacity is correct and verifies the counterweight needed. In addition it will simulate the ground pressure that the crane generates in various scenarios. The next step involves determination of the required load bearing capacity. This information is relayed to the

customer who can then ensure that the site is prepared to accommodate the high loadings generated by cranes. Once the rigging study is completed, a method statement and risk assessment is undertaken. With South Africa’s largest fleet of mobile cranes, it is critical that Johnson Crane Hire is able to select the crane best suited to the application. By interpolating all of this important information prior to the lift and leveraging its past experience in the field, Johnson

Crane Hire is able to precisely pinpoint the fit for purpose crane in each situation. The recent investment of R1-billion in an equipment expansion programme ensures that any crane deployed to site will be the latest technology. A strong relationship with primary supplier Liebherr as well as with Tadano and Grove, has resulted in a topquality fleet primed to enhance safety and productivity. Enquiry no: 48

Tooth system offers better penetration, digging ability he Cat K Series Tooth System T is a groundbreaking design that sets new performance standards for

tip retention, ease of change-outs and long-term sharpness. The low-profile shape of the Cat K Series Tooth System provides better penetration and digging ability, placing less stain on the machine and extending ground engaging tool (GET) wear material usability by between 10 and 15% when compared to other GET options, with major downstream benefits that include faster cycle times and greater bucket fills. Tips can be run in one direction, then “flipped,” or reversed, to get the maximum use of wear material. Installation and removal of Cat K Series GET is facilitated by a twiston design that fits smoothly onto the adapters welded to the bucket. On both sides of the adapter, rails angle or slope in opposite directions to provide this twist-on motion when the

bucket digs in tough materials, the tighter the tip screws onto the adapter,” explains Barloworld Equipment Group Product Specialist, Deon Delport. (Barloworld Equipment is the Cat dealer for southern Africa.) The Cat K Series Tooth System is either supplied in hammerless or drive-through configuration, which depends on the size of the GET tip and the wheel loader or hydraulic The Cat K Series hammerless system excavator model match. When removing worn teeth a tip is installed. standard prying tool is used to Each GET tooth securely locks in disengage the “latch” for removal of place via the installation of a vertical the hammerless retainer. In turn, the retainer, which is inserted and latches drive-through retainer is removed from securely into a slot in the tip. This the top or bottom of the tip using low retainer is replaced with a new unit force with a light hammer and punch. following each subsequent GET In both cases, fast replacement of change-out. GET minimises machine downtime. Enquiry no: 49 “During operation, the harder the

Efficient alarm management for production sites

anufacturers, particularly those in M process industries, can gain increased functionality and an enhanced operator

experience with the latest version of the FactoryTalk View Human-Machine Interface (HMI) software from Rockwell Automation. FactoryTalk View Site Edition (SE) and Machine Edition (ME) 7.0 applications, released in early 2013, offer more efficient alarm management, simplified installation, improved user experience, and integrated data sharing in a wide range of production environments. “To stay competitive, our customers need scalable HMI solutions that are easier to install, enable operator productivity, and are more tightly integrated to company control and information systems,” says Christo Buys, Control Systems Business Manager, Rockwell Automation Sub-Sahara Africa, “to meet all these needs, we are leveraging our deep experience to evolve our visualisation software.” FactoryTalk View SE 7.0 software will support larger numbers of HMI clients and servers in a single system, increasing the size of systems that can support the FactoryTalk View SE alarming sub-system, FactoryTalk Alarms and Events. The FactoryTalk Alarms and Events alarming sub-system has been enhanced to align with ISA’s Alarming Standard 18.2., and will now support the shelving state. The subsystem now also allows users to configure remote-alarming commands on display faceEnquiry no: 51 plates.

Elevating productivity to greater heights Enhancing safety, reducing costs, and heightening productivity have never been this Eazi, with a complete range of fully-supported JLG access equipment for indoor and outdoor applications. Diesel articulated boom Up to 47 m working height Up to 450 kg lift capacity

Compact Crawler

Electric scissor lift

Electric boom

Trailer-mounted boom

Up to 14 m working height Up to 450 kg lift capacity

Up to 20 m working height Up to 230 kg lift capacity

Up to 17 m working height Up to 227 kg lift capacity

Toucan mast boom

Up to 23 m working height Up to 12.65 m working height Up to 11.3 m horizontal outreach Up to 5.55 m horizontal outreach

Call us now for your customised access solution!

Look out for JLG at BAUMA, 18-21 September - Stand no. E21 SOLE DISTRIBUTOR:

+27 11 312 7308 sales@eazi.co.za www.eazisales.co.za

MATERIALS HANDLING, BULK HANDLING & LOGISTICS

MEET THE FAMILY

July / August 2013

EC Industrial & Business News

Inventory picking faster, easier, safer W ith safe efficiency increasingly being the rule of thumb in warehousing and retail environments, it is evident that the Genie Quick-Stock stock picker is fast becoming the pick of the crop. The Genie QuickStock vertical mast lifts are compact, low-weight machines well suited for increasing productivity on the job. The QuickStock lift is designed to make inventory picking faster, easier and safer than rolling stairs or manually propelled lifts. Features and benefits of the QuickStock include: • A safer, more efficient alternative to ladders; • Drivable when fully elevated; • Small working envelope for manoeuvring around corners; • Automatic 25 amp battery charger for easy charging; • Up-front mounted joystick for excellent viewing when driving; • 4M and 5m models come standard with a rear workstation tray; • Retail version includes obstruction sensing pad and dual flashing beacons. Goscor Hi-Reach CEO, George Landsberg says that he is very pleased with the manner in which this stock picker range has been accepted in the South African market. “The Genie QuickStock is a solution whose time has come and it is pleasing that we have started achieving the same sort of successes here in South Africa as this product has achieved worldwide,” Landsberg says. Carl Van Dyk, Goscor Hi-Reach Sales

Executive adds that Goscor Hi-Reach is running hands-on demonstrations of how the QuickStock works and that anyone interested should contact the company. Enquiry no: 52

Drive solutions for belt conveyors

Our combination of multi-faceted handling equipment means that Linde machines are perfectly equipped for big jobs, small jobs and everything in between. With our comprehensive logistical know how, Linde has fast become the industry symbol for superior quality, seamless functionality and innovation. Available to lease, rent or on hire purchase, investing in Linde machines ensures the remarkable efﬁciency of each member of our family.

V Linde Material Handling

For more information on Linde dealerships, products and services contact us on Tel : +27 41 487 3267 or visit www.linde-mh.co.za

meet the family 135x200.indd 1

2013/06/25 4:27 PM

oith recently delivered 36 fluid couplings for an iron ore distribution centre in Malaysia. Starting in 2014, the couplings will be used in the drives of 16 belt conveyors supplied by the Beumer Group. For each of the belt conveyors Voith has offered just the right fluid couplings. The supplied Voith hydrodynamic fluid couplings are applied to drives ranging in power from 200 to 800 kW. They have been selected to softly start and protect all conveyor system components and minimise unplanned system downtime. Voith fluid couplings have a rugged design and are well suited for use under the most extreme environmental conditions. They

Uniting technology, products, services and people FLSmidth is your One Source for crushing, grinding, classifying, thickening, clarifying, slurry handling, flotation, underground mining, pyroprocessing, material handling, automation, engineering, screens, centrifuges and complementary products, metallurgical testing and modernisation services. FLSmidth offers you a complete line of equipment and services with proven reliability and enhancing performance from the leading brand names of Krebs, WEMCO, EIMCO, Dorr-Oliver, Pneumapress, Moller, Vecor, ABON, RAHCO, Buffalo, Meshcape and Conveyor Engineering.

Do you have an Enquiry? All articles end with an enquiry service number. Readers are encouraged to complete the form on page 31 should further information and contact details be required.

