NEWS PIONEER PLASTICS LAUNCHES NEW TOP-OF-THE-RANGE MOULDING MACHINE Pioneer Plastics, known for its custom moulding, is delighted to announce the addition of a Rotoline shuttle rotational moulding machine to its range of equipment. Over nearly 40 years, Pioneer Plastics introduced various moulding machines to its manufacturing plant, from machines made in-house in the early days to some of the most specialised machines available in the industry. “The machine brings additional capacity to our factory,” explains Gary Wiid, marketing director at Pioneer Plastics. “It will contribute to improved production processes, which will increase our productivity. The nature of the Rotoline rotational moulding machine will allow us to run more efficiently through temperature control and other monitoring methods. The addition of the new machine will further allow us to increase day-time production utilising our state-of-the art solar system, which contributes positively to the reduction of our carbon footprint.” In short, the new shuttle machine will give Pioneer Plastics more flexibility to excel even further in producing custom moulded products. Although they manufacture over 1500 generic products, they can create almost anything, making them stand out from the competition. The capabilities of the Pioneer Plastics manufacturing facilities make it possible to produce complex products from as small as 10 litres to as big as 10 000 litres. What makes custom moulding a specialised field is that it requires proficient expertise in design - mechanical and industrial to create a functioning product of a prototype. “Once the client approves the design and budget, we build their custom mould, which we store at our facilities to manufacture their product on repeat order.” At Pioneer Plastics, it all comes down to superb quality products and excellent customer service. “Our team goes the extra mile for our clients,” says Wiid. “And the addition of the new machine expands our ability to serve clients who require specific products. Our team live up to our slogan ‘Anything’s Possible!’ because we care for our clients and their undertakings. What matters to us is that we produce quality products for our clients on time, every time.” Wiid explains that the industry worldwide is experiencing supply and lead time challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “As lead times get longer and importing increasingly troublesome, the new machine and the extra capacity it brings to our factory means that we can serve more clients while keeping lead times short. It will further support the local market as well as strengthen our export business because it allows us to expand beyond our current clients in Australia, the United States, and Europe.” With its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, it is no wonder that Pioneer Plastics won the Association for Rotational Moulders of Southern Africa (ARMSA) Product of the Year Award for eight consecutive years.
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INDUSTRIAL BUYER JULY/AUGUST 2021
AUTOBAX LAUNCHES RANGE OF ACCESSORY BELTS DESIGNED FOR HIGH-MILEAGE VEHICLES
Automotive after-market specialists - Autobax - extended its range of Gates automotive components, with the launch in 2020 of accessory belts, that have been designed especially for high-mileage cars. The priced-by-performance RoadMAX range of belts has recently been broadened to include timing belts, that offer optimal performance in older vehicles, for at least 40 000 km. “RoadMAX by Gates timing belts, which were previously known as Charter timing belts, have new branding, packaging and part numbers, but these belts have exactly the same design, with no changes to the materials used, or the high standards of their construction,” explains John Black, managing director, Autobax – part of the Engineering Solutions Group (ESG) of Invicta Holdings Limited. “RoadMAX by Gates timing belts are still manufactured by Gates in the United Kingdom and like all Gates components, they meet global quality and safety specifications. “The Gates technical and engineering teams have designed RoadMAX timing belts to compliment the premium Gates range of light and heavyduty belts and meet growing demand for dependable replacement components for high-mileage vehicles. “RoadMAX timing belts feature optimised dimensions, good belt flexibility and stability, as well as smooth-running operation. We believe these accessory belts will be well received by owners of older motor vehicles, who want to fit affordable replacement parts that are durable, reliable and safe.” Autobax is the preferred Gates service provider locally and the sole distributor of Gates automotive timing components in South Africa. The company’s range of quality-branded automotive parts also encompasses oil pumps, timing chain, bearings and allied products supplied by leading manufacturers, including MRK, NTN, Europart, STC and NSK. The company is also the exclusive kit packer for Timken products. Autobax has also acquired the global Driveshaft Parts Group, which services passenger cars, light commercial, heavy-duty, off-highway and agricultural vehicles, as well as vehicles for industrial sectors, including steel mills, paper mills and marine. The company is committed to expanding its product range and solutions offering, to meet growing demand in the automotive sector, throughout southern Africa.