Meshcape™ Screen Media is an ISO accredited Engineered Consumable Product (ECP) supplier to the Quarry, Industrial and Mining industries throughout Africa. Contact us on: Tel: +27 11 609 1120 • Fax: +27 11 452 2545 E-mail: za-mesh-sales@flsmidth.com • www.flsmidth.com

meshcape ad easterncape 2013.indd 1

dampen torsional vibrations in the driveline and protect it against overload. This extends the lifetime of the entire system. Voith has offered just the right fluid couplings for each of the 16 belt conveyors. The belt conveyor drives are equipped with TVVS-type couplings. Voith is delivering special TVVS designs to match the start-up and operating conditions of the drives. The TVVS constant-filled fluid coupling is particularly suited for medium and long belt conveyors with start-up times up to 45 seconds. Fluid couplings automatically match the demand torque of the driven conveyor. The smooth application of fluid coupling torque provides a smooth belt start-up to protect the belt from damaging stresses, thus Enquiry no: 53 reducing system downtimes.

7/11/2013 8:25:12 AM

July / August 2013

EC Industrial & Business News

MATERIALS HANDLING, BULK HANDLING & LOGISTICS

Real value offered by front end loader

astern Cape-based Concrete 4 U, one of the province’s suppliers of readymix concrete, has purchased an SDLG LG958L front end loader from Babcock for deployment at its Markman readymix plant in Port Elizabeth. The new unit is being used to feed sand and aggregate from the plant’s stock piles into the aggregate weigh hoppers. Babcock’s Henk Niemand says the SDLG LG958L front end loader offers real value for money and delivers a heavyweight and reliable performance in the field. “Up until now Concrete 4 U has exclusively purchased a high-end brand of plant equipment and we’re thrilled to have been able to demonstrate to this customer that our SDLG equipment offers a very cost-effective and viable alternative,” he adds. “This equipment is extremely maintenance friendly, because it is not over-burdened with complex high-tech components. The units are trouble-free workhorses that just keep on going, making them

Tough conveyor belt designed for high abuse

ConquestXP forms part of the textile reinforced belt range, ensuring extreme durability, and is designed for high-abuse applications

oodyear Engineered Products, manufactured and sourced exclusively by Veyance Technologies Inc., has announced the launch of its new conveyor belt - an industry leader in strength and impact resistance, designed to withstand the harshest and toughest belting environments. With 100 years of innovative rubber compounding research, Goodyear Engineered Products was able to push the limits of tough when designing the ConquestXP. The belt was developed using computer modeling and infinite element analysis (FEA) software and is fortified with the power of Fortress Technology which makes it extremely tough against punctures and impact. Goodyear Engineered Products’ advanced technology offer various cover compounds with enhanced protection for unique applications. The abrasion covers available are ‘M’ Grade, which provides superior resistance to cutting, tearing gouging and abrasion in the harshest environment and is suitable for conveying ores of all kinds, granite, quartzite and other heavy sharp-edged materials; and ‘N’ Grade which is recommended for conveying slag, limestone, cement rock, iron ore, coal and other materials where metal is present. A fire retardant cover compound available is F+ which is ideal for coal carrying services where plied or steel cord constructions are utilised, and has fire retardant properties. “Also unique is SHEILD, which is a fireretardant runner compound with a low smoke density and reduced toxic gas emissions. “In case of a fire, this will result in improved visibility and lower toxic fume levels, making it ideal for underground mining applications,” explains Craig Rouhana, Sales and Marketing Director of Veyance Technologies South Africa. ConquestXP forms part of the textile reinforced belt range, ensuring extreme durability, and is designed for primary crushers, secondary crushers, mainlines, pit belts, refuse and recycling, log debarkers and other high-abuse applications. The innovative patented fabric provides improved bearing and impact resistance to sustain high-abuse applications. Enquiry no: 55

an ideal choice for clients who want to keep downtime to an absolute minimum.” SDLG equipment is well entrenched internationally in industries where the requirement is for value versus premium brands and Babcock has been distributing and supporting this range since February 2012. In this short period, the uptake of SDLG equipment across southern Africa to date has been substantial. As southern Africa’s exclusive distributor of SDLG equipment, Babcock has sold units into South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Swaziland and Mozambique and the feedback the company is receiving from customers is unanimously positive. The Babcock team provided initial training on the SDLG LG958L front end loader to Concrete 4 U’s loader operator and further training will be conducted by a local training facility that will provide the loader operator with a compliance certificate. With an operating weight of 16.6 ton and a

3m³ bucket capacity, the 162 kW SDLG LG958L features a six cylinder engine. The ZF fixed-shaft electrohydraulic shift transmission has high reliability, while the use of the electricpneumatic internal expanding shoe parking brake provides safety and dependability. A long wheelbase and increased counterweight provide large tipping load to direct assignment. This unit’s easy and flexible operation, low fatigue strength, high efficiency and reasonable utilisation of the entire machine make for better adaptation to harsh conditions. It is configured with a large bore bucketturning cylinder with a shovel spading force of 18.3 tons, and a large bore lift cylinder with lifting force of 16.3 tons on the ground. The SDLG LG958L incorporates a ROPS/ FOPS cabin that is rated ISO 3471, EN ISO 3449 and EN ISO 3164 and features an air-

conditioned cabin with a pillarless wrap-around windscreen. The full range of products from SDLG includes wheel loaders, excavators, backhoe Enquiry no: 54 loaders and vibratory rollers.

MATERIALS HANDLING, BULK HANDLING & LOGISTICS

July / August 2013

EC Industrial & Business News

Smooth and energy efficient electric powered forklift

he pros and cons of using electric forklifts have raged on for many years, but with the focus on greater health, safety and flexibility of materials handling equipment within industry, Toyota Forklift believes that it offers the winning solution to customers – a forklift that operates both inside and outside the warehouse, making loading and unloading procedures a seamless activity. The 8FBN Series offers customers a longer operating time – some five

percent more than the 7FBE Series while minimising energy losses. With easy battery replacement support, which includes a roller-bed side-out option for easy battery exchange, this means longer operating time, therefore less costly downtime. The benefits of electric forklifts are becoming apparent and current sales indicate a steady but sure shift to battery-powered lifting equipment; some 3 000 units having been sold in South Africa during 2012. The advanced 8FBN Series will

typically perform for an entire shift before needing to be recharged – depending on usage and driver behaviour. The electric Toyota Forklifts offer zero exhaust emissions, thereby eliminating fumes within the workplace, creating a healthier environment and better operator safety. Due to the fume emissions, diesel and LPG powered forklifts are prohibited in South Africa from operating inside warehousing establishments. While the initial capital outlay for an electric forklift may be slightly more, going “green” and the greater flexibility offered will show benefits over the medium-to-long term. By

comparison, the total energy cost for a diesel forklift is approximately R63 148.80 compared to R10 112.26 for an 8FBN with 50 Hz charger. Annual maintenance costs also come in at R18 585.60 for diesel and R13 305.60 for the electric truck. In order to overcome battery and forklift damage through operator and/ or operational over-use and misuse, the 8FBN Series has new features to alert the operator of low battery capacity, with an over-discharge warning light that becomes illuminated should the operator not see or ignore the initial alert. Once the

discharge warning is activated it limits the load handling performance. Similarly when the battery fluid level is low or the fluid temperature is high it is indicated to the operator but an alarm is also activated which restricts vehicle movement. Driving patterns impact greatly upon the life of battery powered forklifts, incorrect operator driving can lead to battery degradation and shorten Enquiry no: 56 its life.

Pallet racking system capable of storing multiple pallets in limited space

ne of southern Africa’s largest rigid plastic packaging suppliers, MPACT, recently contracted warehousing technology specialist APC Storage Solutions SA to design, supply and install a conventional pallet racking system at its plastics warehouse that is capable of storing up to 4 416 pallets within a relatively low square meterage. “MPACT’s Robertville warehouse supplies plastic packaging products to the food and beverage, personal care, home care, pharmaceutical and other retail markets, and needed a way of improving product flow and storage capacity to keep up with the industries’ growing demand,” says APC Storage Solutions SA MD, Fred Albrecht. The solution was to design conventional pallet racking to function as a double-deep storage system, and space the racks closely together to reduce the amount of “deadspace” between each row. “With aisle widths of just 2 300 mm, MPACT opted for our narrow aisle turret truck, the ARTIX, which is designed to operate in aisle widths of just 1 600 mm. It also features telescopic forks for placing pallets one in front of the other in doubledepth systems, enabling 30% more storage density than possible with standard forklifts and conventional warehouse layouts. This is the second warehouse where APC filled more than double the traditional pallet count by using narrow aisle double deep technology,” says Albrecht. The warehouse’s uneven roof design meant APC Storage Solutions SA had to redesign pallet back stops, based on lightduty racking components, and racking layouts to ensure maximum pallet positions were achieved. The project was commissioned in two phases: The first phase for just over a 2 000 pallet positions was executed in July, and the second phase for 3 500 pallet positions in October 2012. The warehouse now consists of 12 pallet racking rows that are double deep with only and five access aisles. “Efficient designs ensure the customer has the highest number of pallets per square meter but still allows for efficient movements and throughput, are our forte, and this is exactly what we delivered on in this instance for our customer,” concludes Albrecht. Enquiry no: 57

July / August 2013

EC Industrial & Business News

MATERIALS HANDLING, BULK HANDLING & LOGISTICS

Intermediate bulk containers available

auser’s Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) are available in South Africa from Nampak Megapak. The 1 000 litre IBCs are designed for the bulk transportation of all liquids, including hazardous and sensitive products, fulfill all international packaging regulations and are UN-approved. They’re also described as “the most economical packaging solution” on the market today. According to Joel Sibanda, the Divisional MD of Nampak Megapak, IBCs are the way of the future, particularly in terms of their ability to unlock improved supply chain efficiencies and sustainability outcomes. “One IBC substitutes five drums with a footprint of four drums,” explains Sibanda. “This means more volume and less packaging in the same space” To give real meaning and effect to the promise and possibility of reusability, Nampak Megapak has partnered with Mauser’s reconditioning subsidiary, National Container Group (NCG). The service includes picking up empty and used IBCs from a customer’s premises, cleaning them thoroughly with the latest environmentally friendly processes and products, before removing any dents, inspecting them, testing them for leaks and returning them to the customer’s place of business for further filling and shipping. IBCs that can’t be reconditioned are recycled as pellets to manufacture other products. At the same time, NCG operates a

Described as “the most economical packaging solution” on the market today the 1 000 litre IBCs are designed for the bulk transportation of all liquids comprehensive collection and reconditioning programme for IBCs of South African origin anywhere in the world. “In this way, Nampak Megapak is able to provide the convenience and functionality of a world-class packaging system, while delivering a service to customer that benefits the environment,” says Sibanda.

breaking precision, regardless of the load. Shift on the fly ensures smooth gear changes and reduces wear while dynamic braking gives a smooth safe ride. The all-terrain design of Bobcat’s telescopic handlers, which incorporates unparalleled ground clearance, provides exceptional manoeuvrability; the job gets done quickly and efficiently, even in the most stringent of conditions and the roughest of terrains. The three steering modes conveniently suit a variety of working environments; front-wheel steering is ideal for road travel, all-wheel steering is best suited to on-site handling and smaller turning circles, and crab steering facilitates the sideways movement of loads in restricted areas.

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Enquiry no: 58

Are you and your logistics partner on the same page? Safety. Service levels. Carbon footprint. Transformation. Profitability. You’re under increasing pressure from all directions. Outsourcing your transportation at the lowest cost/km might increase your margins, but you ought to be partnering with a logistics service provider who can deliver value beyond lower costs. Reliability, service and quality excellence. High levels of health, safety and empowerment. Low environmental impact... This is how we do transportation. Call us. We go the extra mile.

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Enquiry no: 58

All-in-one performance from telescopics

obcat Equipment SA’s range of telescopic handlers packs a powerful punch with optimum performance, precision, reliability and safety all in one compact machine. They are built for precise positioning of bulky and heavy loads and combine best-inclass lifting capacity (even at maximum reach) and outstanding stability for efficient, easy, reliable and safe work performance anywhere on a job site. “By adding a full range of dedicated attachments, the telescopic handler is transformed into a multi-purpose material handling machine,” says National Sales & Marketing Manager at Bobcat Equipment SA, Michael Burns. “With no less than a quick, tool-free attachment change, our telescopic handlers can operate as a man platform, a crane or a concrete placing machine, accessing locations that are normally impossible for ordinary man platforms or cranes to reach.” “The different models available in the range add even more flexibility, giving customers the option to choose between continuous and limited rotation ability, as well as popular lifting heights and operating capacities,” continues Burns. Bobcat incorporates years of experience in the design of its telescopic handlers so that high performance, reliability, operator friendliness and high levels of safety are built into the compact machines. Burns explains that Bobcat’s full protection concept ensures maximum durability; tilt cylinders and hydraulic hoses are protected inside the boom and a reinforced underside protects the engine and other vital components. The hydrostatic transmission, in two drive speed ranges, helps to maintain accurate and precise machine control even in small or restricted work areas. The inching pedal allows for smooth manoeuvring at very low speed and provides maximum stability and

18 SEP 2013 - CAPE TOWN

July / August 2013

EC Industrial & Business News

WATER & EFFLUENT MANAGEMENT

First time access to water for more than 60 000 E Cape residents

Specialists in Corrosion Protection

HotDip Galvanizing – 3m x 1.2m x 1.8m Thermal Zinc / Aluminum Metal Spraying

Protective Coatings and Linings Abrasive Blasting

Tel: 041 4511947 | Fax: 041 4510773 | Cell: 0824410692 E-Mail: henning@galvaspin.co.za | Website: www.galvaspin.co.za 2 - 5 Fearick Street, Sidwell, Port Elizabeth

Pilot Crushtec International modular crushing, screening and fines washing plant is playing a pivotal role in providing more than 60 000 Eastern Cape residents with first time access to potable water. The plant was purchased by the local civils contractor, Zana Manzi JV (ZMJV). ZMJV is a joint venture between Zana Manzi Amanz’ abantu Services and WSSA. The requirement is to produce large quantities of crushed rock and fines for the development of the R70 million Mndwaka dam. Situated between Elliottdale and Coffee Bay, the project requires the construction of a 27 metre high triple arch buttress dam wall, which will be the highest rubble masonry concrete (RMC) dam in southern Africa. The name Zana Manzi could not be

more appropriate as it means “he who brings water” in isiXhosa, and Director Kent Wilson explains that the RMC construction method was adopted as the dam construction is an expanded public works project, which promotes labour intensive construction. “A very high labour content is a feature of the RMC construction technique which involves placing rocks into concrete mortar layers. The mortar is produced with a high volume of fines and the finished product is a 50/50 mixture of rock and mortar,” he says. The project will see Zana Manzi JV producing no less than 28500m³ of this compound for the project, which is expected to be completed by September 2014. According to Wilson, the process

involves the hand packing of rocks into the wall with the result that it has created employment opportunities and skills acquisition in a region with high unemployment levels. Technically and logistically this method is an attractive proposition in rural Africa. It is relatively insensitive to flooding during the period of construction and the simplicity of the technique renders it highly practical for use in remote areas. Pilot Crushtec International National Sales Manager Nicolan Govender explains that the relationship between the two companies began when Zana Manzi JV was faced with the challenge of producing exceptionally large volumes of fines to construct the dam wall. Enquiry no: 59

Managing all aspects leads to filled order books

T Tel: +27 11 974 5554 / 0860 SPP Pump Fax: +27 11 974 0476 Email: lvw@spppumps.co.za Assessed to ISO 9001:2000 Certificate No. 111

An efficient softstarter that is easy to use?

Absolutely. Softstarters June 2013(Landscape).indd 1

he customer’s need for turnkey responsibility can be successfully turned to competitive advantage, then used as a lever to secure project work ahead of better known project houses unable to offer similar capability. This is the opinion of Peter Robinson, MD of APE Pumps, who says that his company’s ability to manage all aspects of design, manufacture, delivery and installation has been largely responsible for the company’s increasing project order book across central and southern Africa. Founded some 60 years ago, APE Pumps one year ago became the umbrella company into which project specialists PSV Services was folded together with Mather & Platt, after all three companies were acquired by the Indian manufacturer WPIL. Robinson claims an almost unlimited project capacity for present-day

APE Pumps, even though the company has not until now been associated with project management work. “APE now has the expertise of what used to be PSV Services, reinforced by the funding of IndiaPeter Robinson (behind pump) and Alan based parent WPIL,” he Sternsdorf, co-directors of APE Pumps explained. “Together, these make for a potent force in project has used WPIL investment to buy the management, and we are currently factory and land adjacent to the comapplying to the Construction Industry pany’s Wadeville works, and to impleDevelopment Board for a capacity rat- ment a general machinery upgrade, ing which we expect to be in the region increase productive capacity and of R100-million. increase stock holdings. “Actual capacity is far higher The result has been a steady probecause of the financial muscle avail- gression from a small-cap business able to us.” to a large-cap concern with streamRobinson said that project work at lined production, expanded capacity APE Pumps currently makes up about and the ability to deliver substantially 65% of turnover and is set to increase. reduced lead times. Enquiry no: 60 Preparing itself for this, APE Pumps

The PSE softstarter is equipped with just the right features to really fulfil the most important needs of our customers. This gives great value for money and together with the built-in bypass for energy saving it provides a very efficient solution. Without the need to connect and external bypass the installation time is greatly reduced. This together with the language-neutral backlit display and the four button keypad makes the PSE softstarter extremely easy to install, setup and operate. Additional information is available from Low Voltage Products. www.abb.co.za/lowvoltage ABB South Africa (Pty) Ltd Tel. +27 10 202 5000 E-mail: LP@za.abb.com

2013/05/20 03:13:32 PM

July / August 2013

WATER & EFFLUENT MANAGEMENT

EC Industrial & Business News

Bridge building added to rigging firm’s service offering

ovemore Bros was commissioned to assist with the construction and assembly of a ropeway designed to carry material across the full stretch of a valley in the Eastern Cape to help with the construction of a 250 metre wide dam wall. Mndwaka dam is about 6km south of the popular Hole in the Wall tourist spot. The new dam wall construction has been progressing well despite the adverse weather conditions that were in play at the time of construction. The high content of clay in the soil makes traversing treacherous and when there are heavy rains many smaller vehicles cannot navigate the roads necessitating the use of bigger plant to transport material and equipment.

The ropeway consists of an east and west tower either side of the valley and a loop of 44mm wire rope supports a bogie that travelling on the rope. The bogie is used to load and offload material at desired stopping points. The Lovemore Bros crew secured the towers to the prefabricated concrete foundations using cast studs. One of its biggest crane trucks was used in the rigging of the tower. The towers were secured with anchor cables before the ropeway was installed. The ropes were tensioned by two 10 ton chain blocks. The ropeway has been designed to lift and carry 2.5 tons, and is an innovative way

to speed up the delivery of material from loading point on the edge of the valley to the offloading point along the length of the wall given that the height of the wall increases daily. Described as an enjoyable project that required innovation, it also provided work for some of the locals as more manpower was needed to physically carry the rope across some parts of the valley. The ropeway has been designed to lift and carry 2.5 tons and is an innovative way to speed up the delivery of material from the loading point on the edge Enquiry no: 61 of the valley

Customengineered pontoons increase accessibility

he advantages of pontoons for the dewatering of open pit operations have become apparent to a number of mines throughout South Africa and into the rest of the continent. This increased awareness is a direct result of a robust marketing campaign initiated by Weir Minerals Africa, which has highlighted the many cost and efficiency benefits of this technology to the local market. “By continually sharing information on pontoon technology and its applications with our customers, we’ve seen a sharp growth in demand for our pontoons.” Weir Minerals Africa’s Rental and Submersible Manager, Howard Jones (pictured), says. “This is in line with the growth of our entire dewatering division and underlines the popularity of African-engineered technology.” Weir Minerals Africa’s design centre, one of three design centres within the global Weir Group plc, has customised the design of pontoons produced by its Australian counterparts to suit African conditions. “There is an unprecedented need for more cost effective and operationally efficient dewatering solutions in the African mining industry,” Jones adds. “Conventional dewatering solutions are less effective and require expensive civil works, whereas pontoons are installed at the source, making pumping more efficient. Another major advantage is being able to migrate the pump wherever it is needed, compared to the alternative, in which a new pump station would have to be developed.

Built to endure

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Coralynne & Associates +27 (011) 422 1949

In its approach to the design of the pontoons, Weir Minerals Africa has factored in the harsh conditions found on mine sites. “Pump pontoons not only need to be impervious to corrosion, but also need to be stable and rigid. During the re-engineering of specific pontoons for the African market, we simultaneously broadened the product offering for use in other regions such as Russia, South America and Australia,” says Weir Minerals Africa Dewatering Manager, Ian Farquhar. Farquhar points out that in addition to extensive input from its mechanical engineers, the company seconded the services of structural engineers to ensure the structural integrity of the pontoons. “When manufacturing each pontoon, we first address the specific needs of each site and we are then able to ascertain the best materials of construction for that application. As a result of our fit-for-purpose design, Weir Minerals Africa has become one of three global design centres of excellence in the Weir Minerals Enquiry no: 62 division for pontoons.”

EFFICIENCY POWERED BY INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING

www.zest.co.za

The WEG W22 electric motor has redefined energy efficient motors internationally, incorporating significant reductions in noise and vibration levels as well as increases in energy and thermal efficiency. Furthermore, WEG’s motor and drive packages with technically integrated solutions offer tested and proven reliability and compatibility. Innovative engineering represents upfront cost savings as well as energy efficiencies which equal lower operating costs. This makes WEG’s motor and drive combination the natural choice for those companies and industries committed to reducing energy consumption.

WATER & EFFLUENT MANAGEMENT

July / August 2013

EC Industrial & Business News

Extrusion line deployed to enable wide bore pipes

The world needs fewer engineering companies. Rebranded as Royal HaskoningDHV, SSI Engineers & Environmental Consultants believes in being more than an engineering company. Our rebranding to Royal HaskoningDHV ushers in a new class of engineers and consultants, offering solutions for the sustainable interaction between people and their environment, ultimately enhancing society together.

PI Plastics - a leading manufacturer of water reticulation, drainage and pipefitting systems in South Africa - is due to begin production of its new 630 mm bore PVC pipes in July 2013, following the final installation of its new Krauss Maffei extrusion line. DPI Plastics Technical and Product Manager Renier Snyman notes that the company identified the need to increase the maximum bore of its PVC pipe range from 500 mm to 630 mm, following numerous queries from the local market. “After completing a thorough market study in late 2012, we identified significant potential for 630 mm PVC pipes in bulk water and sewerage applications.” Snyman highlights the fact that the Germanengineered Krauss Maffei extrusion line is capable of producing approximately 22 tons of PVC pipe per day. “The extrusion line will provide a cost effective solution and competitive turnaround times for large scale projects.” In the past, DPI Plastics’ only solution for large scale projects was to lay two parallel 500 mm pipelines. Due to the fact that a 630 mm pipeline offers higher outputs, Snyman points out that only one single pipeline is now required. “This ensures substantial savings with regards to materials purchase and transportation costs, and also significantly reduces installation times and associated costs, as a direct result of less material being required,” he continues.

Enquiry no: 63

Aeration blower system cuts energy costs by up to 40%

S www.rhdhv.co.za www.royalhaskoningdhv.com

The new extrusion line will also open up new avenues of growth for PVC as a competitor in the bulk water, stormwater and sewerage industries - which are currently dominated by materials such as steel and concrete. “PVC is more cost effective and boasts a longer life expectancy, when compared to industry standard steel and concrete.” Snyman explains that steel and concrete are often prone to significant corrosion damage over extended periods. “In addition to having superior corrosion resistance properties, PVC is also highly durable, with low frictional resistance and low wave celerity, thereby ensuring resistance to surges,” he adds. DPI Plastics will be manufacturing a total of three 630 mm PVC piping products using the new Krauss Maffei extrusion line.

KF has announced the launch of an energy efficient high speed permanent magnet motor solution for aeration blowers in wastewater facilities which can reduce energy consumption by up to 40%. In wastewater facilities, the aeration blower system can demand as much as 80% of the plant’s total energy consumption, so the SKF solution offers the potential to make huge energy savings. When used in a 350 kW blower it may result in annual savings of 500,000 kWh, which equals a 375-ton reduction in CO2 emissions. “We have developed a new, innovative and sustainable solution that targets the market challenges faced by the water and wastewater industry. “The SKF solution for aeration blower systems meets the demand for energy efficiency

and the need for reduction of maintenance and service costs as well as the requirement to c o m ply with air quality and safety standards,” says Vincent Megret, MD, SKF Magnetic Systems. “Compared with a traditional blower, the SKF solution in a 350 kW centrifugal air blower offers payback on investments in one year from energy savings alone.” The SKF solution for aeration blower systems comprises a high-speed permanent magnet motor (PMM) that can deliver between 75 kW-350 kW, active magnetic bearings (AMB) and integrated AMB control system. This range of oil-free motor solutions has a number of features that enhance performance; for example, unlike traditional induction motors, the PMM maintains efficiency at half-load and half-speed operation. The SKF solution for aeration blower systems also uses less mechanical parts than traditional drive systems, which means reduced maintenance, while powerful built-in monitoring and diagnostic capabilities maintain high performance and reliability. Enquiry no: 64

Show-Off!

Looking for an allrounder? Bürkert has it – the new multiCELL multichannel transmitter/controller. Beyond the standard versions, which offer various options for measuring pH, redox potential and conductivity, there are a number of additional software and hardware extensions available – e.g. for additional flow measurement, control functions and signal inputs. With just one device you get exactly what you need for your measuring requirements, whilst saving you not only money but also handling and storage resources. Want to know more? Just call: +27 (0)11 574 6000 or e-mail sales.za@burkert.com.

JoJo Tanks has announced an extension on its warranty period from five to eight years. “Based on the strength of several years of research and development, backed up by laboratory and in field trials,” explains JoJo Tanks MD, Rod Cairns, “We can confidently add years to our warranty - another first for JoJo Tanks in the rotomoulded industry. Research has shown that confidence in the durability and life cycle of a tank is a huge consumer requirement and this increased warranty will reinforce consumer trust and Enquiry no: 65 confidence in our brand.”

July / August 2013

EC Industrial & Business News

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

Large order for hydraulic driving hammers delivered A

tlas Copco recently supplied a large order of HB2000 hydraulic driving hammers to GeoPile Africa for use with the Duktus driven ductile iron pile system. GeoPile Africa is the exclusive agency and supplier of the Duktus driven ductile iron pile system in Africa. “Atlas Copco HB200 hydraulic driving hammers are used globally with the Duktus piling system because its four million meters of piling is entirely correlated to the energy delivered by the Atlas Copco hammer,” explains GeoPile MD and CEO, Rob Marsden. “This fast and economical driven foundation system requires only a medium sized excavator equipped with a rig mounted hydraulic attachment i.e. a breaker-type driving hammer and a specially fabricated driving adaptor,” explains Marsden. “So it was totally logical for GeoPile to link up with Atlas Copco in South Africa and across this region.” “Atlas Copco began the supply of the first hydraulic driving hammers to GeoPile last year. Only a slight internal modification to the hammer, using a special adaptor provided by Duktus, as well as some other proprietary

adjustments is required for the piling process.” According to Marsden, although the Duktus pile system has a global 30 year track record of pile performance across diverse applications, it is brand new technology in South Africa. The pile material is factory quality centrifugally-cast ductile iron and the individual pipe sections, 5m in length and outside diameter of either 118 mm or 170 mm, are manufactured in the Duktus factory near Innsbruck, Austria.

“Some of our current projects using the Duktus piling system are at solar plants located in the Northern Cape which involves pilings with both 118 mm and 170 mm diameters. The high level of safety and simplicity of the Duktus piling system was demonstrated when GeoPile was named number one safety contractor. The Atlas Copco hammer and Duktus piling system is without any doubt a win-win combination. Enquiry no: 66

New face for varsity’s engineering building

The entrance to the new Engineering building at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth

hree different Corobrik clay brick products were used in the construction of the R42 million engineering building at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in Port Elizabeth, completed in September last year, helping to fill the client’s brief for the creation of “a new face” for the institution. “This is the first major building to be built since the merger of the former University of Port Elizabeth and the Port Elizabeth Technikon and the client desired a face that communicated its position as a dynamic and leading academic institution on the African continent,” said Hubert Sieg of Imbono FJA Architects who were awarded the contract. “We chose Corobrik Sandstone Travertine for the exterior walls and planters because of its dimensional accuracy as well as for its aesthetics as the yellow matched the colour of the existing surrounding buildings. At the same time we tried to combine materials from

the North campus, where the new building is located, and the South campus to create a new identity for the merged institution.” Corobrik Firelight Travertine with its rich red hue was used inside the building, while De Hoop red pavers were interspersed with a lighter shade on the outside walkways. “Both were selected by the architects as their colour and textures were in context with nature reserve surrounds in which the university sits,” said Christie Van Niekerk, Manager Corobrik Cape. “The other advantages of our clay bricks relating to thermal performance, low fire risk, longevity with low maintenance all helped fulfil important functional needs of this educational institution building.” A total of 60 000 Sandstone Travertine bricks, 8 000 Firelight Travertine face bricks and 45 000 De Hoop red pavers from Corobrik were incorporated in the project.

Enquiry no: 67

July / August 2013

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

Work starts on elite Bay West Mall

Cordless rotary hammer has long run time The GBH 18 V-EC professional is the first tool from Bosch that is equipped with the new 4.0 Ah battery generation, and therefore has approximately 35% longer runtime than its predecessor. This powerful tool is also equipped with a chisel function. The GBH 18 V-EC professional retains the advantages of the previous model in terms of weight and ergonomic design. It offers professional trades people the best ratio of power to weight of all cordless rotary hammers in the 18 volt class available on the market.

Weighing only 2.6 kg, it achieves impressive single impact energy of 1.7 joules. This rotary hammer has an 80% degree of efficiency due to the carbon-brush-free Bosch EC motor. The robustness and longevity of the GBH 18 V-EC professional will benefit professionals in harsh construction site conditions and is perfect for electricians, air conditioning fitters and drywallers. One of the many advantages of the GBH 18 V-EC is that it remains fully functional even after falling at a height of two meters. Its compact design makes it effortless to work with in hard-to-reach areas. Enquiry no: 68

EC Industrial & Business News

urray & Roberts Buildings has commenced work on the Bay West Mall in Port Elizabeth for Abacus Asset Management and the Billion Group. The Bay West Mall is central to the development of the greater Bay West City project, for which the developers have earmarked 300 hectares. As the primary contractor on this R2-billion project, Murray & Roberts Buildings will be responsible for the construction of the first phase of this signature mixed development. The Bay West development will also incorporate a light industrial sector. In phase 2, the office blocks will become an integral part of the Bay West City precinct. Other plans include the development of 7 000 residences and apartments, retirement homes and a medical centre. The erection of the mall will create about 10 000 jobs during the construction phase of which 3 000 will be through direct employment and more than 7 000 indirect and i nduced jobs. After completion of the mall, a further 1 500 permanent jobs will be created to staff the retail outlets in the 90 000 m² shopping centre. Murray & Roberts Buildings is currently deploying a number of tower cranes, together with other large equipment, to facilitate construction. A dedicated concrete readymix batch plant will also be erected on site to

An artistic impression of an entrance to the Bay West Mall supply the approximately 57 000 m³ of concrete required. “The Bay West Mall will have two levels of shops, with parking for approximately 3 276 cars on the periphery of the centre. The structure comprises columns, suspended coffer and flat slabs, brick in fill panels and a structural steel roof clad in sheeting. The tenant mix throughout the 264 shops will include anchor tenants, national chain stores, sub-nationals to line shops with 12 cinemas,” says Stephen

King, Project Team Leader for Murray & Roberts Buildings. King emphasises the company’s focus on maintaining safety awareness as a top priority. “Building sites are potentially very hazardous places especially for the uninitiated. We implement a strict STOP.THINK. ACT.24/7 safety campaign. This is a comprehensive approach to the safety and wellbeing of our staff, driven from management down to the workface.” Enquiry no: 69

R100 m milestone for property brokerage

ust Commercial, a commercial JElizabeth property brokerage, based in Port attributes its success to

Geared Motors \ Drive Electronics \ Drive Automation \ Industrial Gears \ Services

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The new operating efficiency

ensuring that it focuses exclusively on the leasing and selling of commercial, industrial and retail properties. “We have been instrumental in housing a large number of blue-chip tenants in our

The benefits of saving energy are now coming closer to home since MOVIGEAR® is now locally assembled in the Mother City, Cape Town. This also means that local service is now also available. All the more reason to buy the green, energy-efficient and hygienic mechatronic drive system, MOVIGEAR®. Reduce the energy costs and downtime of your operation by subscribing to the multiple benefits of using MOVIGEAR®.

Tel: +27 11 248-7000 Web: www.sew.co.za

region and over the last six months have concluded sales to the value of over R100 million,” said franchisee Mark Connett. “Our state-of-the-art website, makes it easy for customers to search for properties making it a valuable tool for customers looking for that perfect property. “For tenants and buyers, finding the right property has never been easier”, he said. They recognise that stress and hassle goes hand-in-hand with the property rental and sales process. “We advise those planning to rent or buy commercial property to utilise the services of a reputable property

brokerage. With our local knowledge and expertise our clients receive professional and well-informed advice at all times,” said Connett. The firm helps buyers find the right property, calculate associated risks, provide investor advice and if need be, assist with the necessary funding. It also ensures that the seller receives the right price. The Just Commercial team endeavours to meet standards that are within the right price range and make sure customers deal with legitimate landlords who provide properties of the highest quality while keeping up with maintenance demands. Enquiry no: 70

July / August 2013

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

EC Industrial & Business News

Cable maker experiences A big demand

erman cable manufacturer Helukabel is experiencing unprecedented demand for cabling and related products used in the renewable energy industry. With a multitude of projects underway for wind and solar energy projects (and more on the cards), the company is leading the way with supply contracts for many of the projects.

Its speciality range of both solar and wind power station cabling has steadily become the cabling of choice on local projects. “This owes mainly to the fact that our cables hold all the necessary certifications from worldwide quality and accrediting agencies. This means our cables perform to the required specification for conductivity, strength and durability required on each new project,” says Doug Gunnewegh (pictured), MD of Helukabel South Africa. He continues that due to the time urgency required the availability of the right cable at the right time is critical. As a result the company recently moved to even bigger premises where massive stock holdings are being maintained just to keep up with rising

demand from the energy, as well as other sectors. “Clearly Helukabel’s investment in the industry in terms of developing the appropriate technology and ensuring the correct stock holding per region has paid off. Worldwide and in South Africa the company is involved in supplying cable to the biggest and most advanced projects of their type. “Our strategy is also to supply these projects with a “full basket” of products to ensure that power transmission, control instrumentation, data, security, medium voltage, telecommunications and torsion cables are supplied from the company as a single-source supplier,” adds Gunnewegh. Helukabel developed the Solarflex-X PV1-F solution specifically for the solar industry as part of its commitment to renewable energy sectors. It is able to withstand the harsh environments of solar plants and as a result has been engineered to exceed TÜV, CE, Rohs and VDE quality certifications to ensure the longevity of the installation with an anticipated life of 25 years service.

new range of mould release agents have been introduced that will enable manufacturers to reduce mould “set up” time, as well as being kinder to the environment. The Zyvax range has been built around a core of experience, which has been associated with the semi-permanent release industry for over 50 years. Changing requirements has led to the development of new products to meet and exceed the latest environmental regulations abroad. Several years ago the company became one of the first to develop solvent-based release agents with no ozone depleting chemicals (ODCs) and no Chlorinated solvents. These original formulations have remained unchanged ever since and still lead the market in terms of performance and price. During a recent demonstration to introduce the Zyvax range of products to local manufacturers, Jo Jacinto of AMT Composites, a

Mould release agents kind to environment supplier of advanced composite products, said that new ways had to be found in the manufacture of moulded products. While the popularity of composite materials for moulds worldwide has exploded, the current release technology used is drastically outdated. In order to keep up with these requirements Zyvax also produced one of the first commercially available solvent free release agents systems to complement its existing range of solvent based release products. The product line consists of a cleaner, sealer and release agent, all designed to incorporate the benefits of a semi-permanent Enquiry no: 73 release agent.

Enquiry no: 71

Bearing for extreme temperatures launched

KF has announced a new range of extreme temperature bearings featuring a graphite cage that lubricates the bearing up to 350°C without the need for relubrication. This offers an especially powerful solution in the metal industry, where operators can cut maintenance costs, boost reliability and improve product quality by replacing conventional grease lubricated bearings with the SKF extreme temperature bearings. “SKF extreme temperature bearings address the need for bearings that can perform in hot, dry environments on slow rotating machinery. Grease lubricated bearings often fail at temperatures exceeding 250°C because even special greases lose their ability to lubricate adequately above this temperature. “In contrast, SKF extreme temperature bearings require no relubrication and can operate in temperatures up to 350°C, cutting the cost

and maintenance demand of relubrication and offering a significant increase in bearing service life,” says Charlotte Enlund, Product Manager SKF dry lubricated bearings. Experience in the field shows that bearing service life in high temperature applications can be dramatically increased by using graphite lubricated extreme temperature bearings. For example, in a cooling bed for sheet metal manufacture, bearing service life was increased by a factor of three. In such an application a single bearing of this kind can save up to 4,6 kg of CO2e and 1,5kg of grease per year. A cooling bed, equipped with 5000 bearings can save 7,5 tonnes of grease and 23 tonnes of CO2e per year, which is equivalent to an 82% reduction of the climate impact compared to using grease-lubricated deep groove ball bearings.

Ultimate Power, Peak Performance The ultimate solution to power, performance, reliability & ergonomics

Enquiry no: 72

Goscor Lift Truck Company has been supplying the South African market with quality materials handling equipment for 26 years. Our goal is to ensure efficiency, reliability with low down time and low maintenance!

• Oil cooled disc brakes • 5 year unlimited warranty • Lowest cost of ownership

Visit our stand at Bauma Africa 2013 18-21 September • Gallagher Convention Centre • Stand # H5.321 and Outdoor C61

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Branches in: Johannesburg (Head office), Durban, Cape Town & Port Elizabeth Tel: 010 594 4338 • lifttrucks@goscor.co.za www.goscorlifttrucks.co.za A proud member of the Goscor Group of Companies

Strydom, Product Manager Scientific & Helium, Special Products & Chemicals at Afrox says. “If you cannot trust what the label on the packaging claims, there can be no confidence in the product. Laws such as food labelling regulations, to protect the consumer, have an increasing role to play for the benefit of the end user. Afrox supports this increasing

InnoVenton: NMMU Institute for Chemical Technology and Downstream Chemicals Technology Station

InnoVenton has specialized in automotive testing for over 10 years and offers the following services to test moulded plastic car parts and other interior vehicle fittings against industry specifications:

Weathering and Exposure testing Environmental and Thermal cycles Emissions (on GCMS) Flammability, Odour, Fog and Formaldehyde Substances of Concern (SOC’s) Impact Strength / Hardness Thermal Analysis (TGA/DSC) Chemical Resistance Analysis packages as per your requirements

consumer awareness and we provide labelling in line with the Consumer Protection Act and labelling laws. As international and local regulations that govern food production and handling are revised and upgraded, the specialty gases and gas equipment used in the food arena have become increasingly sophisticated in response to these standards. Afrox and Linde have, over the years, developed a broad offering for the food industry. Speciality gases are used in food analysis to support the integrity of food quality throughout the manufacturing and supply chain. Liquid nitrogen is used for chilling and freezing, sulphur dioxide for wine preservation and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) gases to protect food from deterioration and

Automotive Component Testing

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EC Industrial & Business News

Quality gases available for food industry

he importance of accurate labelling has come to the fore recently, with the revelation that the actual content of some packaged meat does not match what is claimed on the label. “Food is a sensitive issue, as people are more health conscious than ever before and today’s consumers understand their right to know that the products they are buying are safe,” Marietha

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July / August 2013

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

Enquiries Dr Melissa Gouws InnoVenton laboratory manager Email: melissa.gouws@nmmu.ac.za Tel: +27 (0)41 504 3593 Fax: +27 (0)41 504 1846 Mrs Nozuko Mtwa Senior Analyst E-mail: Nozuko.Mtwa@nmmu.ac.za Tel: +27 (0)41 504 3496 Physical and courier address: InnoVenton Analytical Services Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University 1 – 11 Gomery Road Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth 6001, South Africa ac.za cts.nmmu.

innoventond

extend shelf life dramatically. MAP gases and gas mixtures are used in food packaging, to maintain the fresh characteristics, flavour and colour for longer periods. A range of these products has been available from Afrox for more than 25 years and the Afrox FoodFresh brand launched about 15 years ago has developed into a range of products custom designed for specific food types. From fresh fruit, meat, fish and salads, to baked goods and prepared ready meals, there is a FoodFresh

product available that will extend the shelf life of all packaged fresh products from days to weeks. New applications are continuously being added Enquiry no: 74 to the Afrox database.

Numerous applications from expanded product line

ince BASF introduced the first glass fibre-reinforced PA610 injection-moulding grades of Ultramid S Balance at the K 2010 Plastics Trade Show, the material has found use in numerous applications because of its special characteristics. Because of the current demand in the market and on the basis of its years of experience in extrusion, BASF decided to expand its PA610 line of products. At the Trade Show it will introduce two flexible grades of Ultramid S Balance that are suitable for extrusion of pipe and tubing intended for use specifically in the automotive and machinery sectors as well as for oil and gas lines. They have the designations Ultramid S4Z5 Balance and Ultramid S4Z4 XS Balance. In this way, the company is reinforcing its position as a sup-

plier of specialties for the extrusion field as well. The two new products will be available in sample quantities as of November 2013. Ultramid S4Z5 Balance is a semi-flexible grade for liquid-conveying lines that must satisfy demanding temperature requirements. Ultramid S4Z4 XS Balance, on the other hand, is a particularly flexible product for vacuum and vent lines. It is characterised by even greater resistance against stress cracking. The formulations for the two new compounds use a high-viscous polyamide 6.10 that is modified further to achieve good low-temperature

impact strength. The very soft Ultramid S4Z4 XS Balance gives tubing great flexibility and in this way simplifies installation. The two products differ in terms of their stiffness and toughness. The burst pressure and fitting retention force are somewhat higher for the S4Z5 grade. It also exhibits somewhat better performance in terms of heat aging, while the S4Z4 XS grade is characterised by a further optimised zinc chloride resistance. Since their market launch, the Ultramid S Balance injection moulding grades have proven their usefulness in numerous applications. Enquiry no: 75

Eliminating motor burnout

ewElec’s earth insulation lockout relay prevents motor starts when an inherent earth leakage fault is present. The product was designed as a result of problems encountered by manufacturing plants operating in humid coastal conditions, such as in the sugar industry, hosing down of motors, for example, in abattoirs, and when operating stand-by equipment that is seldom used. Simply pressing the “start” button on a machine that has been standing for a long period of time is risky and should be avoided until the insulation level of the motor has been found acceptable. NewElec’s EC/ED relay solves this problem by monitoring the insulation integrity of the motor windings and feeder cables to earth while the motor is standing. In essence, the

A reliable floor maintenance crew. The B40, fast and easy to use with an intuitive menu-based user interface operating system. Dealers situated in Eastern Cape: East London, Port Elizabeth and George. Kärcher Head Office - Tel: (011) 457 6600 www.karcher.co.za

www.karcher.co.za

main contactor will be prevented from closing into a circuit in which the insulation level to earth has deteriorated to an unacceptable level. Included in the protection package are the relay, an 11-pin plug-in base and a three-phase choke. The product may be used regardless of the starter configuration. The selected “lock out” relay model determines the acceptable insulation level, while the fused measuring circuit protects the relay against inadvertent damage due to incorrect connections. Compact in design, the EC/ED is suitable for installation in flameproof enclosures. The lock-out relay may be used on both cables and motors starting DOL or star delta. Enquiry no: 76

July / August 2013

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

EC Industrial & Business News

Advanced control of turbines

he newly developed electrohydraulic linear drive from Voith regulates control valves on turbines precisely and in a highly dynamic way. It is self-contained meaning it operates completely without a hydraulic power pack. In addition, there is an integrated spring assembly. Using this, the drive closes the control valve in less than 200 ms in the event of a malfunction. This fail-safe function increases the operational reliability of the system and avoids costs for any secondary damage. The linear drive is a plug & play solution that is optimally suited for both new systems and the modernisation of existing equipment. The hydraulic system of the linear drive is self-contained. Oil management is not required because there will be no ingress of dirt from an external source.

Without oil management, operators save the costs of operating material, pipework, wear parts and maintenance work. Operation of the linear drive is maintenancefree and offers all the benefits of a hydraulic solution, for example, a high power density and a high reliability. The position is controlled in the Voith linear drive using the suppression principle via a servo motor and a servo pump. This type of position control is highly energy-efficient, while the level of heat introduced to the system remains low. This reduces energy costs by up to 50 %. Lower CO2 emissions contribute to climate protection. The modular design of the linear drive enables very flexible integration in the turbine control system. Installation in new systems or during a retrofit is simple, quick and cost-effective.

Enquiry no: 77

Cheap solutions can be expensive

nvesting in quality branded power transmission chain can achieve significant cost savings maintains chain supplier BMG. “Although the global trend is focussed towards cost reduction to protect margins, it is important when it comes to procurement, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is considered above initial cost savings,” says Scott Larson, GM of chain for Bearing Man’s power transmission division. “While some components appear to be the cheapest solution in the short term, they can easily prove expensive if regular maintenance, repair and replacement

work is necessary. “We believe the key to real world costs savings in power transmission, lies in an extended, low maintenance operating cycle. “We hear too often that when a business cuts costs, this has been achieved by sourcing cheaper components during procurement. However, while these savings may appear advantageous in the short term, the only real way to gauge success is to look at the total cost of the product throughout its service life. Cost of installation, maintenance requirements, downtime caused by early failure and replacement, are all

hidden costs, which accumulate when a budget component is specified. “Power transmission chain in particular, is an area where procurement managers feel they can reduce costs by specifying budget chains. Because this technology is apparently simple and there appears to be few outward differences between brands, it would be easy to assume this is an area where budget components may be justified. “However, the truth is very different. A chain which has been properly specified and manufactured to stringent quality standards, using quality materials, earns its initial procurement cost back many times over when compared to a cheap, inferior quality chain.”

INSULATED IMPACT DOORS STRIP CURTAINS HIGH SPEED DOORS

Enquiry no: 78

Wire and cable harmony

rinted wire markers are an excellent solution when nonstandard wire colours are used. Each wire can be printed with a custom number and additional identification information. Workers never have to guess a wire’s true function witheasy-to-see descriptions on each wire. DuraLabel offers one of the few industrial-grade self-laminating wire wraps for wire marking. Wire wraps become a durable band when wrapped around a strand or cable and communicate wire function with bright, standardised colours. For new installations, DuraLabel’s shrink tubing is the

ultimate marking solution. DuraLabel is represented locally by Aspercon. These printable markers rapidly shrink around open terminal ends with a simple heat gun for longlasting identification in almost any environment. As the world becomes more interconnected, wire marking standards are also becoming more harmonised. In recent years, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has been working

to bring greater uniformity to electrical installations in buildings. Their IEC 60364 standard has been adopted locally and is now being used in many other regions and countries. Individual companies are now applying some of the international standards to new constructions providing lasting identification in harsh industrial environments. Enquiry no: 79

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For more information on product or service news please circle the number relevant to the article then return fax this coupon to enquiries at (031) 266 7514 / 086 656 7452 or email: john@mediaevents.co.za Name: _______________________________________________ Surname: ____________________________________________ Company: ____________________________________________ Designation: __________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________ _________________________________ Postal Code:________ Tel:________________________Fax:_______________________ Email: ________________________________________________ Nature of business: _____________________________________ Issue 56 - July / August 2013 1

A network of agents throughout South Africa ensures excellent technical and installation support, and quick delivery times.

July / August 2013

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

EC Industrial & Business News

Experiential training widens career choice

Energy Engineered Products and Multi Alloys Internship Programme Experiential Training for Engineering Students

nergy Engineered Products (EEP) and Multi Alloys’ sustainable internship programme provides engineering students with the necessary experiential training to complement their theoretical studies, so that they can successfully complete their education and find employment in their careers of choice. EEP stocks and distributes industrial stainless steel, corrosion resisting alloys and valves

Local supplier recognised by auto group

rinciple Plastics was recently recognised by Volkswagen Group as one of its best suppliers in 2013. The Port Elizabeth based company was among the 21 global suppliers that were honoured at the 2013 Volkswagen Group Awards in Dresden, Germany. The awards recognise suppliers for their overall entrepreneurial performance, reliability and innovation. The award-winning companies excel in development expertise, product quality, competitiveness and project management. Applauding the suppliers, Prof. Dr. Martin

for over two decades and Multi Alloys is one of South Africa’s specialist suppliers of nickel alloys, duplex and high alloy stainless steel, titanium and other niche products. “As two related companies, the interns have the opportunity to gain experience within both businesses,” says Ken Perel, Multi Alloys owner/ member. “Although tertiary education is expensive, it Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG said: “The Volkswagen Group and its suppliers are a strong global team. The great success of the new Golf and Audi A3 shows that together, we have what it takes to hold the pole position in the automobile industry in 2018.” Dr Winterkorn encouraged suppliers to sustain their efforts in the fields of quality and innovation. ‘We want to achieve economic and technological leadership in all regions, and we are counting on the know-how and the skills of our suppliers,” Dr Winterkorn added. Volkswagen Group has been presenting these awards since 2003 but it was the first time that Volkswagen Group South Africa participated. Principle Plastics was one of the five local suppliers that were entered this year. David Powels, MD of Volkswagen Group South Africa said: “We are very proud that one of our suppliers has been recognised by Volkswagen AG. We have been honouring our

is an investment if students graduate and succeeds in finding a suitable career,” continues Perel. “Both theory and practical training must be completed successfully before students can pass and this is where we believe the value of internships lies. By providing the necessary experiential training required by students, these programmes make a positive contribution to the country’s economy.” He also notes that as part of their programme, interns attend specific training courses such as SASSDA’s basic training programme on stainless steel. Director of Business Development at EEP, Graham Whitty, explains why the internship programme, which was first implemented approximately four years ago, is an investment for both the company and the students. “We look for people with CAD drawing capabilities so that we can build up records of our cut plate to further improve our customer service. The benefit of internship programmes for medium-sized businesses like EEP and Multi Alloys is massive as the students make valuable contributions and become important assets to the company.” Enquiry no: 80

suppliers for the past 20 years but this year we changed our categories and criteria to be in line with Volkswagen Group’s selection format. The award is an acknowledgement of the expertise and technical know-how of Principle Plastics who has been our supplier for four years. “The company’s commitment to on time delivery and quality has made them an integral part of our supply chain.” Principle Plastics, which employs over 170 people, supply parts for the best-selling passenger car in South Africa in the past 18 months, Polo Vivo as well as Polo hatch which is produced for the local and international markets. The company was established in 2004 in a small premise with only two injection moulding machines. They have since expanded their operation into two sites and now have 25 injection moulding machines. Enquiry no: 81

Anti-corruption hotline launched

t is evident that corruption is bedevilling our nation and is the number one impediment to the roll out of infrastructure, which is essential for service delivery and improving the quality of life for all South Africans. Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) has entered into an agreement with Moore Stephens SA Forensic Services to launch an anti-corruption hotline. CESA members and members of the public

who are concerned about any issue in relation to possible fraud, corruption and/or maladministration related to the awarding of a tender or contract in the construction sector, are encouraged to report their concerns through the Hotline. Edmund Burke said: “The only thing necessary for the triumph [of evil] is for good men to do nothing.” CESA is committed to the promotion of

integrity and ethics and has intensified its efforts to combat tender fraud in relation to the awarding of contracts in the public sector. As part of the agreement, Moore Stephens has established a hotline for CESA for a threeEnquiry no: 82 month trial period. HOTLINE CONTACT DETAILS Telephone: 079 360 7273 (Exclusive to CESA)

Seals keep systems contamination free

MG, exclusive distributors in southern B Africa for Hallite Seals, supplies an extensive range of hydraulic and pneumatic seals

and sealing solutions for demanding environments. “Hallite sealing systems are manufactured from robust materials which include nitrile rubbers, rubber and fabric compounds and thermoplastic elastomers – all proven to keep a system free from external contamination,” says Ken Steel, GM of BMG’s seals division. “Hallite’s design engineers and material technologists give careful attention to seal profile design and material selection and product properties are methodically studied to ensure the finished component has the required qualities to cope efficiently in harsh operating conditions. “Seals are subjected to extensive testing that reproduces continuous operating conditions where leakage, dynamic and breakout friction are recorded and performance factors like pressure, speed and temperature are carefully monitored.” Included in this range of hydraulic and pneumatic seals are rod and gland seals, Enquiry no: 83 piston and static seals.

Monitor surge arresters from remote locations ehn’s condition D monitoring system allows SPDs to

be monitored remotely without going to site saving valuable time and money. The compact DRC MCM XT DIN rail mounted device is designed for condition monitoring of up to 10 preprogrammed Blitzductor XT arresters (40 signal lines) with an integrated LifeCheck monitoring circuit. DEHN is represented locally by Surgetek. Integrated into the SPD modules, LifeCheck permanently monitors the condition of the SPD and acts like an early warning system, detecting imminent electrical or thermal overload of the protection components. The LifeCheck status can be read out within a matter of seconds via contactless RFID technology by means of the portable Dehnecord LC device and also shows the date of the last test of the SPD module. A fault message is indicated by a three colour LED, which is transmitted to one of two integrated remote signalling contacts. When several DRC MCM XT modules are used in one switchgear cabinet, the systems are connected via the integrated RS 485 interfaces to synchronise the monitoring cycles. Up to 15 systems can be connected to the RS 485 bus. Up to 150 Blitzductors or 300 pairs can be monitored simultaneously with minimum wiring effort. Software for the conditioning monitoring system is available as an option and indicates the status of the SPDs and addresses the LifeCheck equipped Blitzductor modules. Enquiry no: 84

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Dominic Rimmer GM Planning & Program Management GM Africa.